New publication demonstrates potential of Naxus® for alleviating IBD through gut microbiota alterations and increased butyrate production in mice
New publication demonstrates potential of Naxus® for alleviating IBD through gut microbiota alterations and increased butyrate production in mice
Press release
In the present study published in Molecules, the leading international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal of chemistry, the authors evaluated the potential positive effects of arabinoxylans (AX) contained in Naxus® on T-cell-dependent colitis. The findings of the study showed that Naxus® was able to induce peripherally induced Treg (pTreg) cells in the colon. This resulted in a reduction of T-cell-dependent chronic colitis due to the increased levels of butyrate-producing bacteria and luminal butyrate levels. These findings implicate that there could be a role for Naxus® in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Naxus®: a product researched and developed by BioActor
NAXUS®, an arabinoxylan extract obtained from the endosperm of wheat and is known for its beneficial health effects.
Wheat arabinoxylans (AX) are, in turn, a type of non-starch polysaccharide found in the cell walls of wheat grains. AXs are typically composed of a linear β (1-4)-linked xylan backbone with side residues of a-1-arabinofuranose units attached via α-(1-3) and/or α-(1-2) linkage.
Several clinical studies have shown that Naxus® is a powerful and well-tolerated prebiotic which induces a positive effect on the immune system and blood sugar levels by modulating the microbiome composition and Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) production.
Effect of Naxus® on the Gut Microbiota Composition and Colonic Regulatory T Cells: in vitro and in vivo study
Introduction
The study was conducted by the group of Seita Chudan and the groups’ aim was to to understand the effect of wheat-derived arabinoxylan on gut microbiota, colonic regulatory T cells (Tregs) which are a specific subset of T cells that suppresses the immune response, and experimental colitis, this way, discussing the importance of a healthy gut microbiota and its connection to immune function and disease.
Many studies have looked at how AXs from wheat affect the bacteria and compounds in our gut, as well as a type of antibody present in the immune system called Immunoglobulin A (IgA).
However, not many studies have shown how AX might be helpful in treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a condition that is characterized by inflammation of the GI tract. One recent study has looked at how AX might help with a type of IBD called DSS-induced colitis, but it’s still unclear if AX can prevent colitis.
Therefore, it is important to understand how wheat AXs affect the immune system and colitis, particularly in cases caused by the acquired immune system.
Methods
In this study, healthy and chronic colitis model mice were fed with food containing cellulose or Naxus® for 2–6 weeks and subjected to subsequent analysis of the gut microbiota composition and the number of colonic regulatory T cells in both groups.
Results
The results of this study indicate that Naxus® promotes the development of colonic pTregs and helps to reduce T-cell-dependent chronic colitis. The number of colonic regulatory T cells was significantly higher in the Naxus® group compared to the control group. These positive effects may be due to changes in the gut microbiota and increased levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate.
Table 1: Quantification of fecal SCFA in mice fed with food containing CE (cellulose) or AX (n = 8)
Butyrate is produced by certain bacteria in the Lachnospiraceae family, such as Eubacterium and Roseburia spp., Increases in Lachnospiraceae bacteria were linked to an increase in fecal butyrate concentration and a greater number of colonic Tregs in the Naxus®-fed mice.
In a T cell transfer model of chronic colitis, Naxus® was found to improve body weight loss and reduce colonic tissue inflammation, possibly through Treg induction. In addition, in this colitis model, wheat-derived arabinoxylan decreased TNFα production from type 1 helper T cells.
Therefore, Naxus® could be a useful prebiotic for preventing colitis by modifying the gut microbiota and shifting the metabolite production more towards butyrate.
Conclusion
This study shows that Naxus® has positive effects in a mouse model of chronic colitis. These improvements are linked to the alterations in the gut microenvironment by regulating the gut microbiota composition and increasing the number of colonic regulatory T cells, which could have implications for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and other immune-related diseases.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands, is a product development company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. The company focuses on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy ageing. The goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Naxus® has to offer.
Further information can also be found on: www.naxus.nl.
Exploring the ways blood sugar impacts your health
Exploring the ways blood sugar impacts your health
Are you aware that your blood sugar levels can change frequently, and it is important to maintain a stable level in order to improve your overall health? In this article, you will get acquainted with the reason your blood sugar levels might fluctuate, the effects of these changes on your health, and tips to help you on maintaining a stable blood sugar level.
