Combined resistant dextrin and low-dose Mg oxide administration increases short-chain fatty acid and lactic acid production by gut microbiota Original paper

What was studied?

This study investigated the effects of combining resistant dextrin (RD) with magnesium oxide (MgO) on short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and lactic acid production by the gut microbiota. The research aimed to understand how these dietary components influenced the gut microbiome in both mouse models and humans, specifically focusing on their impact on SCFA and lactic acid production, which are important for gut health.

Who was studied?

The study involved both animal (mouse) models and human subjects. In the animal model, mice were fed a diet supplemented with RD and MgO, and their cecal contents were analyzed for SCFA and lactic acid production. The human subjects included healthy adults who were given a similar combination of RD and magnesium supplements for a set period and were monitored for changes in fecal SCFA and lactic acid levels.

What were the most important findings?

The most significant finding from this study was that the combination of RD and low-dose magnesium oxide (MgO) promoted increased production of SCFAs and lactic acid in both mice and humans. In mice, feeding a 5% RD diet combined with low doses of MgO (10 mg/kg) significantly boosted the production of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), SCFAs (including acetic, propionic, and butyric acid), and lactic acid compared to other treatments. High doses of MgO (250 mg/kg) had the opposite effect, suppressing the production of these metabolites. In humans, a similar increase in G6P and lactic acid production was observed when RD and magnesium supplements were combined, suggesting a consistent effect across species. Furthermore, the study highlighted that magnesium is essential for optimizing the effects of RD on microbiota metabolism, and that high MgO doses can have a suppressive, osmotic effect that diminishes SCFA and lactic acid production.

What are the greatest implications of this study?

The findings from this study have significant implications for dietary interventions aimed at improving gut health. By combining RD with low-dose MgO, it may be possible to promote beneficial SCFA and lactic acid production, which are associated with improved gut function, immunity, and metabolism. These results suggest that magnesium supplementation could be used strategically to enhance the benefits of prebiotics like resistant dextrin. This could be especially useful for managing conditions such as constipation, metabolic disorders, or inflammation, where SCFA production plays a key role in disease management. The study also cautions that high doses of magnesium may have adverse effects, emphasizing the need for optimal dosage in clinical recommendations and interventions.