New Supplement Can Shut Down Junk Food Cravings

Do you wish there was a way to take a simple supplement to curb your craving for those “naughty” foods that you desire but know are not good for you?

Researchers from the University of Glasgow in Scotland and the Imperial College in London have developed an “inulin-propionate ester supplement” that uses a type of fiber named inulin, containing propionate, which is a molecular compound released by gut bacteria/microbiota in the intestines. This sends signals to the brain, making a person feel full and reduces one’s appetite for high-calorie foods.

The digestion of just inulin has been documented to release the appetite-suppressing propionate by gut bacteria, but taking inulin-propionate ester releases a greater amount of propionate in the intestines and has a greater effect on appetite and weight gain.

The team's study had volunteers drink a milkshake with either the new supplement or just a dose of inulin. They conducted MRI scans on their brains while being shown pictures of different foods. Those who had digested the new supplement showed less brain activity in the parts linked to reward when they were shown pictures of food with high calories.

The same group then enjoyed a big bowl of pasta in tomato sauce until they were satisfied. Those who had the supplement in the first experiment ended up eating 10 percent less food than those who had only an inulin supplement.