Sugar and blood sugar levels
Sugars and carbohydrates are widely consumed substances across the world. They play a vital role in providing energy to the body and in regulating the blood sugar levels, or blood glucose levels, throughout the day (1).
After a meal, our metabolism works to keep our blood sugar levels steady. It does this by reducing the production of sugar (glucose) and promoting its storage as both short-term and long-term energy reserves (2).
The way your body metabolism responds after eating depends on the type of sugar you consume – simple sugars or complex sugars (1). Foods such as sugar-sweetened foods, beverages, and refined grains are a source of simple sugars, which are associated with higher increases on blood sugar levels.
Sources of complex sugars include minimally processed grains, legumes, and whole fruits. These are considered as a better option to maintain a steady blood sugar level.
When simple sugars and complex sugars are consumed in excess, or under consumed from processed food sources, acute and/or chronic conditions might arise as consequences.
What happens if your blood sugar levels are too high?
We already know that high blood sugar levels might have negative impacts on our health. Stress, some sort of medications, insulin resistance and an unhealthy lifestyle are the core of the increasing of the blood sugar levels (2,3).
Usually, people with higher blood sugar levels tend to experience an increase in feeling thirsty and they have a higher urinating frequency. Experiencing blurred vision, headaches, and fatigue are also symptoms.
On the long term, high blood sugar levels are associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other organ damages, like nerves, eyes, kidneys, and brain (3).
What happens if your blood sugar levels are too low?
On the other hand, the low blood sugar levels might also have negative impact on your health, occurring when you don’t eat enough carbohydrates according to your nutritional requirements or when the physical exercise is inappropriate in contrast to your food intake (2).
If your body is deprived of having enough fuel to sustain life, the central nervous system won’t be able to synthesize glucose, store, or concentrate glucose from the body circulation (4). As consequence, a brief decrease on the blood sugar levels might cause severe central nervous system dysfunction, and a prolonged decrease might cause cell death and coma.
Commonly, but depending on the severity and duration of the low blood sugar level, people tend to experience shakiness, confusion, irritability, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
Strategies to maintain a stable blood sugar level
To begin with, it is important to understand what the normal blood sugar levels are. A fasting blood glucose level between 70 and 99 mg/dL is considered normal regardless of some variations caused by diet, physical exercise or medication as mentioned before (1–2).
When the blood sugar levels are higher or lower than this level some strategies need to be considered:
1. Implementing a healthy diet according to your nutritional needs is one of the strategies to maintain a stable blood sugar levels (5).
Specifically, consuming high in fibre foods such as foods rich in whole grains as source of arabinoxylans seems to be a good adding to a healthy diet along with fruits and vegetables (6). Curious about arabinoxylans? Read our article here.
What’s more? Lean proteins, and healthy fats and limited added sugars consuming are as well associated with better blood sugar control.
2. Physical exercise is an essential part of a comprehensive lifestyle changing (5). Studies have shown that both aerobic and resistance training have positive effects, and that combining the two types of exercise has even more positive effects. This way, combining a healthy eating with physical exercise is crucial on stabilising the blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight balance.
Why is it important to keep blood sugar stable?
Summarising, having high blood sugar levels increase the chances of developing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. On the other hand, having low blood sugar levels can cause problems with cognitive function and other complications. This way, adopting a healthy diet, being physically active, and controlling your weight might helping you on maintaining a stable blood sugar levels and lower the risk of experiencing these adverse health effects.
MEET US - BioActor Presenting MicrobiomeX® and Naxus® at the 15th Annual IPC conference
MEET US – BioActor Presenting MicrobiomeX® and Naxus® at the 15th Annual IPC conference
Press release
The 15th International Scientific Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota and Health – IPC2022 will be held during 27 – 30 June 2022 in Bratislava. BioActor is an active contributor and confirmed partner of this conference. Hans van der Saag (CEO) will present on our ingredient Naxus®, a prebiotic with metabolic and immune effects, and Yala Stevens (CSO) presents the clinical and mechanistic research on MicrobiomeX® in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and elderly subjects.
BioActor Presenting MicrobiomeX® and Naxus® at the 15th Annual IPC conference
The 15th International Scientific Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota and Health – IPC2022 will be held during 27 – 30 June 2022 in Bratislava.
