Gut-appetite axis: BioActor develops arabinoxylan extract for feelings of satiety

15 Aug 2023 --- Dutch nutraceutical company BioActor, a subsidiary of Solabia Group, has created Naxus, a clinically validated arabinoxylan extract derived from wheat endosperm. The prebiotic ingredient has shown benefits for microbiota composition, glycemic control and satiety. Arabinoxylan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. A recent study reveals that incorporating Naxus into food can support a natural approach to weight management via microbiome modulation.

“Individuals who might be eligible for a diet featuring Naxus could include those looking to manage their weight through dietary strategies,” Bjarne Maas, marketing and account manager at Solabia BioActor, tells Nutrition Insight.

“The study primarily focused on healthy-weight adult men. Therefore, individuals with a healthy weight range (BMI 20.0–24.9 kg/m² for most populations) might be suitable candidates.”

However, the strategy could also prove beneficial for overweight or obese individuals since the microbiota modulation was shown in overweight individuals before and after Naxus supplementation in an earlier study, says Maas.

Naxus, a prebiotic with specific physicochemical properties, promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and improves glycemic control by inducing the receptor GPR43 signaling, which leads to reduced glucose peaks and improved insulin sensitivity.

Gut microbiota breaks down fiber from the diet, producing SCFAs, such as propionate, acetate and butyrate. These metabolites lead to the activation of a pathway that is linked to appetite reduction.

Propionate and acetate bind to GPR43, which is found in the cells lining the stomach and intestines. Activation of this receptor activates a cascade of signals that triggers the production of hormones (GLP-1 and PYY) involved in inducing satiety.

Microbiota transformation in adult malesNaxus can be used in dietary and weight management strategies.
A 21-day randomized controlled crossover study with 20 healthy men between the ages of 22 and 55 showed that consuming a blend of Naxus and inulin significantly reduced calorie intake.

No changes in perceived appetite were identified, however the study found that the mean energy intake in an ad libitum meal was significantly lower during the treatment period (838 kcal) compared to the control period (1023 kcal). The findings were published in PubMed.

Both the treatment and control groups drank two sachets of dry powder dissolved in 150 ml of water daily for 21 days. After a 14-day wash-out period, participants switched to the other drink for another 21 days.

The blend demonstrated increased SCFA concentrations indicating Naxus’s potential to transform appetite regulation. “The combination of these two prebiotic substrates (inulin and Naxus) provides a synergistic effect on gut health and weight management,” explains Maas.

“Naxus can selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are associated with positive health outcomes.”

Indeed, significant changes in the microbial composition were noted, showing noteworthy increases in the abundance of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli and Propionibacteria.

Maas continues: “The fermentation of Naxus and subsequent SCFA production contributes to appetite regulation through interactions with receptors like GPR43, potentially leading to enhanced feelings of satiety.”

The changes were accompanied by an elevation in the concentration of SCFA, which is strongly associated with gut health. An increase in acetate was reported. Acetate can independently influence appetite, which may explain why the participants consumed fewer calories during a meal.Administering Naxus shows an increase in SCFA concentration which inhibits appetite.

Due to the long-chained structure of Naxus, daily intakes of up to 15 g do not induce gastrointestinal symptoms like flatulence, bloating, cramps or nausea.

Alleviating modern lifestyle stressors
In various clinical trials, Naxus has been shown to increase propionate levels and production of the hormone GLP-1. In this study, the researchers evaluated whether a blend of Naxus and inulin would positively affect satiety and energy intake.

“An example of a calorie reduction strategy involving Naxus could be incorporating foods or supplements containing Naxus into meals,” Maas explains.

“For instance, consuming a prebiotic blend of inulin and Naxus (like the I + AX blend mentioned in the paper) daily in supplement form might lead to increased SCFA production and enhanced feelings of fullness, ultimately resulting in the consumption of fewer calories during meals or snacks.”

This study emphasizes the importance of new studies focusing on the effect of Naxus on enhancing and tailoring nutritional products to promote satiety and help weight management.

The stressors of a modern lifestyle, such as a low-fiber diet, can significantly change the bacterial gut composition, leading to more virulent microbes that affect health.

By Inga de Jong

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