This study explores the nutritional effects of fibre. Short chain fatty acid(SCFA), such as propionate, are produced through the fermentation of fibre in the bowel. SCFA are thought to have direct beneficial effects on the gut, appetite, weight and fat distribution. This study will look into these effects by conducting a dose finding study and then a randomised controlled study using healthy human volunteers.
This is a dose finding study in healthy overweight to obese human volunteers (BMI 25- 35) to find the level of oral supplementation with propionate that increases plasma propionate levels to 10x the current normal plasma level and use this dose of propionate in a randomised, placebo controlled double bind study. This study will compare propionate with fermentable and non fermentable carbohydrate. The outcome measures for this study will include assessments of appetite with feeding studies, measurement of insulin sensitivity using hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamps and assessment of adipose tissue distribution using MRI scans and adipose tissue biopsy to determine changes in proliferation and differentiation of adipocytes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
60
The subject will take propionate ester at the dose specified by the dose finding study, three times a day for 24 weeks
The subjects in this group will take inulin at a comparable dose, three times a day for 24 weeks
The subjects in this group will take the non fermentable carbohydrate, cellulose, at a comparable dose for 24 weeks.
Hammersmith Hospital
London, UK, United Kingdom
Appetite_Food Intake
The change in food intake following 24 weeks of supplementation
Time frame: Baseline, 24 weeks
Body Weight
Body weight was measured in all subjects to the nearest 0.1 kg (Tanita BC-418MA) while subjects were wearing light clothing.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 weeks
Body Weight - Number of Participants Gained ≥3% of Their Baseline Body Weight
Body weight was measured in all subjects to the nearest 0.1 kg (Tanita BC-418MA) while subjects were wearing light clothing.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 weeks
Adipose Tissue Distribution - Intra-abdominal Adipose Tissue
Body composition was assessed using MRI and MR spectroscopy (MRS), expressed as a percentage of total adipose tissue content.
Time frame: 24 weeks
Insulin Sensitivity - HOMA IR
The homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) is a method used to quantify insulin resistance and beta-cell function.
Time frame: 24 weeks
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