A New Study: Will Oligofructose Be the Answer to Weight Loss?

by Lashell Hoover | More from this Blogger

Fifty healthy but overweight residents of Calgary, Canada will have a chance to test oligofructose. It is a natural fiber found in certain plants and vegetables like chicory, onions, leeks, garlic, and tomatoes. Researcher, Dr. Raylene Reimer and her colleagues at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology will require participants in the study to take a dietary supplement containing the fiber for three months. They will not be asked to change any other aspect of their diet or lives. The researchers will be documenting the participants' body fat ratios over the course of the study. In a related study conducted by Reimer and Jill Parnell (a University of Calgary PhD Student), genetically obese rats showed signs of appetite suppression and improved blood lipid while receiving the fiber. It's believed that the supplements containing oligofructose will do the same for humans.

So, what's the scoop on oligofructose? It's considered a food ingredient and a prebiotic. What's a prebiotic? In this case, it's a food ingredient that stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria in the colon. This helps with digestion. A prebiotic, such as oligofructose, can't be digested by the small intestine thus it has low caloric value. The calorie content of oligofructose is about 1.5 grams. In addition to its low caloric value, oligofructose doesn't increase insulin, easily dissolves, and increases the absorption of calcium and magnesium. It is used as an artificial sweetener and can be found in some foods such as baby food, yogurt, and cereal.

Reimer's study will be the first long-term, human study using this supplement. So, what does this mean for the weight loss industry? In the future, another pill may be on the market providing consumers with one more weight loss supplement option. If you're interested in an artificial sweetener which contains oligofructose I found one online. It's called Sweet Perfection.

Related Blogs: Xenical Over the Counter? The FDA Just Said Yes Carbohydrate Blockers Do Work Risks of Diet Pills

Have You Read These Bloggers' Weight Loss Stories?: Becoming the Best I Have Ever Been Dad's Losing It: I Love Food

Learn more about Lashell Hoover

Lashell Hoover lives in Maryland with her husband, three children, and beloved pets. A former SAHM, she is currently a full-time university student. She enjoys writing, reading, music, art, and life.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger