Efficacy of a Novel Butyrate-Enriched Triglyceride in Diabetes Prevention

This project investigates the long-term effect of the gut bacteria product butyrate on metabolic health in individuals who are overweight or obese and at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Our gut bacteria may play a significant role in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. They affect our metabolism by fermenting undigested foods in our colon, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs influence the metabolism of our organs, potentially enhancing the function of the hormone insulin, which is beneficial in preventing obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. In a recent study, we demonstrated that SCFAs produced in the colon, particularly through slowly fermentation of complex carbohydrates, lead to higher concentrations of these SCFAs in the bloodstream. Based on this finding, we expect that dietary interventions resulting in high levels of SCFAs in the blood will have the most pronounced effects on our metabolism.

The objective of this research project is to investigate whether a chronic increase (6-months) of the SCFA butyrate in the blood has positive effects on insulin sensitivity and metabolism. This increase will be achieved by administering an oil in which butyrate is bound to triglycerides. If we demonstrate positive effects, this could lead to the development of products enriched with SCFAs or specific fibers that help prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Ultimately, this project has the potential to provide seminal information that may contribute to our understanding of how diet and gut bacterial products influence insulin sensitivity in humans.

For more information: https://www.nimolab.nl/research-projects