Inulin Supplementation Research Articles

Inulin reduces liver triacylglycerol by increasing lipid droplet lipolysis in fat-loaded mice

Increased consumption of high-fat low-fiber foods has been shown to contribute to the development of metabolic syndromes, such as fatty liver, obesity, diabetes, et al. Fermentable dietary fiber, such as inulin, is broadly used to mitigate host metabolic abnormalities. In this work, we studied systematically the effect of inulin on mice with metabolic disorders, induced by either short- or long-term high-fat feeding. As expected, inulin reduced the body weight of mice in both groups. However, it was found that inulin feeding could only increase energy expenditure, alleviate adiposity, and improve glucose intolerance in mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 1 month but not for 4 months. Surprisingly, inulin supplementation could alleviate HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, mediated through increasing adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) on liver lipid droplets, in both groups. Gut microbiota in the short- and long-term fat-loaded mice were shown to be modulated differently, which may mediate the differential effects of inulin. These results may help in understanding the role and mechanism of fermentable fiber regulating host metabolism.

Response of gut microbiota and ileal transcriptome to inulin intervention in HFD induced obese mice

Inulin, as a dietary fiber, exerted prominent anti-obesity effects by modulating gut microbiota. However, the possible relationship and interplay of gut microbiome and function of distal intestine is still unclear now. This study aimed to investigate the possible targets of microbes and the related intestinal genes mediated by inulin. C57 BL/6 male mice were randomly allocated to chow diet (Chow) group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, and HFD supplemented with 3 % inulin (Inulin) group. Compared with HFD treatment, inulin supplementation significantly decreased the body weight, fat deposition, and fasting blood glucose level. In addition, mice treated with inulin had a remarkable alteration in the structure of cecal microbiota and transcriptomic profiling of ileum. In particular, inulin supplementation significantly reversed the HFD induced expression of Bacteroides, Allobaculum and nonrank_f_Bacteroidates_S24-7_group, and reversed the expression of genes belonging to phospholipase A2 (PLA2) family and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) family. In summary, inulin might alleviate HFD-induced fat deposition and metabolic disorders via regulating lipid metabolism of ileum, while the interaction between the sPLA2s and gut microbes might play important roles in the process.

Assessment of the Gut Microbiota during Juice Fasting with and without Inulin Supplementation: A Feasibility Study in Healthy Volunteers.

Prebiotic inulin consumption provides health benefits to the host and has also been associated with a reduction in hunger cravings. We conducted a pilot crossover study to investigate the feasibility of a juice fasting intervention with and without inulin supplementation. We also examined trends of how the microbial community in the human gut adapts to juice fasting as well as to inulin intake during juice fasting. Six healthy volunteers were fasting for three consecutive days consuming a total of 300 kcal daily provided by vegetable juices, framed by two days with a total daily calorie intake of 800 kcal, respectively. During one fasting period, participants consumed additionally 24 g of inulin daily. Stool samples were collected for the analysis of the microbial composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Although no significant uniform changes were observed on the microbiome, quantitative changes in the microbial composition suggest a stronger decrease in alpha-diversity after fasting compared to the fasting intervention with additional inulin intake. The intake of inulin did not affect compliance for the fasting intervention but appeared to increase relative abundance of Bifidobacteria in participants who tolerated it well. Further studies with a larger sample size to overcome inter-individual microbiota differences are warranted to verify our observations.

Partial replacement of fish meal by soybean meal supplemented with inulin and oligofructose in the diet of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca): Effect on growth and health status

