Beta-glucan-chitin-chitosan Polymer Supplement in Overweight/Obese Subjects: Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers (QUITOVASC)

Overview

Reducing caloric intake and increasing energy expenditure as a strategy against overweight and its associated dyslipidaemia to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease currently has a high failure rate. For this reason, the consumption of food supplements capable of reducing intestinal fat absorption is seen as a tool of great interest. The vast majority of existing fat-binder compounds have polymers such as chitin/chitosan as their active product. However, these are mainly derived from the exoskeleton of crustaceans, so their extraction and composition are highly variable, depending on season, geography and age. The food supplement studied here refers to a new selective fat binder compound consisting mainly of a β-glucan/chitin/chitosan polymer (βGluQnQs), which is derived from the cell wall of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a residue produced during brewing. In vitro studies show that βGluCnCs has a high selective binding capacity for saturated fats with minimal impact as a ligand for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In vivo tests in animal models and two pilot studies at clinical level corroborate the beneficial and selective effect of βGluCnCs supplementation in reducing saturated fat absorption and body weight reduction, with no adverse nutritional effects. This study aimed to assess the impact of consuming a polysaccharide-rich compound containing β-Glucan/Chitin-Chitosan (βGluCnCs) fraction on the lipid profile and biomarkers of adipose tissue metabolism at plasma level, as well as on oxidative stress and circulating pro-inflammatory status in overweight or obese individuals, thereby reducing their cardiovascular risk. The βGluCnCs compound was administered continuously and regularly for 12 weeks, compared to a placebo control that received microcrystalline cellulose.The effects were evaluated on lipid profile, lipoprotein subclass pattern and functionality and molecular markers associated with insulin resistance.

Sample size (N=40 intervention group / N=20 placebo group) was calcultaded according results of previous studies where a sample size of less than 40 subjects in the intervention group was sufficient to show differences in the level of LDL oxidation and variables associated the degree of obesity. The study refers to healthy adult men and women aged 25-60 years (N=60) and overweight (body mass index (BMI) 27-29.9 kg/m2) or obesity class 1 (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2). The study was approved by the Human Ethical Review Committee of the Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona (register number:17/046). Informed written consent was obtained from all participants before their inclusion in the study. To confirm health status, all subjects underwent a complete physical examination conducted by the study physician. The study lasted 14 weeks that were structured in 2 weeks of run-in and 12 weeks of intervention period divided into 4 phases of 4 weeks. During the intervention period, study participants received 1 stick (1.4 g/stick) of βGluCnCs or placebo product (microcrystalline cellulose) three times daily for a total of 12 weeks. Volunteers visited the centre at baseline, every 4 weeks (day 0, week 4, week 8) and at the end of the intervention period (week 12). Lifestyle and anthropometric measures were recorded, and blood samples were collected early in the morning after a 12-hour fast. Compliance was monitored by weekly telephone contact with participants and interviews at the end of each 4-week phase of the intervention period.