Flaxseed gum reduces body weight by regulating gut microbiota

Abstract

The function of flaxseed gum (FG) on blood glucose control makes it possible for body weight loss. This experiment was to investigate the anti-obesity effect of FG and the alteration of gut microbiota. Diets with high, middle and low doses of FG were applied to feed obese rats for 5 weeks. The body weights, serum biochemical indices, body fats, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents and metagenomic information of gut microbiota were analyzed. The results showed the FG diet reduced body weights, body fats and total triacylglycerols, and reshaped rat’s cecal microbial compositions. The anti-obesity effect of FG could be achieved by appetite suppression by reducing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and/or the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and regulating some specific bacteria. The genus Clostridium might be the key one for the degradation of FG and production of SCFAs. SCFAs may not be involved in this weight-loss effect.

Keywords

• Flaxseed gum
• Obesity
• Short-chain fatty acid
• Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio