Role of Xanthan gum-based fluid thickener in reducing blood glucose

A recent study in Japan has shown that xanthangum-based fluid thickener can lower blood glucose levels after eating.

Several studies have shown that heart diseasesand metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 diabetes, are associated with the bloodglucose levels after eating. However, certain foods, like the condimentvinegar, are reported to help decrease these levels if eaten with a meal.Another food product that produces a similar effect are dietary fibers. Thesefibers are also known to increase insulin response, improve fat metabolism, andhave positive effects on the gut microbiome.

One such soluble fiber, xanthan gum, is usedin a range of foods, including fluid thickeners, to prevent aspiration(choking) for patients who have difficulty swallowing. However, the biologicaleffects of fluid thickener on postprandial blood glucose levels, geneexpression in the gastrointestinal tract, and gut microbiome have not beenfully clarified. The purpose of this study was to determine whetherfluid thickeners have additional effects, particularly on postprandial bloodglucose levels related to gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract and gutmicrobiome.

The rats were divided into two groups; thosethat were administered liquid thickened with a xanthan gum-based fluidthickener or saline for 5 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed 4weeks after the beginning of the experiment. The blood glucose levels of ratswere measured before glucose was given and at set intervals afterwards. The RNAfrom different parts of the gastrointestinal system tissues were collected forqPCR method. Thereafter, the gene expression in the ileum and gut microbiomewere comprehensively analyzed using a next-generation sequencer, which enablesa comprehensive analysis of the amount of gene expression and DNA derived frommicroorganisms by decoding large quantities of DNA sequences at high speed.

Results showed that blood glucose levels at 60and 90 minutes after being given glucose were significantly lower in rats giventhickened liquid. "The mechanism by which this happened is veryinteresting. Giving thickened liquid decreased blood glucose levels associatedwith Glp1 and Glp1r expression in the ileum," says senior authorHaruka Tohara. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis revealed that cholesterolhomeostasis, fatty acid metabolism, and glucose metabolism were enriched in theileum.

Gut microbial composition was also alteredafter drinking the said thickened liquid. There was an increase in the numbersof two 'good' intestinal bacteria, Erysipelotrichales and Christensenellaceae,which is associated with Glp1 and Glp1r expression in the ileum. Thesebacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that protect intestinal and pancreaticcells, which assist insulin secretion.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common lifestyledisease that is prevalent worldwide. It can often lead to complications, suchas diseases of the heart, and increased risk of death, but preventive measures,such as a healthy diet, can reduce these risks.

Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are globalphenomena that are increasing in many parts of the world. This research showedthat xanthan gum-based fluid thickener can prevent aspiration and also assistin the improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism.

Reference:

Haruka Tohara et al,Xanthan gum-based fluidthickener decreases postprandial blood glucose associated with increase of Glp1and Glp1r expression in ileum and alteration of gut microbiome,Journal ofFunctional Foods,DOI:10.1016/j.jff.2022.105321