Solnul® Reinforces the Gut’s Central Role in Metabolic Health with New Free Fatty Acids Publication

October 8, 2024 – MSP Starch Products Inc., the innovator behind Solnul^®, a leading prebiotic fiber ingredient, announces the release of its latest publication Resistant Potato Starch Supplementation Reduces Serum Free Fatty Acid Levels and Influences Bile Acid Metabolism in the journal Metabolites. The study highlights the significant impact of Solnul^® in reducing circulating free fatty acid (FFA) levels, the earliest known marker of metabolic dysfunction. This research is timely, as global awareness of the link between the gut microbiome and metabolic health continues to rise, coinciding with the surge in popularity of GLP-1 drugs for weight management.

Evolving Needs in Metabolic Health

With 42% of Americans classified as obese¹ and the use of GLP-1 drugs projected to reach 70 million by 2028², metabolic health has become one of the most discussed health trends in recent years. While GLP-1 drugs show promise in combating obesity, concerns about their long-term use and fears about their side effects³ have driven consumers to seek natural, complementary solutions. Retailers and brands are increasingly offering metabolic health products that target the microbiome, with major players like Vitamin Shoppe, Kroger, and GNC incorporating GLP-1 companion products into their offerings.

The Study Findings

The study demonstrated that consuming 3.5g of Solnul^® resistant potato starch (RPS) per day significantly reduces circulating FFAs by 100 µM, a critical early marker of metabolic health. The study’s findings, drawn from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, suggest that even small amounts of RPS can positively influence FFA release from adipocytes, an insulin-sensitive process. These results expand the prebiotic role of RPS to support metabolic health through microbiome modulation.

Publication Graphical Abstract

“When studying metabolic parameters in healthy populations, it’s critical to measure the earliest possible markers of metabolic dysfunction,” said Dr. Jason Bush, Chief Scientific Officer at MSP Starch Products Inc. “It is exciting to see such a low dose of resistant starch produce meaningful reductions in free fatty acid levels, a marker of insulin sensitivity. These findings reinforce what we’ve always believed about resistant starch: It has a foundational role connecting the microbiome to metabolic health.”

Akkermansia and GLP-1

Clinical data demonstrate that Solnul^® supplementation produces a 238% increase in the relative abundance of Akkermansia a next-generation probiotic bacterium known for its role in gut health and ability to strengthen the gut barrier. Akkermansia has also been shown to increase the production of GLP-1, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, weight management and appetite. Since GLP-1 is produced by specialized intestinal cells in response to microbial activity, it is possible that Solnul^® is decreasing FFA levels via Akkermansia activity and GLP-1 effects.

Solnul^® – The Prebiotic for Metabolic Health Formulations

Solnul^® offers a clinically supported pathway to improved metabolic health by harnessing the power of the gut microbiome. With its demonstrated ability to reduce circulating FFA levels, increase Akkermansia and address top GI concerns like diarrhea and constipation, Solnul^® is an ideal, natural solution for GLP-1 companion products. Solnul^® is a gentle, versatile prebiotic fiber, acting as a core ingredient for formulators looking to elevate their metabolic health products and enhance label claims with keywords GLP-1 consumers are seeking like ‘prebiotic’, ‘well-tolerated’, or ‘regularity’, to name a few. Incorporating gut-friendly ingredients into any metabolic support formulation is now central to the success of the product.

If you have a metabolic health formulation or GLP-1 companion product in the works, contact us today.