The IPC conference is the world’s biggest scientific conference that focuses solely on basic and applied research of probiotics, prebiotics, gut microbiota and health. More than 400 scientists from over more than 80 countries have attended the conference last season.
The scientific program will focus on current advances in the research, production and use of probiotics and prebiotics with particular focus on their role in maintaining health and preventing diseases. At IPC, leading scientists from industry and academia present current advances in understanding and influencing the interaction between gut microbiota and human health.
The conference enables the interactive exchange of state-of-the-art knowledge. It is focused on evidence-based benefits, health claims proven in scientific experiments and clinical trials.
BioActor is an active contributor and confirmed partner of this conference. Hans van der Saag (CEO) will present on our ingredient Naxus®, a prebiotic with metabolic and immune effects, and Yala Stevens (CSO) presents the clinical and mechanistic research on MicrobiomeX® in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and elderly subjects.
Naxus® presentation by Hans van der Saag (CEO)
Naxus® is a native arabinoxylan extract from the wheat endosperm. It is a powerful and well-tolerated prebiotic with metabolic and immune effects. Due to its complex branched structure, Naxus® is slowly and selectively fermented by multiple species of the microbiota, inducing a remarkable bifidogenic effect without causing gas formation and intestinal discomfort. It induces a remarkable microbiota shift and increased short-chain fatty acids production, with proven effects on immune health and glycemic control.
MicrobiomeX® presentation by Yala Stevens (CSO)
MicrobiomeX® is a natural extract from citrus fruit designed to beneficially modulate the microbiome composition in the gut. It’s a first-in-class Flavobiotic® that protects the gut barrier and directly leverages the gut microbiome’s potential. This results in enhanced immune health, as well as anti-inflammatory effects.
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with various symptoms including pain and discomfort in the abdomen. Also, elderly often develop imbalances in their gut microbiota and often experience discomfort.
Patients with IBS and elderly would benefit substantially from treatments that could relieve their symptoms and improve their gut health. The flavonoids in MicrobiomeX® have the potential to benefit individuals with gastrointestinal conditions because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Business opportunities
The IPC conference is a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from all over the world and make new contacts. Hans van der Saag (CEO) and Yala Stevens (CSO) will be there to represent BioActor’s portfolio, with a focus on our gut health ingredients. Feel free to pass by at any time to chat about our innovative ingredients for gut health support!
We look forward to meeting you in Bratislava!
The IPC 2022 conference will take place from 27 to 30 June 2022.
Where: Hviezdoslavovo námestie 3, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands, is a product development company that supplies proprietary bioactive formulations to the nutrition & healthcare industry. The company focuses on the development of innovative bioactives that address active living and healthy ageing. The goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
For further information, see www.bioactor.com or visit https://microbiomex.com/ or https://naxus.nl/
What are prebiotics? Types and health benefits
What are prebiotics? Types and health benefits
Prebiotics are a big topic in nutrition these days. As with probiotics, their relationship with human health has gathered a lot of interest in recent years. Prebiotics are compounds derived from non-digestible carbohydrates that confer health benefits to the host by selectively stimulating the growth of intestinal bacteria.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that confer health benefits to the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of a limited number of our intestinal bacteria [1].
Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), and trans-galacto-oligosaccharides (TOS) are the most common prebiotics.
Fermentation of prebiotics by gut microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as lactate, butyrate, and propionate. These SCFAs have multiple beneficial effects on the body and gut health, as SCFAs are small enough to enter blood circulation through gut cells.
The difference between probiotics and prebiotics is that, while probiotics are beneficial bacteria, prebiotics are the food for these bacteria. Both are important for human health, but they have different roles. Probiotics are live bacteria and prebiotics are compounds derived from non-digestible carbohydrates –mostly fibre.
Did you know you can combine prebiotics and probiotics to create synbiotic dietary supplements? Read more about that here!
What are the different types of prebiotics?
There are various types of prebiotics. These include:
• Fructans. In this category, we can find inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Several bacterial species can be promoted directly or indirectly by fructans.
• Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). GOS can greatly stimulate Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, as well as Enterobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes to a lesser extent [2].
• Hemicellulose-derived oligosaccharides. These are derived from hemicellulosic macromolecules such as arabinoxylans. Arabinoxylans have demonstrated to produce a strong prebiotic activity, in particular bifidogenic.
