Research

Hormonal

Targeted delivery of propionate to the proximal colon improves glucose metabolism and reduces energy intake without requiring high fiber intake or a responsive gut microbiota.

If your gut bacteria don't produce enough short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from fiber, targeted delivery systems (like inulin-propionate esters) can release propionate directly in the colon to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce energy intake.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
targeted delivery of propionate was demonstrated to acutely reduce energy intake and ameliorate long-term weight gain in overweight adults... significantly improved acute insulin secretion and beta cell function
Louise Brunkwall et al. · Diabetologia · 2017

Why this rating

Based on specific trials using an inulin-propionate ester; promising but described as a 'future possibility' requiring more research.

Source

The gut microbiome as a target for prevention and treatment of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes: from current human evidence to future possibilities

Louise Brunkwall et al. · Diabetologia · 2017

DOI 10.1007/s00125-017-4278-3

narrative_reviewCited 355×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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