Diabetes comes in several forms, and how people manage the disease varies by type. Diabetes is not always caused by excess weight or an inactive lifestyle. Some have been there since childhood. Several studies have found that postprandial blood glucose levels are associated with metabolic diseases such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Certain foods, such as vinegar, are said to help reduce these levels when consumed with food.
Dietary fiber is another food product with a similar effect. These fibers also accelerate fat metabolism, increase insulin sensitivity and have a positive effect on gut microbiota.
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One such soluble fiber, Xanthan gum, is used in a variety of foods, including liquid thickeners, to prevent aspiration (choking) in people with swallowing difficulties. However, the physiological effects of fluid thickening on postprandial blood glucose levels, gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract, and gut flora remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fluid thickeners have any additive effects on postprandial blood glucose levels associated with gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract and gut flora.
An animal model to test the positive effects of xanthan gum
Rats were divided into two groups; Those receiving xanthan gum-based liquid thickener or saline-thickened liquid for 5 weeks. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed 4 weeks after the start of the experiment. The blood glucose levels of the rats were measured before and at fixed intervals after glucose administration. For the qPCR method, RNA was collected from different parts of the gastrointestinal system tissues. Next, gene expression in the ileum and gut microbiome was comprehensively analyzed using a next-generation sequencer that enables comprehensive analysis of gene expression and DNA quantity from microorganisms by high-speed sequencing of large amounts of DNA.
For 5 weeks, the rats were divided into two groups: those given liquid thickened with a liquid thickener based on xanthan gum, or those given saline. Four weeks after the start of the investigation, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Blood glucose levels of the rats were monitored before and after glucose administration. For the qPCR procedure, RNA was extracted from several organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Next, gene expression in the ileum and gut microbiome was comprehensively investigated using a next-generation sequencer, which enables comprehensive quantification of gene expression and DNA from bacteria through rapid sequencing of large amounts of DNA.
Blood glucose levels were significantly lower in rats given concentrated liquid 60 and 90 minutes after glucose administration. “The way this happens is quite interesting. “Giving a thicker drink reduces blood glucose levels associated with the expression of Glp1 and Glp1r in the ileum,” explains lead author Haruka Tohara. In addition, a detailed study demonstrated that the ileum is rich in cholesterol homeostasis. , fat acid metabolism and glucose metabolism.
After consuming the concentrated drink, the microbial composition of the gut also changed. Two “good” gut bacteria, Erysipelotrichales and members of Christensenellaceae, increased, which correlated with Glp1 and Glp1r expression in the ileum. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that protect the gut and pancreatic cells and help release insulin.
Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are increasingly common global problems in many parts of the world. This study showed that liquid thickeners based on Xanthan gum can help reduce aspiration while improving glucose and lipid metabolism.
References:
- Xanthan gum-based liquid thickener reduces postprandial blood glucose associated with increased expression of Glp1 and Glp1r in the ileum and altered gut microbiome – (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464622003917)
Source: Medium
