Recent research suggests that prebiotics, compounds known for enhancing gut health, might likewise impact brain function, particularly in how individuals react to high-calorie foods. A research study at the University of Leipzig Medical Center found that high-dose prebiotics decreased brain activity related to food benefits, possibly due to modifications in gut bacteria. They support gut health by promoting the development and activity of useful gut germs. Researchers have now investigated whether specific prebiotics can also affect brain function by enhancing interaction in between the gut microbiome and the brain.
The findings, obtained from advanced neuroimaging, next-generation sequencing of gut germs, and combined analyses of possible metabolic pathways, suggest that practical microbial changes may underlie the modified brain reaction towards high-caloric food hints.
Recent research suggests that prebiotics, substances known for boosting gut health, might likewise impact brain function, specifically in how people respond to high-calorie foods. A research study at the University of Leipzig Medical Center discovered that high-dose prebiotics reduced brain activity associated to food benefits, potentially due to modifications in gut germs. These findings highlight a possible connection between the gut microbiome and the brain, showing brand-new paths for weight problems treatment and healthier consuming practices through microbiome-targeted strategies.
The study examines the connection in obese adults.
They support gut health by promoting the development and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. Scientists have now investigated whether specific prebiotics can likewise influence brain function by enhancing communication in between the gut microbiome and the brain.
The interventional research study led by the University of Leipzig Medical Center shows that consumption of high-dose dietary prebiotics results in a reduction in reward-related brain activation in reaction to high-calorie food stimuli. “The outcomes recommend a prospective link in between gut health and brain function, in this case, food decision-making,” states PD Dr Veronica Witte, co-author of the research study and a scientist at the University of Leipzig Medical.
Research Study Design and Methodology
The 59 volunteers taken in 30 grams of inulin, a prebiotic from chicory root, daily for 14 days. Throughout practical MRI imaging, participants were shown pictures of food and asked how much they desired to eat the meals depicted.
The MRI evaluation was duplicated at 4 time points, before and after the prebiotic administration and before and after a placebo phase in which the participants were provided a preparation with similar energy density however without prebiotics. When the individuals examined high-calorie foods, there was relatively less activation of reward-related brain locations after they had actually consumed the prebiotic fiber. This effect was accompanied by a shift in the composition of the gut bacteria.
Implications and findings
The findings, obtained from sophisticated neuroimaging, next-generation sequencing of gut bacteria, and combined analyses of prospective metabolic pathways, suggest that practical microbial modifications might underlie the altered brain reaction towards high-caloric food hints. In addition, gut microbiota and their metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids, were measured in stool samples.
” Further studies are needed to examine whether treatments that alter the microbiome might open up new avenues for less invasive approaches to the prevention and treatment of obesity. A much better understanding of the underlying mechanisms in between the brain, microbiome, and gut could help to establish brand-new strategies that promote healthier eating routines in people at danger” states Dr Witte. A follow-up research study is currently underway, taking a look at the results of long-lasting, high-dose prebiotic administration over six months on consuming behavior, brain function, and body weight in people coping with overweight and obesity.
Referral: “Prebiotic diet plan modifications neural correlates of food decision-making in overweight adults: a randomised controlled within-subject cross-over trial” by Evelyn Medawar, Frauke Beyer, Ronja Thieleking, Sven-Bastiaan Haange, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Madlen Reinicke, Rima Chakaroun, Martin von Bergen, Michael Stumvoll, Arno Villringer and A Veronica Witte, 4 October 2023, Gut.DOI: 10.1136/ gutjnl-2023-330365.
