Summary: A new study reveals that acetate, when paired with specific gut bacteria, can significantly reduce fat and liver mass in both normal and obese mice. Researchers used a supplement called AceCel, which delivers acetate directly to the large intestine, promoting the growth of Bacteroides bacteria.

This combination boosts fat burning over carbohydrate use and decreases sugar absorption, mimicking metabolic effects seen in fasting or ketogenic states. Importantly, these benefits disappeared when Bacteroides were absent, confirming that both the chemical and microbial conditions are needed for the effect.

Key Facts:

• AceCel + Bacteroides: Weight loss effects only occur when acetate reaches the colon and Bacteroides species are present.
• Metabolic Shift: Promotes fat-burning over sugar-burning, similar to fasting or keto.
• Gut-Driven Mechanism: Bacteria ferment more carbs, reducing sugar absorption and liver fat storage.

Source: RIKEN

Researchers led by Hiroshi Ohno at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) in Japan have discovered a new way to reduce obesity.

Their study shows that supplying the gut with extra acetate reduces fat and liver mass in both normal and obese mice, as long as bacteria of the Bacteroides species is also present in the gut.

When both these conditions are met, gut bacteria can eliminate more sugars from the gut and promote the burning of fats for energy in the host.

The findings were published in the scientific journal Cell Metabolism.

Affecting hundreds of millions of people around the world, obesity constitutes a global epidemic. It is linked to eating too much sugar and starchy foods and is known to increase the risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and cancer.

At the same time, studies show that eating fiber reduces the risk of the these very same diseases—even though it cannot be digested directly by mammals.

When fiber reaches your gut—the large intestine to be precise—it is fermented by bacteria and the byproducts are released into the gut lumen, with some of them making it into the bloodstream.

The most common of these byproducts is acetate, which is known to have some beneficial effects on host metabolism. Although this makes dietary fiber a good “prebiotic”, individual variation in the production of acetate and other useful byproducts limits its efficacy.

To get around this problem, Ohno and his team previously developed a kind of acetate supplement by combining it with cellulose. AceCel ensures acetate reaches the distal large intestine where it can work its magic.

In the new study, the team investigated how AceCel affects mouse metabolism and the composition of gut bacteria. They found that when given AceCel, both normal and obese mice lost weight without losing muscle mass.

This was not true for other short-chain fatty-acid byproducts, meaning that acetate itself is the key. Further tests were designed to figure out how this was happening.

They next discovered that compared with mice on a normal diet, when AceCel-fed mice were resting, they generated more energy from burning liver fat and less from burning carbohydrates. This is similar to what happens when fasting or on a low carb, keto diet, and promotes weight loss.

Hypothesizing that the effects on the gut microbiome would also be similar, they analyzed the gut microbiota, finding that eating AceCel led mice to have more Bacteroides bacteria in their guts.

They then tested AceCel in mice that had controlled gut microbiota: either no bacteria at all, or one of several Bacteroides species. They found that AceCel had no effect on body, liver, or fat mass in the gut-bacteria free mice, while three Bacteroides species had similar positive effects on each.

This means that the specific combination of acetate and Bacteroides bacteria in the intestines is necessary for the observed weight loss to occur.

Digging deeper, they found that this combination leads to more fermentation of carbohydrates in the gut, meaning that there is less sugar available for the host to process.

By eliminating the sugars, fat-derived energy is promoted and less sugar is stored as glycogen in the liver, thus explaining how obesity is reduced.

“Developing a treatment or prevention strategy for obesity is an urgent issue that must be solved quickly,” says Ohno.

“We found that acetylated cellulose can prevent obesity by modulating the function of the gut microbiome.”

“Our next step is to confirm the safety and efficacy of using acetylated cellulose to treat obesity in humans. If so, it could become an important ingredient in functional foods that prevent obesity.”

