Abstract
Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced from fermentation of dietary fibre by the gut microbiota, have been suggested to modulate energy metabolism. Previous work using rodent models has demonstrated that oral supplementation of the SCFA propionate raises resting energy expenditure (REE) by promoting lipid oxidation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of oral sodium propionate on REE and substrate metabolism in humans. Eighteen healthy volunteers (9 women and 9 men; age 25 ± 1 years; body mass index 24.1 ± 1.2 kg/m2) completed 2 study visits following an overnight fast. Tablets containing a total of 6845 mg sodium propionate or 4164 mg sodium chloride were provided over the 180‐minute study period in random order. REE and substrate oxidation were assessed by indirect calorimetry. Oral sodium propionate administration increased REE (0.045 ± 0.020 kcal/min; P = .036); this was accompanied by elevated rates of whole‐body lipid oxidation (0.012 ± 0.006 g/min; P = .048) and was independent of changes in glucose and insulin concentrations. Future studies are warranted to determine whether the acute effects of oral sodium propionate on REE translate into positive improvements in long‐term energy balance in humans.
Highlights
A number of studies have shown that increased intake of dietary fibre prevents weight gain and its related metabolic comorbidities.[1]
short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) act as ligands for G-protein-coupled receptors free fatty acid receptor (FFAR)[2] and FFAR3, which are expressed throughout the body and modulate energy homeostasis.[4]
Our previous work observed that acute oral supplementation with an inulin-propionate ester, designed to increase delivery of propionate to the human colon, reduced energy intake, which was associated with enhanced peptide YY (PYY) and glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) release.[6]
Summary
A number of studies have shown that increased intake of dietary fibre prevents weight gain and its related metabolic comorbidities.[1]. In a follow-up investigation, daily oral supplementation with inulin-propionate ester for 24 weeks prevented body weight gain and visceral adipose tissue accumulation in overweight adults[6]; there was no detectable change in anorectic gut hormone release or energy intake after long-term colonic propionate delivery, suggesting that gut-derived propionate has positive effects on energy balance and
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