The 'prebiotic effect' of a lactic acid rich whey fermented product - Molkosan® in modulating glycaemic response and satiation levels in healthy human subjects.

Abstract

Background: The global epidemic of obesity and its associated conditions have become economic burdens. Multifactorial factors, including genetic and environmental elements, are recognised as the causes of obesity and its comorbidities, and the altered gut microbiota is one of the environmental elements. Prebiotics are suggested to promote good gut bacteria growth by encouraging colonic fermentation. Microbial metabolites from the gut fermentation, such as organic acids, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactate, succinate and formate are identified to have the biogenic effect of inducing satiety effect, reducing energy and improving glucose tolerance. Supplementations of these microbial metabolites have become increasingly popular, further research to verify their effects are therefore, essential. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the biogenic effects of a lactic acid (microbial metabolite) rich product - Molkosan® on appetite control and glycemic response in healthy human volunteers. Design: This study was a non-randomized, non-blind, within-subject control trial. A total of 12 healthy adults (3 men and 9 women) received 2 teaspoons (10ml) of Molkosan® for 14 days. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed to measure glucose concentrations at 0, 30, 60 and 90 min time points at day 0 and day 14. Satiation scores were generated to assess hunger, fullness, desire to eat and prospective food consumption levels at 30 min before, 0 min before and 0 min after test meals at day 1 and day 15. Results: Short-term ingestion of lactic acid rich supplement resulted in significant change in initial glycemic response. The mean difference of 1.5 mmol/l ( * p<0.05) blood glucose concentrations between pre and post interventions are shown at 30 min time point following post-ingestion of 410ml of Lucozade Original (equivalent to 75g of anhydrous glucose). Fullness sensations were generally increased after 14 days; significance was detected in 0 min after test meal with a * p-value of 0.018. Conclusion: The short-term ingestion of a lactic acid rich supplement can lead to a significant reduction in the initial rise of plasma glucose in healthy individuals. The satiation test experience could serve as a base for future lactic acid rich supplementation research. Key words: Lactic Acid, Obesity, T2DM, Glycaemic Response, Satiation, Prebiotic Effect