Medical Bulletin 29/December/2022

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

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

Reference:

Haruka Tohara et al,Xanthan gum-based fluid thickener decreases postprandial blood glucose associated with increase of Glp1 and Glp1r expression in ileum and alteration of gut microbiome,Journal of Functional Foods,DOI:10.1016/j.jff.2022.105321

Pandemic led to rise in childhood obesity

Obesity is a serious health condition globally that leads to adverse health outcomes if not controlled. The proportion of obese people and children has increased particularly after the pandemic due to several reasons.

A recent study, published in the European Journal of Public Health, is based on data concerning 25,049 children aged three to five who have undergone regular health checks at child health centers. The counties taking part were Dalarna, Jönköping, and Sörmland.

Reference:

Anton Holmgren et al,Increased incidence of overweight and obesity among preschool Swedish children during the COVID-19 pandemic,European Journal of Public Health,DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac181

Understanding why you can't stop at eating just one potato chip

Have you ever sat with a bag of chips with the idea of just trying a handful and saving the rest, but ended up licking the entire packet clean? If so, you may soon find out the explanation.

High-calorie foods-high in fat, oil, and sugar-can taste good but often cause overeating, leading to obesity and major health problems. But what stimulates the brain to cause overeating?

Recently, it has become clear that a gene called CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 1 (CRTC1) is associated with obesity in humans. When CRTC1 is deleted in mice, they become obese, indicating that functioning CRTC1 suppresses obesity. However, since CRTC1 is expressed in all neurons in the brain, the specific neurons responsible for suppressing obesity and the mechanism present in those neurons remained unknown.

Reference:

Shigenobu Matsumura et al,CRTC1 deficiency, specifically in melanocortin-4 receptor-expressing cells, induces hyperphagia, obesity, and insulin resistance,The FASEB Journal,DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200617R