Eating Oats and Cereals to Treat Obesity

Sweet Fatty Acids Satiate the Appetite

The bacteria in our gut are largely responsible for digesting our food. The best mix of bacteria is determined by what we eat and what we feed our bacteria. Foods such as porridge oats are high in fermentable fibres called beta-glucan and arabinoxylan. When digested by our bacteria these fibres are broken down into products called short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). It is thought that it is these SCFAs that influence our appetite and make us feel full.

In addition, Dr Alexandra Johnstone from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health says, “We believe these fibres, when broken down in the colon, are used by the colon’s bacteria as an energy source which in turn produce short chain  fatty acids which influence our appetite by making us feel fuller. We also believe eating these fibres results in an increase in levels of ‘good’ bacteria in our gut, which helps protect against colon cancer.”

Seeking Overweight People For Eating Study

Dr Johnstone says, “We are seeking overweight males and females between the ages of 18 and 65 to take part in a study”. Volunteers will be provided with a healthy balanced diet of normal, everyday foods – such as bread – which contain beta-glucan and arabinoxylan. The scientists will then analyse the impact that slightly elevating the level of fibre in a person’s daily diet, has on the body.

Sweet FA to Treat Obesity

The research is part of the SATIN - Satiety Innovation project – a five year study that draws together experts from academia and industry to produce new food products using the latest processing innovation techniques.

Obesity is a major public health issue facing the European Union and reducing it is a priority for all European governments. It is estimated that 60% of men, 50% of women and 25% of children in the UK will be obese by 2050. The SATIN project looks at ways to work with the food industry to develop new foods that fill people up quicker and for longer, and also taste good.

“This research into how these fibres affect our appetite, will allow us to assess how they could be included in new food products with satiating qualities to help control appetite, manage weight and combat obesity.”

SATIN Project

SATIN –comprises a consortium of 18 academic and industrial partners from 9 European countries including leading research institutes, large companies and small and medium sized companies in the food and retail industry who specialise in novel food formulation and production.  Partners include Cargill, Naturex, BioActor, ProDigest, AXXAM, Coca‐Cola, and a number of universities from UK, Denmark and Spain.

For more information visit www.satin-satiety.eu/

Those interested in taking part in the study should contact Dr Reyna Romero-Gonzalez on 01224 438582 or byemail at r.romerogonzalez@abdn.ac.uk .