The effect of dietary fiber intake on eating behavior and gut microbiota

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K20207
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: Toyo University
• Principal Investigator: Konishi Kana 東洋大学, 食環境科学部, 助教 (40822185)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 食物繊維 / 食欲 / 食行動 / 腸内細菌 / イヌリン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of inulin, a type of dietary fiber, on eating behavior and appetite. The changes in gut microbiota were also examined to reveal the mechanisms mediating the association between dietary fiber and appetite.
(Experiment 1)　Twenty healthy adults participated in the study. They consumed an inulin-containing beverage and a placebo beverage; the two conditions were conducted in a random crossover. Acute ingestion of inulin-containing beverages suppressed food intake 210 minutes after consumption.
(Experiment 2)　Twenty-six healthy adults received either inulin or placebo for 6 weeks. Blood levels of hormones (leptin, ghrelin, and peptide YY) and eating behavior assesed by Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire did not change after the intervention. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Coprococcus were changed after the intervention.

Free Research Field

健康科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

食物繊維は摂食調節機構の正常化に寄与することが示唆されており、そのメカニズムとして腸内細菌が介在していることが考えられる。本研究では水溶性食物繊維であるイヌリンを用いた介入を行った。食物繊維の種類や腸内細菌組成等の腸内環境の違いによって食物繊維摂取の食欲抑制効果が異なるか否かを明らかにすることは、肥満の予防・改善を目的とした栄養処方を作成するためのエビデンス構築に役立つことが期待される。