• Starch and glucose-derived oligosaccharides. Resistant starch, a type of starch resistant to the upper gut digestion, can stimulate the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) [3]. Polydextrose, a glucose-derived oligosaccharide, can also stimulate Bifidobacteria [4].
• Pectic oligosaccharides (POS). Some oligosaccharides come from a polysaccharide called pectin. This type of oligosaccharide is called pectic oligosaccharide (POS).
• Non-carbohydrate oligosaccharides. Although carbohydrates are more likely to meet the criteria to be considered prebiotics, there are other compounds not classified as carbohydrates, but that can be classified as prebiotics, such as some flavanols [5].
What are the health benefits of prebiotics?
Research shows that prebiotics have several health benefits. These include the following:
• Modulation of the microbiota. Prebiotics provide energy sources to gut microbiota. This way, they are able to modulate the function and composition of these microorganisms [6].
• Modulation of the immune system. SCFAs have multiple benefits in the immune system, such as increasing antibody responses toward viral vaccines, like influenza and measles [7].
• Prevention of colorectal cancer. Fermentation products of probiotics, such as butyrate, have protective effects against the risk of colorectal cancer [8, 9].
• Prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis. Prebiotics can prevent the development of this life-threatening disease in preterm infants [10].
• Decrease the risk of allergic skin diseases. Prebiotics decrease both the risk of development and the severity of atopic dermatitis [11, 12].
• Reduction of the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Prebiotics are able to lower the risk of CVD by reducing the inflammatory elements, improving lipid profile [7].
• Increase in calcium absorption. Some prebiotics can help increase calcium absorption [13].
How can I add prebiotics to my diet?
Prebiotics play an important role in human health, so it is important to consume them. They can be found in foods that are high in fibre, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole-grain products. Foods that are high in prebiotic fibre include:
• Wheat
• Soybeans
• Oats
• Bananas
• Tomatoes
• Berries
• Asparagus
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Onions
• Chicory
Another option to increase prebiotic intake are supplements. They can be purchased in health food stores and online. They can be found in capsule form, in powder blends or even in bars.
Prebiotics are generally considered safe. They can have some minor side effects, such as diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. However, prebiotics’ chain length is the main parameter related to the development of these side effects.
Prebiotics with a shorter chain length have more side effects because they are fermented earlier and more rapidly, while longer chain prebiotics –such as arabinoxylans from wheat– are fermented later and slower.
Not all Arabinoxylans are the same: let's find out the difference
Not all Arabinoxylans are the same: let’s find out the difference
Arabinoxylans are soluble fibres extracted from cereal grains, such as the wheat endosperm. However, not all arabinoxylans share the same structure, which affects not only the physicochemical properties, but also their health benefits. They vary in the degree of polymerization, solubility, degree of substitution or presence of antioxidants, such as ferulic acid.
What are arabinoxylans?
Arabinoxylans are soluble fibres extractable from cereal grains. Arabinoxylans have been identified in all major cereal grains, including wheat, barley, oats, rye, rice, sorghum, maize, and millet. In cereal grains, arabinoxylans are localized mainly in the cell walls of starchy endosperm and the aleurone layer, in the bran tissues, and in the husk of some cereals.
Arabinoxylans can be used as a dietary supplement due to their beneficial effects on gut health, glycaemic control and immune health.
Moreover, due to the physicochemical and technological properties of these molecules (e.g. water-binding capacity, gelation), arabinoxylans can also be used as a baking additive to improve dough consistency, increase loaf volumes and improve crumb structure.
The general structure of arabinoxylans
Arabinoxylans are very long molecules consisting of a copolymer of two pentose sugars: arabinose and xylose. The general structure of arabinoxylans is formed by a backbone of xylose with arabinose residues attached to xylose units in different positions.
The relative amount and the sequence of distribution of these structural elements vary depending on the source of arabinoxylans. The majority of arabinose residues in arabinoxylans are present as monomeric substituents; however, a small proportion of oligomeric side chains consisting of two or more arabinose residues have been reported.
Therefore, although arabinoxylans share a common general structure, one important distinction between them is chain length. Chain length is an important feature, as it influences the industrial applications and health benefits of arabinoxylans. For instance, while arabinoxylans from wheat endosperm have an average chain length higher than 60, arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (AXOS) extracted from wheat have an average chain length of 2–10.