The present study investigated the effect of partial substitution of soybean meal (SM) for fish meal (FM) with or without addition of inulin and oligofructose in pikeperch feed. A diet containing FM was considered as the basal diet, and then three other diets were prepared by: 1) replacing 50% of FM with SM (SM50), 2) replacing 50% of FM with SM and supplementation of 2% inulin (SMI50), and 3) replacing 50% of FM with SM and supplementation of 2% oligofructose (SMO50). Each diet was fed twice daily to triplicate groups of fish (36.68 ± 0.36 g) for eight weeks. The group fed SMO50 showed the highest weight gain (WG; 85.85 ± 4.46%) among the groups fed SM, with no significant difference from the FM group (79.74 ± 2.04%; p > 0.05). Specific growth rate (SGR) showed no significant differences among fish fed SMI50 (0.81 ± 0.07%), SMO50 (1.01 ± 0.09%) and FM (1.05 ± 0.02%). However, a lower SGR (0.69 ± 0.09%) was observed in the SM50 group without the supplementation of 2% inulin or oligofructose compared to the group fed FM (p < 0.05). The groups fed SMI50 and SMO50 showed no significant difference in FCR (1.23 ± 0.10; 0.91 ± 0.05, respectively) compared to the group fed FM (0.97 ± 0.04). While, a significant difference in FCR was found between the SM50-fed group without supplementation of inulin or oligofructose (1.50 ± 0.13) and the group fed FM (0.97 ± 0.04). Survival rate and whole-body composition showed no significant difference among all groups (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in serum total cholesterol concentration was observed in the SMO50 group (2.10 ± 0.29 mmole L-1) compared to the FM-fed group (3.33 ± 0.33 mmole L-1). Serum triglyceride showed a significant decrease in the groups fed SMI50 (0.98 ± 0.17 mmole L-1) compared to the group fed SMO50 (1.93 ± 0.24 mmole L-1). The concentrations of other serum biochemical parameters (total protein, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Among all innate immunity and antioxidant parameters, only the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of SM50-fed fish (4.25 ± 0.7 nmole mL−1) was significantly lower than in the FM-fed group (with the highest MDA concentration; 25.17 ± 3.13 nmole mL−1). Serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were not significantly affected by the feeding (p > 0.05). Serum D-lactate concentration was not significantly affected by the dietary treatments (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found in the relative expression of IGF-I, IGF-II, GHR genes among the studied groups (p> 0.05). The results of the present study show that 50% replacement of FM with SM supplemented with a small amount of oligofructose (2% of dry matter) does not compromise the growth performance or the immune system of pikeperch. This substitution is feasible and provides a reference for cost-optimized design of feed formulation for pikeperch.

Performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of goat kids supplemented with inulin

• Higher carcass yields were observed after inulin supplementation. • Blood parameters were positive influenced on the oxygen transport system. • The animals exceeded the estimated daily weight gain. • Between sexes, males shown superior results at most of the parameters Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide with prebiotic and bifidogenic properties, contributing to the intestinal health of animals. This study aimed to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and blood parameters of Boer × Saanen goat kids supplemented with inulin. Thirty animals were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3×2 factorial scheme with three levels of inulin (0, 3, and 6 g/kg DM) and sex (male and female). The diet was formulated and adjusted to gain 0.150 kg/day and the slaughter weight was 30 kg. Inulin supplementation had a linear, positive effect on carcass yield (P= 0.03). However, animal performance, carcass characteristics, tissue proportions, and muscle proximate composition were not influenced by inulin levels. Males had a lower slaughter age, higher muscle proportion, lower fat, and higher protein content than females. Red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels increased with inulin supplementation compare to the control treatment (P<0.01). Inulin supplementation at 3 g/kg DM can be used in the diet of goat kids yielding a better carcass yield and improving red blood cell indices in Boer × Saanen goat kids.

Inulin prebiotic dietary supplementation improves metabolic parameters by reducing the Toll-like receptor 4 transmembrane protein gene and interleukin 6 expression in adipose tissue

BackgroundLifestyle modifications have increased the consumption of ultra-processed foods, fat, sugar, and salt worldwide and also decreased dietary fiber due to reduced legume, grain, and vegetable intake. Ultimately, the contemporary food intake profile has increased the incidence of obesity and chronic inflammatory diseases. Probiotic dietary supplementation is a viable health option. MethodsMale Swiss mice were fed with two diets for four weeks: standard and standard + Inulin. The serum biochemistry data, histology, and inflammatory-related genes’ mRNA expression in adipose tissue were analyzed. ResultsThe primary results showed that inulin dietary supplementation decreased the Toll-like receptor 4 transmembrane protein gene (TLR4) expression and interleukin 6 (IL6) in the epididymal adipose tissue, resulting in decreased adipocyte hypertrophy. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased and TGP enzymes (related to liver injury risk) were decreased also improving insulin sensitivity. ConclusionThe present study revealed that inulin supplementation could improve the onset of chronic inflammation-related markers in adipose tissue indicating that inulin is a natural anti-inflammatory alternative. Data Availability StatementThe datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Inulin accelerates weight loss in obese mice by regulating gut microbiota and serum metabolites.