About this obesity research news

Author: Adam Phillips
Source: RIKEN
Contact: Adam Phillips – RIKEN
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News

Original Research: Open access.
“Acetylated cellulose suppresses body mass gain through gut commensals consuming host-accessible carbohydrates” by Hiroshi Ohno et al. Cell Metabolism

Abstract

Acetylated cellulose suppresses body mass gain through gut commensals consuming host-accessible carbohydrates

Effective approaches to preventing and treating obesity are urgently needed.

Although current strategies primarily focus on direct modulation of host metabolism, another promising approach may involve limiting nutrient availability through regulation of the gut microbiota, which links diet and host physiology.

Here, we report that acetylated cellulose (AceCel), which markedly alters gut bacterial composition and function, reduces body mass gain in both wild-type and obese mice.

AceCel limits carbohydrate oxidation and promotes fatty acid oxidation in the host liver in a microbiota-dependent manner.

We further show that acetate enhances carbohydrate fermentation by the gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, depleting host-accessible simple sugars in the gut of AceCel-fed mice.

These findings highlight the potential of AceCel as a prebiotic that regulates carbohydrate metabolism in both bacteria and host, offering promise as a therapeutic strategy for obesity.

For many people, starting a new supplement often comes with the hope of general wellness and improved health. But figuring out if that pill, powder, liquid or gummy is making an observable impact can be rather tricky. With so many variables influencing your health, from your diet and lifestyle to underlying conditions, it can be hard to pinpoint if your supplement is actually working. The key is to approach supplementation with a clear, well-defined plan and purpose. In other words, “be sure you’re taking a supplement with a desired outcome and know what that outcome is before you start,” says Isabel Smith, M.S., RDN, CDN. Once you have your desired goal in mind, follow these expert-backed tips to determine if your supplement is living up to its claims.

1. Look for Noticeable Signs of Improvement

To find out if your supplement is truly making a difference, start by looking for noticeable changes that match the intended benefits. Keep in mind that these changes will vary depending on the type of supplement. For example, you may notice improved bone health from vitamin D and calcium supplements or relieve occasional constipation by taking a magnesium supplement.

In general, Suzanne Soliman, PharmD, BCMAS, shares that obvious signs of supplement effectiveness include improvements like increased energy, less digestive discomfort, better sleep quality, improved mood and enhanced physical performance. On the other hand, she explains that subtler changes often encompass gradual progress over time, such as a reduced reliance on certain medications, shifts in blood markers, changes in appetite or stress response and an improved sense of overall well-being.

However, Soliman cautions to “be mindful of placebo effects and consider a trial period to truly assess the supplement’s impact.” This means that improved health outcomes may not always come from the supplement itself but rather the psychological belief that the supplement will make you feel better, which is known as the placebo effect. To see if your supplement really works, give it a trial run. During the trial period, objectively pay attention to signs of improvement while keeping your daily routine, diet and exercise regimen consistent. This way, you’ll be able to tell if the supplement is helping you reach your health goals.

2. Consider How Long It Takes to See Changes

While watching for signs of improvement, it’s natural to want instant results. But the reality is that some supplement benefits take time. “Numerous factors, such as the particular supplement, the person’s nutritional state, the reason for taking the supplement, dosage, regularity of use and general health, can significantly affect how long it takes to get results from a supplement,” says Soliman.

Soliman says that typically, some people may notice minor improvements in health outcomes in as little as two to four weeks. However, “it usually takes one to three months of regular use to see more obvious results, particularly when it comes to treating deficiencies or health issues.”

As for chronic concerns and long-term health goals, Soliman notes that some supplements may not show noticeable effects for three to six months or more. She highlights that depending on the severity of deficiency, “it may take longer for supplements to raise nutrient levels in the body, such as vitamin D or certain minerals.” Therefore, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about how long it will take to see results and set realistic expectations about supplement outcomes.

3. Use Lab Test to Track Progress

“Lab tests can be valuable tools to confirm if a supplement is working by directly measuring the levels of specific nutrients or related biomarkers in your body,” says Soliman. Your doctor can order certain blood tests and panels to measure specific markers.

