New publication: Naxus® consumption supports weight management through reduction of actual calorie intake in an ad libitum meal
New publication: Naxus® consumption supports weight management through reduction of actual calorie intake in an ad libitum meal
Press release
This randomized controlled crossover study showed Naxus®’ potential for appetite control and weight management. In a 21-day trial with healthy adult males, it was reported that consumption of a blend of Naxus® and inulin showed significantly lower calorie intake in an ad libitum meal (838 kcal vs. 1023 kcal) while reporting no changes in appetite. The blend was also shown to increase faecal SCFA concentrations. These results highlight Naxus®’s potential to transform appetite regulation.
Naxus®: clinically validated and developed by BioActor
Naxus® is a clinically validated arabinoxylan extract developed by BioActor, derived from wheat endosperm. It has been extensively studied and shown to have beneficial effects on microbiota composition, glycaemic control, and immune system function.
Naxus® promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, production of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) and improves glycaemic control by inducing GPR43 signaling which leads to reduced glucose peaks and improved insulin sensitivity (1, 2). It also strengthens the immune system through various mechanisms (3, 4, 5). It is a well-researched ingredient with significant potential for enhancing overall health and well-being.
The study: Chronic consumption of a blend of inulin and Naxus® reduces energy intake in an ad libitum meal but does not influence perceptions of appetite and satiety
Introduction
Two dominant bacterial strains account for more than 90% of the total bacterial gut community: Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes (6). They are widely believed to have important effects on the maintenance of normal intestinal homeostasis. Stressors associated with modern lifestyles (e.g. low fibre diet) can chronically change the bacterial gut composition and lead to the increase of more virulent microbes that adversely affect the health of the host.
Gut microbiota break down fibre from our diet and produce SCFAs such as propionate, acetate, and butyrate as a result. These metabolites lead to activation of a pathway that is linked to appetite reduction.
Specifically, propionate and acetate bind to a receptor called GPR43, which is found in cells lining our stomach and intestines (7). Activation of GPR43 leads to a cascade of signals eventually triggering the production of GLP-1 and PYY, two hormones involved in inducing satiety.
Naxus has previously been shown to increase propionate levels and GLP-1 production (8). In this current study, it was investigated whether a blend of Naxus® and inulin would positively affect satiety and energy intake.
Methods
In this cross-over study, the authors investigated the effect of inulin + Naxus® on 20 healthy adult males aged between 22 and 55 with no evidence of metabolic or cardiovascular disease.
Each participant took part in both control and intervention conditions, each lasting 21 days. Both the treatment and control groups had to drink two sachets of dry powder dissolved in 150 ml of water daily for 21 days. Therefore, the participants consumed the intervention (or the control) sachet for 21 days following a 14-day period washout, and afterwards the control (or the intervention) sachet for an additional 21 days. The intervention sachet contained 2 g of Naxus® and 2 g inulin, whereas the control sachet contained 4 g of maltodextrin.
After a 14-day wash-out period, participants switched to the other drink for another 21 days. The study comprised 4 visits to assess the participants’ perceived satiety and appetite, the energy intake in an ad libitum meal, faecal SCFA concentration, and the faecal microbiota composition.
Results
Appetite control and calorie intake
The study found that the mean energy intake in an ad libitum meal were significantly lower during the treatment period (838 kcal) compared to the control period (1023 kcal) (p<0.05).
Surprisingly, no changes in self-reported appetite were found. This difference between self-reported appetite and actual calorie intake is common in studies involving prebiotics, which is why measuring actual food intake provides a more objective measure.
Microbial composition
Significant changes in the microbial composition of fecal samples were noted, showing noteworthy increases in the abundance of Bifidobacteria (p = 0.035), Lactobacilli (p = 0.061), and Propionibacteria (p = 0.02).
Short-chain fatty acids
Moreover, these changes were accompanied by an elevation in the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are known to be associated with gut health. More specifically, an increase of acetate in the faeces sample was reported after 21 days (p=0.02). Acetate has the ability to independently influence appetite, which may explain why the participants consumed fewer calories during a single meal.
The hypothesized increase in propionate levels in the faeces sample was only minimal and not statistically significant (p=0.07). However, it is important to note that faecal propionate concentration alone does not reflect the absorption by the body. Additionally, the signals of propionate in the liver and bloodstream, which were not measured in this study, could potentially have a more significant impact on appetite regulation.
Triple effect
Overall, the results show that the chronic consumption of a blend of inulin and Naxus® leads to a reduction in energy intake, an increase in faecal SCFA concentrations, and an increase in beneficial gut bacteria.
Conclusion
This research indicates that a combination of inulin and Naxus® has positive effects on gut health and confirms existing data that Naxus® positively influences appetite control.
This publication also emphasizes the importance of new studies focusing on the effect of Naxus® on enhancing and tailoring nutritional products to promote satiety and help weight management.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands is part of the Solabia Group and has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. We focus on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy ageing. Our goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Naxus® has to offer. Further information can also be found on: www.naxus.nl or www.bioactor.com/products/naxus.
