A modified fibre known as inulin-propionate ester has received safety approval from the European Food Safety Authority, paving the way for its addition to everyday products such as breads and cereals.
The fibre, called IPE, was developed by researchers Gary Frost at Imperial College London and Douglas Morrison at the University of Glasgow. It works by releasing propionate in the large intestine, which raises levels of hormones including GLP-1 and PYY that help control appetite.
Trials showed that a daily 10-gram dose prevented weight gain in people aged 40 to 65 and increased fat-free mass in those aged 20 to 40. The only noted side effect was increased flatulence.
It took 12 years to secure the EU approval. The developers expect products containing IPE to reach the market within the next 12 months. A researcher at the University of Aberdeen noted that the trial evidence for weight benefits remains limited in scale.
