Fiber supplement in children shows change in gut bacteria

A study conducted first time using a prebiotic fibre. Performed on children to improve their intestinal bacteria. A couple of teaspoons of a fibre supplement taken daily has produced some exciting results. That will help children with overweight or obesity maintain a healthier weight and prevent many diseases caused by obesity.

Children with overweight or obesity recruited for the study were given a prebiotic fibre. Oligo fructose-enriched inulin, for 16 weeks and another group of children took a placebo.

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Breaking the cycle of obesity

After taking the supplement for four months. The children between the ages of seven and 12 years had a decrease in body fat and the fat around their abdomen. The fibre also decreased the amount of triglycerides in their blood by 19 per cent. Triglycerides are a type of fat that could increase the risk of heart disease.

Whereas, the boys and girls who were in the placebo group, who didn"t get this fibre. Gain weight at a rate that was almost triple in comparison with their age and gender. The annual projected increase in body weight for those taking the supplement would be three kilograms 6.6 pounds versus eight kilograms 17.6 pounds in those who got placebo.

Healthy gut, healthy body

In addition to the positive result of the children attaining a healthy weight gain. The youth who took the supplement changed the profile of their gut bacteria.

Prebiotics, found naturally in garlic, onions, bananas and whole wheat, act as a fertilizer for the good bacteria already in the gut. They are different from probiotics, which are live bacteria found in a variety of food, including yogurt and sauerkraut.

Moreover, prebiotics are inexpensive and non-invasive and could be a plausible intervention for children with overweight or obesity. She says the microbial findings from this study provide a foundation for a larger clinical trial in the pediatric population and show the potential for improving health by changing intestinal bacteria with diet.

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But, she adds, obesity is a very complex issue and one that often requires multiple different strategies to help individuals achieve a healthier body weight.

Recently shown that prebiotic supplement can suppress appetite which is one part of helping manage weight. Since we know that intestinal bacteria can influence what happens in the brain.