The prevalence of obesity, a major health concern worldwide, has led researchers to explore various dietary interventions. Among these, beta-glucans, a form of soluble dietary fiber, have shown promising results in obesity management.
Beta-glucans, found in the cell walls of cereals, mushrooms, and yeasts, have gained attention for their potential role in weight management. Studies like those conducted by Eraniappan et al. (2023) have demonstrated that beta-glucan can suppress high-fat-diet-induced obesity by modulating lipid metabolism and influencing markers of obesity in animal models. This suggests that beta-glucans could be a valuable dietary component in managing obesity in humans.
Research has also highlighted the impact of beta-glucans on various metabolic parameters related to obesity. For instance, a study by Mitchelson et al. (2022) found that yeast β-glucan improved insulin sensitivity and hepatic lipid metabolism in mice, suggesting potential benefits for obese individuals with insulin resistance. Additionally, the work of Vuong et al. (2021) showed the effects of β-glucans on obesity-associated colitis and hepatic manifestations, indicating a broader range of health benefits.
There is growing evidence of the interaction between beta-glucans and gut health, particularly in the context of obesity. Canaan et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies, showing that yeast beta-glucans ingestion does not significantly influence body weight. This finding points to the complexity of beta-glucans’ role in obesity and the importance of considering other factors such as gut microbiota.
The relationship between beta-glucans and obesity is complex and multifaceted. While beta-glucans show potential in managing obesity, further research is needed to fully understand their role and efficacy. As the fight against obesity continues, beta-glucans remain a promising area of study.
References
Eraniappan, S., Balasubramaniyan, P., Uddandrao, V. V. S., Roy, A., & Singaravel, S. (2023). Beta‐glucan suppresses high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity by attenuating dyslipidemia and modulating obesogenic marker expressions in rats. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology.
https://doi.org/10.1111/fcp.12871
Mitchelson, K. A. J., Tran, T. T. T., Dillon, E. T., Vlčková, K., Harrison, S. M., Ntemiri, A., Cunningham, K., Gibson, I., Finucane, F. M., O’Connor, E. M., Roche, H. M., & O’Toole, P. W. (2022). Yeast β‐Glucan Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Mice Humanized with Obese Type 2 Diabetic Gut Microbiota. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202100819
Vuong, V., Muthuramalingam, K., Singh, V., Hyun, C., Kim, Y. M., Unno, T., & Cho, M. (2021). Effects of β-glucan, probiotics, and synbiotics on obesity-associated colitis and hepatic manifestations in C57BL/6J mice. European Journal of Nutrition.
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00394-021-02668-Z
Canaan, M. M., Reis-Canaan, J. C., Zangeronimo, M. G., Andrade, E. F., Gonçalves, T. M. S. V., Pereira, M. C. D. A., Lima, R. R., Pardi, V., Murata, R. M., & Pereira, L. J. (2021). Yeast Beta-Glucans Ingestion Does Not Influence Body Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pre-Clinical Studies. Nutrients.
https://doi.org/10.3390/NU13124250
