Enhancing gut microbiota and microbial function with inulin supplementation in children with obesity
Authors' conclusion
Inulin supplementation significantly promoted gut bacterial diversity and improved gut microbiota dysbiosis in children with obesity. The modulation of functional pathways by inulin suggests its potential to establish beneficial interactions between the gut microbiota and host physiology. Inulin supplementation could be a strategic treatment to restore the balance of intestinal microbiota and regulate their functions in childhood obesity.
Study context
- Population
- Children aged 7–15 years with obesity (BMI above median + 2SDs)with available taxonomic and functional profiles
- Participants
- 143 children
- Comparison
- Inulin supplement vs maltodextrin placebo vs dietary fiber advice
- Primary endpoint
- Intestinal microbiota and microbial functional pathways (16S rRNA sequencing; PICRUSt inference)
- Follow-up
- 6 months
Methodological detailsdouble-blinded, placebo-controlled, All participants received similar monthly conventional advice and follow-up for 6 months
- Double-blinded
- Placebo-controlled
- All participants received similar monthly conventional advice and follow-up for 6 months
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
- Significant increase in alpha-diversity in the inulin group
- Inulin substantially enhanced Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Megasphaera and several butyrate-producing bacteria (Agathobacter, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, Subdoligranulum) vs the other groups
- Inulin group showed a significant difference in functional pathways of proteasome and riboflavin metabolism
Further findings
Correlation of microbiota changes with clinical and metabolic outcomes
- Changes correlated with clinical and metabolic outcomes exclusively in the inulin group
Original publication
Enhancing gut microbiota and microbial function with inulin supplementation in children with obesity. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 20 July 2024. doi:10.
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