Body weight regulation of a low molecular weight xanthan gum on normal mice via gut microbiota

Abstract

• LW-XG was safe to Caco-2 cells and normal mice. • Body weight gain increased from 10.78 ± 2.15 g to 13.28 ± 1.97 g. • LW-XG increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) contents in the cecum of mice. • LW-XG increased the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota. • Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio increased from 0.3547 to 1.5371. Properties of thickening, emulsification and suspension make xanthan gum is widely used in foods and other industries, but effects of xanthan oligosaccharide or low molecular weight xanthan gum (LW-XG) on the nutrition of human body are rarely investigated. Presently, body weight regulation effect of a LW-XG on male mice was assayed. Results showed that LW-XG was safe to Caco-2 cells and mice, and increased mice body weight gain from 10.78 ± 2.15 g to 13.28 ± 1.97 g. Meanwhile, the acetate, propionate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) contents increased from 25.13 ± 1.28 μmol/g, 11.28 ± 0.81 μmol/g, 7.85 ± 0.43 μmol/g and 44.26 ± 1.85 μmol/g to 41.76 ± 1.08 μmol/g, 19.84 ± 0.97 μmol/g, 12.58 ± 0.26 μmol/g and 74.18 ± 1.72 μmol/g, respectively. Furthermore, LW-XG increased the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota, and Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly increased from 0.3547 to 1.5371.