Propionate and Energy Metabolism
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of propionate in energy homeostasis
IRAS ID
174822
Contact name
Gary Frost
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Experimental studies have consistently highlighted that increased intake of dietary fibre is associated with reduced bodyweight and incidence of type 2 diabetes in humans. Dietary fibres are fermented by the gut microbiota, producing short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as the main end-products. SCFAs have recently been shown to have a number of positive effects on the human body. We have demonstrated that a long-term elevation in the SCFA propionate significantly reduced body weight gain in overweight adults and reduced liver fat storage.
The current project comprises two studies that will examine potential mechanisms for the positive effect of propionate on the human body. The first study will look at the effects of propionate on glucose, insulin and fat levels in the blood at rest and following a small amount of physical activity. The second study will determine the effects of propionate on metabolic rate at rest and following food intake.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
15/WA/0415
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion