The Problem:
The prevalence of obesity and hypertension has increased in the United States. Approximately 1 in 5 children and 2 in 5 adults struggle with obesity. Obesity can lead to diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, mental health issues, and other associated complications. Hypertension can be detrimental to one’s health and lead to impaired vision, heart attack, stroke, or dementia.
The Solution:
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a prebiotic consisting of low molecular weight Levan (2,6)-glycosidic linkages to alter the gut microbiota in obese mice. This prebiotic provides benefits in addressing obesity and/or hypertension by preventing, treating, or alleviating the symptoms of the diseases. Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that can bypass the upper gastrointestinal tract, by resisting the hydrolysis of digestive enzymes and absorption, and reach the colon where they are fermented by the gut microbiota.
Benefits:
Patent pending.
FIGURE: Low MW Levan b-[2,6]-glycosidic linkages decreased BW and BG and improved body composition in mice with obesity. (A) BW, (B) BG, and percentage of (C) fat mass and (D) lean mass in control mice and mice fed with HFD in the presence and absence of low MW Levan b-[2,6]-glycosidic linkages treatment. BG, blood glucose; BW, body weight; HFD, high-fat diet; LL, low MW Levan b-[2,6]-glycosidic linkages. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001; ****p < 0.0001.