Several studies indicated that the gut microbiota might participate in the beneficial effect of inulin on obesity. However, the mechanisms involved were still largely unknown. Sixteen high-fat diets (HFDs)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice were converted to a normal diet and then randomized into two groups, OND (obese mice + normal diet) group gavage-fed for 10 weeks with normal saline and ONDI (obese mice + normal diet + inulin) group with inulin at 10 g/kg/day. The body weight of HFD-induced obese mice showed different degrees of decrease in both groups. However, the ONDI group lost more weight and returned to normal earlier. Compared to the OND group, inulin supplementation significantly shifted the composition and structure of gut microbiota, such as higher α diversity. The β diversity analysis also confirmed the changes in gut microbiota composition between groups. At the genus level, the abundance of Alistipes was considerably increased, and it was significantly correlated with inulin supplementation (r = 0.72, P = 0.002). Serum metabolite levels were distinctly altered after inulin supplementation, and 143 metabolites were significantly altered in the ONDI group. Among them, indole-3-acrylic acid level increased more than 500-fold compared to the OND group. It was also strongly positive correlation with Alistipes (r = 0.72, P = 0.002) and inulin supplementation (r = 0.99, P = 9.2e−13) and negatively correlated with obesity (r = −0.72, P = 0.002). In conclusion, inulin supplementation could accelerate body weight loss in obese mice by increasing Alistipes and indole-3-acrylic acid level.

The Impact of Dietary Fiber as a Prebiotic on Inflammation in Children with Obesity.

Background: Obesity is associated with dysbiosis, contributing to inflammation and insulin resistance. Inulin might reduce inflammation by manipulating intestinal microbiota. Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of inulin supplementation on inflammation and assess the relationships of inflammatory cytokines with adiposity and insulin resistance in obese Thai children. Design: Obese Thai children ages 7–15 years were randomly assigned to inulin (intervention), maltodextrin (placebo), and dietary fiber advice groups. All participants received monthly follow-up and identical advice on lifestyle modification for six visits. Body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and fecal calprotectin were analyzed by ELISA technique at baseline and the final visit. Spearman correlation was used to assess the associations between inflammation and other clinical outcome variables. Results: A total of 155 obese children completed the study (mean age: 10.4 ± 2.2 years, 59% male). All groups showed a significant decrease in BMI z-score, fat mass index (FMI), percent body fat, and trunk FMI. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model showed significantly decreased IL-1β and TNF-α of 34.8% and 25.8%, (p < 0.0001) but increased IL-6 (21.5%, p = 0.006) in all groups. There were no significant differences in inflammatory cytokines and fecal calprotectin between groups. Mean IL-6 was higher in obese children with acanthosis nigricans (p = 0.048). Only IL-6 was positively correlated with body fat percentage and FMI (r = 0.29, p = 0.008 and r = 0.25, p = 0.049, respectively). Conclusions: Intensive behavioral modification and frequent follow-up visits were effective methods to reduce BMI and adiposity leading to decreased inflammatory cytokines. The additional benefits of inulin on inflammation could not be demonstrated due to the Hawthorne effect. Among the three cytokines, IL-6 was the most likely mediator relating FM and insulin resistance at baseline; therefore, it could be used as a surrogate marker of inflammation in obese children who are at risk for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Effects of inulin supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and clinical symptoms of women with obesity and depression on a calorie-restricted diet: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is regarded as an inflammatory disorder. Gut microbiota dysbiosis, observed in both MDD and obesity, leads to endotoxemia and inflammatory status, eventually exacerbating depressive symptoms. Manipulation of gut microbiota by prebiotics might help alleviate depression. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of inulin supplementation on psychological outcomes and biomarkers of gut permeability, endotoxemia, inflammation, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in women with obesity and depression on a calorie-restricted diet. In a double-blind randomised clinical trial, forty-five women with obesity and MDD were allocated to receive 10 g/d of either inulin or maltodextrin for 8 weeks; all the patients followed a healthy calorie restricted diet as well. Anthropometric measures, dietary intakes, depression, and serum levels of zonulin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, toll-like receptor-4 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), and BDNF were assessed at baseline and end of the study. Weight and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores decreased in both groups; between-group differences were non-significant by the end of study (P = 0·333 for body weight and P = 0·500 for HDRS). No between-group differences were observed for the other psychological outcomes and serum biomarkers (P > 0·05). In this short-term study, prebiotic supplementation had no significant beneficial effects on depressive symptoms, gut permeability, or inflammatory biomarkers in women with obesity and depression.

