Prebiotic Oligofructose May Help Combat Obesity-Related Inflammation

Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, which can lead to a range of health problems including metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A recent study suggests that adding the prebiotic oligofructose to the diet may help lower levels of obesity-associated inflammation.

For this study, researchers examined data from 37 people who participated in a previous trial, during which they had taken either 7 grams of oligofructose or a maltodextrin placebo three times daily for 12 weeks.

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers noted a 40% decrease in lipopolysaccharide, while the placebo group showed a 48% increase. Lipopolysaccharide is an endotoxin that creates a strong immune response, thus increasing inflammation. The researchers also noted a 17.3 ng/ml decrease of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (a risk factor for thrombosis) in the oligofructose group. In comparison, the placebo group had decreases of 9.7 ng/ml.

There were no significant changes in other markers of inflammation, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, adiponectin, and resistin.

Researchers from Mount Royal University conducted the study. It was published in the March 2017 issue of Obesity.

Previous studies suggest that the prebiotic oligofructose may help aid with weight loss and improve digestive health. It can be found in onions, bananas, wheat, and fortified foods. It can also be taken in supplement form.