Microbiome synergies: Tate & Lyle extends dietary fiber research

27 Jul 2022 --- Honing in on the microbiome potential, Tate & Lyle will be extending their research partnership with APC Microbiome Ireland for two more years as they investigate which dietary fibers have the most significant effects on health and attempt to discern the pathways that facilitate them.

“Our new study is hoping to build on this evidence by looking at the possible ways of how individual fibers and their combinations can influence gut microbiota and metabolic pathways that result in potential health benefits, especially those relating to gut-brain-axis signaling,” Ieva Laurie, senior principal scientist, Tate & Lyle, tells NutritionInsight.  

“Food and drink that contains prebiotics, which are substrates that are utilized by our gut microorganisms, can have a positive impact on our health, like improving our immune system, digestive health and protection against bacteria,” Laurie explains. “Examples of prebiotics include certain dietary fibers and other components of our diets, like polyphenols.” 

A diverse and well-fed microbiome can support the immune system and may have a direct impact on health and cognition.Finding the links
According to Tate & Lyle, a strong, well-functioning and diverse microbiome helps to maintain the immune system, digest food, produce vitamins like K and B12, riboflavin and thiamine, metabolites and protect against disease.

This new study will look at how synbiotic fibers – fibers that are both pro and postbiotic – affect gut metabolite production and explore the pathways that affect things like mood, cognition and overall health.

“Variety is key when it comes to improving gut health, explains Laurie. “When it comes to meals, always include different vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and grains. Opt for wholemeal or granary breads, or higher fiber white bread and choose wholegrains like wholewheat pasta, bulgur wheat or brown rice.”

“When it comes to gut microbiota, different dietary fibers can stimulate different health-promoting microbial species,” she continues.

Focus on health
APC Microbiome Ireland states research has already revealed that dietary fibers with prebiotic fiber assists in the promotion of a healthy and diverse gut. Now, they hope this new study will help researchers develop a more thorough understanding of how the microbiome supports and benefits health via the ingestion of fiber.Synbiotics are dietary fibers with both pro- and postbiotic properties.

Microbiome research has advanced significantly in the last decade, but there are still many questions to be answered in this area,” says Dr. Kavita Karnik, global head, nutrition and regulatory affairs, Tate & Lyle.

“Understanding how different prebiotic fibers can interact with the functioning of our microbiome will take us one step deeper into understanding how microbiomes can impact various aspects of our health and wellbeing.

“Not all dietary fibers are the same,” Laurie concludes. “This is why a variety in the diet is so important and creates a synergy within the gut microbiota community.”

By William Bradford Nichols