GOS and Insulin Sensitivity

The Effects of Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) on Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity and Body Weight Control in Obese Adults With Impaired Glucose Homeostasis

Based on our hypothesis that orally administered GOS will be fermented into a SCFA pattern high in acetate and that this will lead to beneficial effects on human substrate and energy metabolism, we aim to address the following primary objective:

To investigate the effects of a 12-week supplementation of GOS on peripheral insulin sensitivity and body weight control in obese adults with impaired glucose homeostasis.

Inclusion Criteria:

Overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 < 40 kg/m2) insulin impaired men and post-menopausal women with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT: 2h plasma glucose during 75g OGTT 7.8-11.1 mmol/l) and/or impaired fasting glucose (plasma glucose ≥ 5.6 mmol/l) aged 45-70 years will be included in the study.

In addition, subjects have to be weight-stable for at least 3 months prior to participation (no change in bodyweight, i.e. < 3kg).

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes mellitus
• gastroenterological diseases or major abdominal surgery (allowed i.e.: appendectomy, cholecystectomy)
• lactose intolerance and other digestive disorders
• cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver or kidney malfunction (determined based on ALAT and creatinine levels, respectively)
• disease with a life expectancy shorter than 5 years
• abuse of products (alcohol consumption > 15 units/week, or any drugs)
• excessive nicotine use defined as >20 cigarettes per day