Effects of supplementary inulin on ewes milk composition and rumen fermentation parameters.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of inulin supplementation on milk production and composition, feed intake, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters in lactating ewes. The experimental treatments were (1) control group (basal diet), (2) basal diet plus 2% inulin (w/w) and (3) basal diet plus 4% inulin (w/w). The experiment was carried out for 21 d in a fully randomized design involving eighteen Ghezel ewes. Production and composition (percentages of fat, protein, lactose and fat-free solids and fatty acid profiles) of milk were measured. Faeces were collected in the last 3 days of the experiment to determine digestibility. On the last day of the experiment, rumen fluid samples were taken from the esophagus 3 h after feeding and fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and protozoal population) were examined. Daily milk production was not significantly affected by inulin supplementation, but the fat and protein content of the milk was increased whilst urea nitrogen (MUN) and unsaturated fatty acids were decreased (P < 0.05). The dry matter (DM) intake results showed that there was no significant difference between different diets. The highest digestibility of DM and NDF belonged to the inulin fed group (P < 0.05). Inulin consumption numerically increased the pH of the rumen fluid of the animals and significantly decreased the rumen N-NH3 value (P < 0.05). Inulin supplementation also significantly increased total VFA, acetate, and butyrate levels (P < 0.05). In general, it can be concluded that inulin supplementation can improve rumen fermentation, DM and NDF digestibility,as well as compositional aspects of the ewe's milk production.

Effects of inulin supplementation on body composition and metabolic outcomes in children with obesity

Inulin might improve body composition in obese children. We aimed to determine the effects of inulin supplementation on body composition and metabolic outcomes in obese children. A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study was conducted in obese Thai children aged 7–15 years. Participants were assigned to 3 treatment groups for 6 months: 13 g of extracted inulin powder from Thai Jerusalem artichoke, isocaloric maltodextrin, and dietary fiber advice groups. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. One-hundred and fifty-five children completed the study (mean age 10.4 ± 2.2 years, BMI z-score 3.2 ± 1.0, 59% male). The drop-out rate was 6%. The inulin extract yielded more than 90% compliance without significant gastrointestinal side effects. All three groups demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI z-score, fat mass index (FMI), and trunk FMI, but the differences between groups were not observed. Fat-free mass index significantly increased only in the inulin group (16.18 ± 1.90 vs. 16.38 ± 1.98 kg/m2, P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in the metabolic profiles between groups. Despite showing no substantial effect on adiposity, inulin may increase fat-free mass in obese children. Further research in the change of gut microbiota composition is needed to determine inulin’s impact on host-microbe interaction in pediatric obesity.

Dietary Inulin Supplementation Affects Specific Plasmalogen Species in the Brain.

Plasmalogens (Pls) are glycerophospholipids that play critical roles in the brain. Evidence supports the role of diet and that of the gut microbiota in regulating brain lipids. We investigated the impact of dietary intake of inulin—a soluble fiber used as prebiotic—on the Pl content of the cortex in mice. No global modification in the Pl amounts was observed when evaluated by gas chromatographic analysis of dimethyl acetals (DMAs). However, the analysis of individual molecular species of Pls by liquid chromatography revealed a reduced abundance of major species of ethanolamine Pls (PlsEtn)―PE(P-18:0/22:6) and PE(P-34:1)―in the cortex of mice fed a diet supplemented with inulin. DMA and expression levels of genes (Far-1, Gnpat, Agps, Pla2g6 and Tmem86b) encoding key enzymes of Pl biosynthesis or degradation were not altered in the liver and in the cortex of mice exposed to inulin. In addition, the fatty acid profile and the amount of lyso forms derived from PlsEtn were not modified in the cortex by inulin consumption. To conclude, inulin affects the brain levels of major PlsEtn and further investigation is needed to determine the exact molecular mechanisms involved.

Distinct effects of fiber and colon segment on microbiota-derived indoles and short-chain fatty acids

Effects of pectin, inulin, and their combination on the production of microbiota-derived indoles and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from different colon segments were investigated in a batch system inoculated with microbiota from proximal colon (PC) and distal colon (DC) compartments of the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem. Bacteria from DC compartment had a higher abundance of Firmicutes and a stronger capacity to produce indoles and SCFAs than bacteria from PC compartment. Fiber supplementation significantly increased the production of SCFAs, indole-3-propionic acid, and indole-3-lactic acid, but decreased the production of oxindole, tryptamine, and serotonin. Pectin specifically promoted the production of indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-aldehyde. Interestingly, supplementation of pectin or inulin increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes whereas supplementation of a mixture of two fibers decreased it. Overall, these results suggest that fiber supplementation and colon segment affect the composition of gut microbiota and the microbial catabolism of tryptophan.

Activity-based protein profiling identifies alternating activation of enzymes involved in the bifidobacterium shunt pathway or mucin degradation in the gut microbiome response to soluble dietary fiber

While deprivation of dietary fiber has been associated with adverse health outcomes, investigations concerning the effect of dietary fiber on the gut microbiome have been largely limited to compositional sequence-based analyses or utilize a defined microbiota not native to the host. To extend understanding of the microbiome’s functional response to dietary fiber deprivation beyond correlative evidence from sequence-based analyses, approaches capable of measuring functional enzymatic activity are needed. In this study, we use an activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) approach to identify sugar metabolizing and transport proteins in native mouse gut microbiomes that respond with differential activity to the deprivation or supplementation of the soluble dietary fibers inulin and pectin. We found that the microbiome of mice subjected to a high fiber diet high in soluble fiber had increased functional activity of multiple proteins, including glycoside hydrolases, polysaccharide lyases, and sugar transport proteins from diverse taxa. The results point to an increase in activity of the Bifidobacterium shunt metabolic pathway in the microbiome of mice fed high fiber diets. In those subjected to a low fiber diet, we identified a shift from the degradation of dietary fibers to that of gut mucins, in particular by the recently isolated taxon “Musculibacterium intestinale”, which experienced dramatic growth in response to fiber deprivation. When combined with metabolomics and shotgun metagenomics analyses, our findings provide a functional investigation of dietary fiber metabolism in the gut microbiome and demonstrates the power of a combined ABPP-multiomics approach for characterizing the response of the gut microbiome to perturbations.

Effect of Prebiotic Inulin Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Women

Effect of Prebiotic Inulin Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Women

Effects of Dietary Fiber, Crude Protein Level, and Gestation Stage on the Nitrogen Utilization of Multiparous Gestating Sows

Simple SummaryTwo major concerns for sustainable swine production are the shortage of protein feed resources and the excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment. Those concerns can be partly alleviated by increasing nitrogen utilization by improving nutrition for pigs. This study observed that a low crude protein and dietary fiber supplemented diet can improve nitrogen utilization and reduce urinary nitrogen excretion. Additionally, late gestating sows have greater nitrogen utilization than those of early gestation, characterized by reduced nitrogen in urine and lower amino acids in serum. These findings offer nutritional solutions for improving nitrogen utilization.To investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF), crude protein (CP) level, and gestation stage on nitrogen utilization, 28 Landrace-Yorkshire cross gestating sows at parity two were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with seven duplicates of one pig with a repeated-measures design. The diets comprised one with normal crude protein (CP) of 13.3%, one with a low CP diet of 10.1%, and two diets, one with dietary fiber (DF) supplementation of inulin and cellulose at the ratio of 1:1 and one without DF. The total litter size, litter size alive, and newborn birthweight of piglets did not differ between treatment groups. Sows that received high DF levels had greater nitrogen output in feces, lower urinary nitrogen, and increased nitrogen retention. Sows that received a low CP diet had reduced nitrogen excretion in feces and urine, lower nitrogen retention, and an unchanged nitrogen retention ratio. Sows at the late stage of gestation on days 95 to 98 had lower nitrogen excretion in urine and greater nitrogen retention than in the early stage of gestation on days 35 to 38, associated with a significant decrease in serum amino acids in late gestation. Maternal protein deposition was increased by high DF, decreased by low CP, and lower in late gestation compared with early gestation. Collectively, DF improved nitrogen utilization by decreasing urine nitrogen output, and nitrogen utilization increased as gestation advanced.

Impact of inulin supplementation on mitigating ruminal emissions of methane

Impact of inulin supplementation on mitigating ruminal emissions of methane

Inulin may prevent steatosis by suppressing cannabinoid receptor-1 and patatin-like phospholipase-3 expression in liver

ObjectivesNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major causes of liver disease worldwide. Although various molecular mechanisms are effective in the initiation and progression, the exact pathway is not completely clarified. Recent findings suggest a role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathology of NAFLD. Inulin has been shown to be beneficial for NAFLD. With the first study, we investigated the effects of inulin supplementation on NAFLD via the endocannabinoid system in Wistar rats fed high-fat diet. MethodsMale Wistar rats were fed with control, control plus inulin, high-fat, and high-fat plus inulin diets for 12 wk. Inulin was added to diets in 15% weight/weight. Biochemical parameters, insulin, and adiponectin levels were determined. Steatosis, lobular inflammation, and total NAFLD activity scores (NAS) were determined by histopathological analysis and by magnetic resonance imaging. Anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol levels were measured by the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. Gene expression levels were determined by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. ResultsOur results showed that the NAS of the high-fat diet was 4.16 ± 0.30, which was significantly higher than that of the other groups. Inulin decreased Homeostasis model assessment measuring insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and Aspartate aminotransferaselevels. Inulin also significantly decreased Cannabinoid receptor-1 and Patatin-like phospholipase-3 gene expressions in the liver. The 2-arachidonylglycerol levels in the liver were lower in the inulin-added groups. These effects of inulin were associated with NAS. ConclusionsInulin prevented the development of NAFLD, possibly by affecting the expression of genes involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in the liver via endocannabinoids. The results of this study show that inulin may be a promising molecule in the treatment/prevention of NAFLD.

Liver alterations are not improved by inulin supplementation in alcohol use disorder patients during alcohol withdrawal: A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

SummaryBackgroundEmerging evidence highlights that targeting the gut microbiota could be an interesting approach to improve alcohol liver disease due to its important plasticity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inulin supplementation on liver parameters in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients (whole sample) and in a subpopulation with early alcohol-associated liver disease (eALD).MethodsFifty AUD patients, hospitalized for a 3-week detoxification program, were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and assigned to prebiotic (inulin) versus placebo for 17 days. Liver damage, microbial translocation, inflammatory markers and 16S rDNA sequencing were measured at the beginning (T1) and at the end of the study (T2).FindingsCompared to placebo, AST (β = 8.55, 95% CI [2.33:14.77]), ALT (β = 6.01, 95% CI [2.02:10.00]) and IL-18 (β = 113.86, 95% CI [23.02:204.71]) were statistically significantly higher in the inulin group in the whole sample at T2. In the eALD subgroup, inulin supplementation leads to specific changes in the gut microbiota, including an increase in Bifidobacterium and a decrease of Bacteroides. Despite those changes, AST (β = 14.63, 95% CI [0.91:28.35]) and ALT (β = 10.40, 95% CI [1.93:18.88]) at T2 were higher in the inulin group compared to placebo. Treatment was well tolerated without important adverse events or side effects.InterpretationThis pilot study shows that 17 days of inulin supplementation versus placebo, even though it induces specific changes in the gut microbiota, did not alleviate liver damage in AUD patients. Further studies with a larger sample size and duration of supplementation with adequate monitoring of liver parameters are needed to confirm these results. Gut2Brain study: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03803709FundingFédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, FRS-FNRS, Fondation Saint-Luc.

Responses of Lactation, Rumen Fermentation and Blood Biochemical Parameters with Increasing Dietary Inulin Supplementation in Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows

Effects of dietary supplementation of inulin in dairy cows were investigated in this study. Thirty-six mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into six groups with six cows per group and offered a total mixed ration supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 150, 200, 250 and 350 g/d inulin per head, respectively. The animals were pre-fed for 2 weeks before rumen fluid, milk and blood samples were collected weekly for 3 weeks. With increasing inulin doses, milk yield (p &lt; 0.01) and milk fat concentration (p = 0.04) were linearly increased, while milk urea nitrogen (p &lt; 0.01) and somatic cell count (p = 0.04) were linearly decreased. Linear increases were also detected in the proportions of milk saturated fatty acids (p &lt; 0.01) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.04); however, milk monounsaturated fatty acids were linearly decreased (p = 0.04). The ruminal concentrations of acetate, propionate and butyrate increased, while the ruminal pH and the concentration of NH3-N reduced at a decreasing rate with increasing inulin doses (p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, the concentrations of lactic acid (p = 0.03) and total volatile fatty acids (p &lt; 0.01) were linearly upregulated. There were linear increases in the serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase (p = 0.02), immunoglobin G (p &lt; 0.01), immunoglobin M (p = 0.04), interleukin-2 (p &lt; 0.01) and interleukin-10 (p = 0.04); quadratic increases in serum total protein (p &lt; 0.01) and albumin (p = 0.02) and linear decreases in serum total cholesterol (p = 0.02), triglyceride (p &lt; 0.01) and malondialdehyde (p &lt; 0.01). The results indicated that inulin increased milk production, shifted milk fatty acid profile, upregulated rumen volatile fatty acid concentration, and enhanced antioxidant and immunity function in dairy cows in a dose-dependent manner.