Below are common supplements and the markers Soliman suggests monitoring:

• Vitamin D: Monitor 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the blood.
• Vitamin B12 and folate: Check serum vitamin B12 and folate levels. Methylmalonic acid can also indicate B12 deficiency.
• Iron: Monitor serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Omega-3 Index test measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes.
• Vitamin C: Check serum vitamin C levels.
• Vitamin E: Monitor serum alpha-tocopherol levels.
• Calcium and magnesium: Monitor serum calcium (total and ionized) and serum magnesium levels.
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride): An electrolyte panel can assess these levels, which might be relevant for certain supplements or health conditions.
• Inflammatory Markers (for supplements like curcumin or fish oil): Consider C-reactive protein (CRP) or other inflammatory markers.
• Blood Glucose and Lipids (for metabolic support supplements): Monitor fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.

“When supplements can’t be tracked and even when they can, you want to also check kidney and liver function tests (AST, ALT, Creatinine, GFR and others),” Smith adds. She emphasizes that these tests are important because the liver and kidneys play a vital role in processing and filtering substances out of the body, including supplements. High-dose and prolonged use of supplements can potentially damage these organs. So, regular tests can help to ensure the kidneys and liver are healthy and functioning at their best.

4. Make Informed Decisions about Supplementation

One of the most important factors to ensure your supplement works as intended is making informed decisions about supplementation by selecting products from reputable brands. Both experts agree that you should choose brands that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.

Look for independently-verified seals like NSF, USP and ConsumerLab to verify that you’re selecting a trustworthy product. Soliman also recommends avoiding “proprietary blends” without specific ingredient amounts, being cautious of vague, unrealistic health claims and checking if the supplement has scientific backing. Most importantly, you should always disclose all supplements to your healthcare provider and reach out if you have any concerns.  

The Bottom Line

Evaluating whether your supplement actually works requires careful observation, patience and proper testing. To accurately determine its effectiveness, it’s best to take a strategic approach by considering any subtle or obvious shifts in your health, understanding realistic timelines, tracking progress with specific lab markers and choosing supplement brands with third-party verification. Before starting a new supplement, you should always consult a healthcare provider to make sure the supplement is suitable for your needs. With professional guidance and thoughtful planning, you will be able to clearly identify if your supplement is truly delivering on its promises.

NHS says almost a million people have started its app-based coaching scheme with free Fitbit-style activity monitors which cuts risk of Type 2 diabetes by a third

The NHS is calling on around six million overweight people to consider a scheme to help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Almost a million at-risk people have now joined its app-based coaching scheme which comes with free Fitbit-style activity monitors and has been shown to cut diabetes risk by over a third. One of them is 59-year-old Graham Lowe who joined the nine-month ‘Healthier You Programme’ and lost four stone after ditching donuts for green tea.

NHS England says a record 166,360 people signed up last year to get personalised support, either face to face or digitally on changing ingrained eating habits and finding ways to get physically active.

Graham, of Four Oaks, near Birmingham, signed up after paramedics were called when he had pains down his right side just over a year ago. While Graham was found not to have had a stroke, tests did show he was ‘prediabetic’ with blood sugar levels on the cusp of developing Type 2.

Graham said: “My father has Type 2 diabetes so I’ve seen how challenging it can make life, and I didn’t want to follow in those footsteps. After learning about being pre-diabetic from a blood test that my GP did for me, I took immediate action to prevent my condition from becoming full-blown diabetes.

“I started by joining the NHS Healthier You Programme that my GP had referred me to, attending the sessions and following the advice that made important changes to my diet and level of activity. Since joining, I’ve given up sweets and exercise regularly. Before I used to bring donuts to work, but now I drink green tea.”

The new analysis also shows that more than 900,000 adults at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes have started the programme since it was launched in 2016. Some 6.3 million Brits are estimated to be living with prediabetes – also known as non-diabetic hyperglycemia – with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels.

Combined with the 4.6 million people with diagnosed diabetes and the 1.3 million with undiagnosed diabetes, over 12 million people in the UK have either diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, limb amputation, heart attack, nerve damage, stroke and many of the commonest types of cancer. Symptoms include feeling very tired, thirst, and urinating more than usual.

