Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a standard lifestyle disease that’s prevalent worldwide. It could possibly often result in complications, comparable to diseases of the center, and increased risk of death, but preventive measures, comparable to a healthy food regimen, can reduce these risks. Now, a study in Japan has shown that xanthan gum-based fluid thickener can lower blood glucose levels after eating.
Several studies have shown that heart diseases and metabolic disorders, comparable to Type 2 diabetes, are related to the blood glucose levels after eating. Nonetheless, certain foods, just like the condiment vinegar, are reported to assist decrease these levels if eaten with a meal. One other food product that produces the same effect are dietary fibers. These fibers are also known to extend insulin response, improve fat metabolism, and have positive effects on the gut microbiome.
One such soluble fiber, xanthan gum, is utilized in a variety of foods, including fluid thickeners, to forestall aspiration (choking) for patients who’ve difficulty swallowing. Nonetheless, the biological effects of fluid thickener on postprandial blood glucose levels, gene expression within the gastrointestinal tract, and gut microbiome haven’t been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to find out whether fluid thickeners have additional effects, particularly on postprandial blood glucose levels related to gene expression within the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiome.
The rats were divided into two groups; those who were administered liquid thickened with a xanthan gum-based fluid thickener or saline for five weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed 4 weeks after the start of the experiment. The blood glucose levels of rats were measured before glucose was given and at set intervals afterwards. The RNA from different parts of the gastrointestinal system tissues were collected for qPCR method. Thereafter, the gene expression within the ileum and gut microbiome were comprehensively analyzed using a next-generation sequencer, which enables a comprehensive evaluation of the quantity of gene expression and DNA derived from microorganisms by decoding large quantities of DNA sequences at high speed.
Results showed that blood glucose levels at 60 and 90 minutes after being given glucose were significantly lower in rats given thickened liquid.
The mechanism by which this happened could be very interesting. Giving thickened liquid decreased blood glucose levels related to Glp1 and Glp1r expression within the ileum.”
Haruka Tohara, Senior Writer
Moreover, comprehensive evaluation revealed that cholesterol homeostasis, fatty acid metabolism, and glucose metabolism were enriched within the ileum.
Gut microbial composition was also altered after drinking the said thickened liquid. There was a rise within the numbers of two ‘good’ intestinal bacteria, Erysipelotrichales and Christensenellaceae, which is related to Glp1 and Glp1r expression within the ileum. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that protect intestinal and pancreatic cells, which assist insulin secretion.
Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are global phenomena which are increasing in lots of parts of the world. This research showed that xanthan gum-based fluid thickener can prevent aspiration and in addition assist in the development of glucose and lipid metabolism.
Source:
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Journal reference:
Nagasawa, Y., et al. (2022) Xanthan gum-based fluid thickener decreases postprandial blood glucose related to increase of Glp1 and Glp1r expression in ileum and alteration of gut microbiome. Journal of Functional Foods. doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2022.105321.