Effects of inulin supplementation on body composition and metabolic outcomes in children with obesity.

Chonnikant Visuthranukul, Supakarn Chamni, Tanisa Kwanbunbumpen, Puthita Saengpanit, Yuda Chongpison, Surapun Tepaamorndech, Ekkarit Panichsillaphakit, Jaraspong Uaariyapanichkul, Natthapong Nonpat, Sirinuch Chomtho

Journal: Scientific reports 2022;12(1):13014

PMID: 35906473

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Plain Language Summary

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen dramatically. Overweight and obese children are at risk of developing co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, metabolic syndrome, non-alcohol fatty liver disease and premature cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, obese children are highly prone to become obese adults. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of prebiotic (as inulin) supplementation on body weight, adiposity, and metabolic profiles in obese Thai children. This study is a randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Participants (n=165) were randomly allocated to 3 groups: inulin, placebo, and dietary fibre advice group. Results show that the intensive behavioural modification and frequent follow-up are effective strategies to reduce body mass index and adiposity in obese children. Furthermore, even though inulin supplementation did not demonstrate considerable effect on adiposity and metabolic outcomes, it can increase fat-free mass in these children. Authors conclude that further research regarding the change of gut microbiota composition and their metabolites are needed to determine inulin’s impact on host microbe interaction in obese paediatric population.

Abstract

Inulin might improve body composition in obese children. We aimed to determine the effects of inulin supplementation on body composition and metabolic outcomes in obese children. A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study was conducted in obese Thai children aged 7-15 years. Participants were assigned to 3 treatment groups for 6 months: 13 g of extracted inulin powder from Thai Jerusalem artichoke, isocaloric maltodextrin, and dietary fiber advice groups. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. One-hundred and fifty-five children completed the study (mean age 10.4 ± 2.2 years, BMI z-score 3.2 ± 1.0, 59% male). The drop-out rate was 6%. The inulin extract yielded more than 90% compliance without significant gastrointestinal side effects. All three groups demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI z-score, fat mass index (FMI), and trunk FMI, but the differences between groups were not observed. Fat-free mass index significantly increased only in the inulin group (16.18 ± 1.90 vs. 16.38 ± 1.98 kg/m, P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in the metabolic profiles between groups. Despite showing no substantial effect on adiposity, inulin may increase fat-free mass in obese children. Further research in the change of gut microbiota composition is needed to determine inulin's impact on host-microbe interaction in pediatric obesity.

Address: Pediatric Nutrition Research Unit, Division of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.; Natural Products and Nanoparticles Research Unit, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.; Division of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.; The Skin and Allergy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.; Biostatistics Excellence Center, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.; National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Pathumthani, 10210, Thailand.; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.; Pediatric Nutrition Research Unit, Division of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17220-0

Patient Centred Factor

Triggers: Inulin supplementation

Clinical Imbalances

Gastro-intestinal Structural Integrity and Musculoskeletal

Laboratory Testing

Blood

Modifiable Lifestyle Factors

Diet

Jadad Score

Allocation Concealment

Yes

Nutrition Evidence Keywords

BMI Obesity Exercise Dysbiosis Inulin Overweight Adiposity Physical activity Hypertension Body mass index Gut microbiota Prebiotics Supplements Metabolic syndrome Dyslipidaemia Oligofructose

Bioactive Substances

Inulin Prebiotics

Link outs

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MeSH Terms: Body Composition, Body Mass Index, Child, Dietary Fiber, Dietary Supplements, Female, Helianthus, Humans, Inulin, Male, Pediatric Obesity