The impact of gut-friendly prebiotics on your metabolic health

It’s no secret that metabolic syndrome is one of the most pressing health issues facing modern society. It’s a complex condition that affects around 1 in 3 adults over the age of 50 in the UK, and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other serious health problems. But let’s explore how metabolic health, the cornerstone of our overall wellbeing, has the power to influence many aspects of our day-to-day lives, from our energy levels to our predisposition to chronic disease[s].

Metabolic syndrome: its impact and prevalence

The increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders is having a huge impact on public health. Catalysed by the rather incompatible marriage of genetics with poor dietary choices and increasingly sedentary behaviour, the sharp rise of metabolic conditions will continue to exacerbate an already overstretched healthcare system. But what does this actually mean and what can we do to stem the tide?

The need to understand, manage and improve our metabolic health has never been greater, bringing with it a growing recognition for proactive prevention. At Thriva, we are proud to play our part in this and have recently partnered with myota, a UK-based gut health company, to facilitate a remote blood testing service that complements their pioneering research linking dietary fibre to improved metabolic health. 

Is dietary fibre the unsung hero?

Recent research has shown that dietary fibre plays an important role in regulating metabolic health. This indigestible plant material is found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and has the power to lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy weight management. Yet its benefits are often undervalued and overlooked. 

Myota is on a mission to change the way we look at dietary fibre, producing diverse prebiotic blends that have been clinically proven to boost gut health. A product grounded in science, they are continually developing, testing and launching new blends crafted with microbiome variability in mind to promote dietary supplementation as both a nutritional and strategic health choice. 

Unveiling the science behind improved gut health

Myota is deeply committed to clinical innovation. Alongside extensive market testing, their prebiotic fibre blends are clinically trialled in research studies to ensure they deliver the expected benefits of a well-balanced gut microbiome. However, traditionally their research studies had been restricted by the need for participants to attend physical clinical locations to collect their blood samples. This is a challenge that many innovating companies face as they strive to make research more accessible and convenient. For their latest study, myota were looking for a remote blood testing capability partner that could solve this challenge and deliver added research value via biomarker analysis, removing geographical barriers to participation, reducing participant churn and increasing study diversity.

While the appetite for remote testing has significantly increased in the wake of COVID-19, some may argue that its recent adoption is long overdue. By incorporating Thriva's intuitive blood testing kits into their study, myota were able to amplify its reach across the length and breadth of the UK, an important milestone for understanding metabolic health across a variety of demographics. 

The details - prebiotic fibre supplement study

Across a 12 week randomised control trial (RCT), myota monitored how adding a daily dose of prebiotic fibre to your diet can affect your metabolic health. They analysed biodata from a cross-section of 60 adults (aged between 18 - 70) who all presented at least 3 out of the 5 symptoms commonly associated with metabolic syndrome. These include: 

• Large waist circumference (over 40 inches (men) or 35 inches (women))
• Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 
• Insulin resistance - an inability to control blood sugar levels
• High blood triglycerides
• High blood pressure (over 130/85 mmHg)

This NHS ethics-approved cohort study was split into two groups; a control group that continued without intervention following their normal diet and daily routines and the test group that supplemented their nutritional intake with myota’s prebiotic fibre blend. For comparability, both groups provided two blood samples collected remotely from the comfort of their own homes over the three month period that screened for cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. In addition, participants were also asked to fill in questionnaires about their mood, anxiety, and stress levels, which was important to explore the relationship between CRP and improved mental health outcomes.

It is common for people affected by metabolic syndrome to present higher levels of hs-CRP. This protein is a key biomarker for determining cardiovascular risk and is produced by our bodies when the walls of our blood vessels become inflamed. The study participants in both groups took one Thriva test in the first week of the study to get an idea of their baseline inflammation levels. The same test was repeated at the end of the 12 week period to identify any significant changes connected to fibre supplement intake in the test group of participants. As a result, both groups also received exactly the same results commentary and healthy living recommendations provided by Thriva’s GP reporting functionality. It was hugely important for myota that the control group would still benefit from personalised health insights provided by regular blood screening. 

What did we learn? 

Myota's carefully formulated prebiotic blends have the power to feed the good bacteria in your gut, which in turn catalyses important changes in your microbiome and encourages butyrate production. Butyrate-generating microbes have been shown to help alleviate some of the more serious symptoms associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. So, it makes sense that by adding a fibre supplement like myota to your diet, any positive changes in your gut microbiome will helpfully manifest themselves through your blood. What’s more, these changes are often rapid, meaning you’ll see results in as little as a few weeks.

“We’ve used Thriva’s finger-prick testing kits to monitor cholesterol and hs-CRP levels for a clinical RCT. This has allowed us to evaluate the effects of our prebiotic fibre blends on a number of different biomarkers indicative of metabolic health, inflammation and mental health”. 

HEAD OF RESEARCH, MYOTA Caitlin Hall

Taking control - practical measures for managing your metabolic health

Ensuring optimal cholesterol levels through dietary modifications and exercise can significantly mitigate the risks associated with metabolic syndrome. Combined with regular blood testing for hs-CRP, you’ll gain valuable insights that can inform your health choices. To help you get started, we've outlined a few key takeaways below. 

1. Balanced nutrition - try to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins into your diet on a regular basis. 
   
   
2. Regular exercise - physical activity is paramount for promoting metabolic function so lace up your trainers whenever you can.
   
   
3. Fibre-rich diet - adding a diverse fibre-rich supplement to your daily routine will feed your gut’s microbiome and kickstart those positive changes. 
     
4. Regular health screening - monitor your metabolic markers such as cholesterol and hs-CRP via remote blood testing to track how far you’ve come.  

To learn more about myota's prebiotic fibre blends, click here - a happy microbiome = a healthier you.