Two specific kinds of dietary fiber could lead to weight loss if taken daily over a long term, according to a new study conducted at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Despite research suggesting that certain dietary fibers can increase the presence of beneficial gut bacteria and reduce the risk of colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and other diseases, many people don't get the daily recommended amount.
The new study led to a novel finding, which involved a shift in the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes, in which Bacteroidetes overtook the latter.
"This was of particular interest to us because other research has shown that having more Bacteroidetes may be beneficial because the higher that proportion is, the individual tends to be leaner.
With higher Firmicutes, that individual tends to be more obese," says Dr. Hannah Holscher, a U of I postdoctoral researcher and registered dietician in animal sciences.
In the current study, a team led by Dr. Kelly Swanson, a U of I professor of nutrition, built on his previous research, in which researchers had worked with 20 healthy male participants whose average fiber intake was 14 grams per day and given them snack bars.
The control group received fiberless snack bars and the two test groups ate either bars that contained 21 grams of polydextrose -- a common fiber food additive -- or bars with 21 grams of soluble corn fiber.
Using fecal samples from the aforementioned study, they conducted DNA sequencing to examine the spectrum of bacterial genetic information in the fecal microbiota.
In addition to the shift in the ratio of species, whole-genome sequencing data revealed shifts in the functional capacity of the microbiota associated with fiber intake.
For example, Dr. Holscher remarks on a decrease in genes associated with protein metabolism, which likely explains the reduced protein fermentation that occurred in the digestive tracks of participants who consumed fiber supplements.
"We don't know if there is any causality for weight loss, but studies have shown that having a higher fiber diet is protective against obesity. It's an exciting shift and helps to drive researchers to study these fibers as part of a weight loss diet."
Polydextrose and soluble corn fiber are typically found in packaged foods such as cereal, cereal bars and baking mixes.
According to Dr. Holscher, food production companies are interested in including them because they are lower in calories and do not deter from the taste or texture of their products.
The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Wed Nov 19 2014
![Fiber supplements could help with weight loss: study Fiber supplements could help with weight loss: study](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2014-11/51416414733_295x200.jpg)
Do you have the fear of becoming obese? A new study has proven that two specific kinds of dietary fiber could lead to weight loss if taken daily over a long term. - AFPRelax Photo
10 Berita Pilihan - (16 Julai 2024
Antara pelbagai berita dalam dan luar negara yang disiarkan di Astro AWANI, berikut adalah yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari ini.
PAC beri tempoh tiga bulan kepada HRD Corp
Jawatankuasa Kira-kira Wang Negara (PAC) memberi tempoh tiga bulan kepada Perbadanan Pembangunan Sumber Manusia (HRD Corp) untuk mengemukakan laporan tindakan susulan terhadap syor jawatankuasa itu.
Kylian Mbappe tandatangan kontrak dengan Real Madrid
Bintang bola sepak Perancis Kylian Mbappe menandatangani kontrak selama lima tahun dengan kelab Sepanyol Real Madrid pada Selasa.
Pelepasan ketujuh air sisa nuklear Fukushima ke laut selesai
Jepun telah menyelesaikan pusingan ketujuh pelepasan air sisa radioaktif yang dirawat dari loji kuasa nuklear Fukushima Daiichi ke Lautan Pasifik pada Selasa.
Empat termasuk kapten maut dalam pertempuran
Empat anggota tentera India termasuk kapten meninggal dunia akibat kecederaan selepas pertempuuran pada malam isnin di Hutan Desa.
Pakistan sahkan 4 warganya terbunuh di Oman
Pakistan berkata pada Selasa empat warganya terbunuh dalam insiden tembakan pada malam Isnin berhampiran ibu negara Oman, Muscat.
Lima terbunuh, puluhan cedera dalam protes antikuota di Bangladesh
Sekurang-kurangnya empat orang terbunuh dan puluhan lagi cedera dalam pertempuran antara pelajar yang memprotes sistem kuota dalam pekerjaan sektor awam dan polis di pelbagai bahagian Bangladesh pada Selasa.
Kerajaan cadang perkenal pembiayaan swasta
Kerajaan menyasarkan untuk memperkenalkan pembiayaan swasta alternatif bagi memastikan kemampanan kewangan program sektor air, sekali gus mengurangkan kebergantungan pada perbelanjaan kerajaan dan mengukuhkan daya tahan.
Saya tak fitnah Guan Eng, cuma jelaskan siasatan SPRM - Muhyiddin
Presiden Bersatu Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin memberitahu Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur hari ini bahawa beliau tidak memfitnah Lim Guan Eng berhubung isu pengecualian cukai terhadap Yayasan Albukhary
KPT alu-alukan dapatan, cadangan PAC - Zambry
Ini termasuklah cadangan pelaksanaan Garis Panduan Pelaburan dan Pembiayaan oleh Universiti Awam 2024 kepada anak-anak syarikat di bawah seliaan Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (KPT).