Some 45% of those taking part in the programme are men – a much higher proportion than had traditionally agreed to attend NHS weight loss courses, thought to be due to the fact you can do it remotely.

After completing the programme Graham’s blood sugar level reduced from almost being at the diabetic range (48mmol/mol) and his blood pressure and cholesterol also significantly lowered.

Graham, a father-of-three, said: “I recommend that people – especially men since we may not go to the GP for a check up as often – visit your GP and get tested for diabetes if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms like I did, like fatigue and increased thirst. Treat your body like your car and get an MOT regularly. You wouldn’t skip on maintaining your car, so why do that with your health?”

Research by Manchester University has found that completing the Healthier You Programme reduces someone’s chance of developing Type 2 diabetes by 37%, and participants typically achieve an average weight loss of 3.3kg.

What is the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme?

People can self-register onto the NHS Healthier You Programme if they have been identified as being at “high risk” of developing Type 2 diabetes from their blood sugars – or request a direct referral from their GP. Doctors will consider blood sugar levels as well as patients’ lifestyle and genetic risk.

The HbA1c – or glycated hemoglobin test – measures blood sugar levels during the previous few months and the thresholds are as follows:

• Normal – Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%).
• Prediabetes – 42 to 47 mmol/mol (6.0 to 6.4%).
• Diabetes – 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or higher

Also known as the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, it is available both as a face-to-face group service and as a digital service, via an app. When referred people can choose between the two.

The programme offers wearable technologies that monitor levels of exercise and apps where users can access health coaches. As well as access to personalised support, such as access to health coaches, online ‘peer support groups’ are also an option to help set and monitor weight loss goals.

Academic research has shown the programme cuts the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and has prevented thousands of people from getting the condition. Click HERE for a list of providers near you.

Dr Clare Hambling, NHS England Director for Diabetes, said: “Type 2 Diabetes and obesity are both major public health challenges for this country, so it is great to see that this world-leading NHS initiative is preventing Type 2 diabetes and empowering hundreds of thousands of people across England to lead healthier lives.

“Having the opportunity to prevent this life-altering condition via the NHS is remarkable but it is also important that people are aware of their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The ‘Know you risk’ online tool is a quick and easy way of calculating your chance of getting Type 2 diabetes or you can always speak with your GP.”

Click HERE to try the ‘Know Your Risk’ tool hosted by Diabetes UK.

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes. Around nine out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2, and there are around two million people in England at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

It is a complex health condition with multiple risk factors that include age, family history and ethnicity. However, living with obesity is the single greatest risk factor and accounts for 80-85% of someone’s risk of developing the condition.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said: “We know that prevention is better than treatment, and that tackling the root causes of type 2 diabetes, such as obesity and inactivity, is one of the keys to tackling cardiovascular-related illness.

“It is great to see so many people engaging in this successful programme, which is making a real difference in reducing an individual’s type 2 diabetes risk through small everyday lifestyle changes.

“We know there is more to do, which is why we are continuing to restrict junk food advertising, limiting school children’s access to fast food, and ensuring that industry is incentivised to cut sugar in soft drinks.”

Examples of the Advice Given on the Programme

Dietary Advice

• Balanced Calorie Intake: A healthy weight management approach involves eating a balanced diet with a focus on portion control and reducing overall calorie intake.
• Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: Aim for at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Choose Whole Grains: Prioritize wholegrain bread, rice, and pasta over refined versions.
• Include Protein in Meals: Ensure meals include protein sources like beans, pulses, fish, eggs, or meat.
• Healthy Fats: Choose unsaturated fats from olive oil, sunflower oil, and oily fish.
• Limit Added Sugars, Salt, and Saturated Fats: Reduce consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated fat.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
• Stress Management: Practice stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
• Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, as sleep deprivation can contribute to weight gain.
• Support System: Involve friends, family, or support groups to help you stay motivated and on track.