On the other hand, the molecular structure of arabinoxylans from rice, sorghum, finger millet, and maize bran is slightly different than the one from wheat, rye, and barley, since the side branches contain, in addition to arabinose residues, small amounts of other compounds, which can confer additional health benefits or physicochemical properties.
Not all arabinoxylans share the same structure
Arabinoxylans from various cereals and different plant tissues share the same general molecular structure. However, depending on the genus and species, the amount and structure of arabinoxylans in a particular tissue may differ drastically, which affects not only their physicochemical properties, but also their health benefits.
Arabinoxylans as part of dietary fibre have many potential physiological effects along the gastrointestinal tract. These effects are dependent on a complex mixture of molecular and physical properties of arabinoxylan preparations, as well as on the site, rate, and extent of their digestion and fermentation in the gut.
These differences are reflected, among others, in the degree of polymerization (chain length), solubility, degree of substitution or presence of other substituents, such as feruloyl groups.
• Degree of polymerization
It represents the length of the arabinoxylan chain, and it is related to a greater bifidogenic effect. [1]
For instance, native arabinoxylans from wheat endosperm have an average degree of polymerization higher than 60 and, often, higher than 100; while other fibres such as arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (AXOS) and inulin typically have a degree of polymerization of 2–10. [2]
• Solubility
The wheat endosperm contains the highest amount of soluble arabinoxylans, which is associated with a greater bifidogenic effect.
Insoluble arabinoxylans are typically found in the bran, stalks or corn stover, and are not likely to be digested in the large intestine.
Moreover, the extraction of water-insoluble arabinoxylans requires the use of cell wall blasting enzymes or strong alkaline chemicals.
Such heavy enzymatic or chemical treatment has a negative impact on both chain length and ferulic acid bonds. [1] Often, these extracted molecules are no longer arabinoxylans, but have become AXOS.
• Degree of substitution
It represents the ratio of arabinose to xylose residues. The presence of arabinose substitution also affects the fermentation ability of microorganisms.
While arabinoxylans support the growth of some bacterial species, unsubstituted xylans are not fermented by any of the probiotic bacteria.
Unsubstituted xylans form insoluble aggregates and hinder the accessibility of the bacteria. [1]
• Presence of substituents
The beneficial role of arabinoxylans in the human diet may also be associated with the presence of other substituents, such as ferulic acid covalently bound to these polymers.
Ferulic acid is considered a natural antioxidant, food antimicrobial agent, anti-inflammatory agent, photoprotectant and food flavour precursor. [3]
In conclusion, although arabinoxylans from various cereals share the same general structure, the specific structure varies greatly. These differences in structure are characterized by different factors (degree of polymerization, solubility…), which determine the potential health benefits and physicochemical properties of arabinoxylans, thus affecting the industrial applications of these molecules.
Technological properties of arabinoxylans as baking additives
Technological properties of arabinoxylans as baking additives
Arabinoxylans are soluble fibres extracted from cereal grains, such as the wheat endosperm. Due to the physicochemical and technological properties of these molecules, arabinoxylans can be used as a baking additive to improve dough consistency, increase loaf volumes, improve crumb structure and decrease bread staling. Arabinoxylans are palatable and arabinoxylan-rich foods are well accepted by consumers.
What are arabinoxylans?
Arabinoxylans are soluble fibres extractable from cereal grains. Arabinoxylans have been identified in all major cereal grains, including wheat, barley, oats, rye, rice, sorghum, maize, and millet.
In cereal grains, arabinoxylans are localized mainly in the cell walls of starchy endosperm and the aleurone layer, in the bran tissues, and in the husk of some cereals.
Arabinoxylans can be used as a dietary supplement due to their beneficial effects on gut health, glycaemic control and immune health.
Depending on the genus and species, the amount and structure of arabinoxylans in a particular tissue may vary. For instance, in wheat, there is more arabinoxylan in the walls surrounding the cells of starchy endosperm than in those of aleurone.
Not all arabinoxylans are the same. They vary on the degree of polymerization, which represents the length of the arabinoxylan chains, and on the soluble arabinoxylan content, among others.
Arabinoxylans as technologically functional food ingredients
The role of arabinoxylans in the bread-making processes and their effects on the final bread product have been widely studied. Soluble arabinoxylans, such as those found in the wheat endosperm, have positive effects on dough consistency, loaf volumes, crumb structure and bread staling.
All these characteristics contribute to their utility not only in the bread-making process, but also as neutraceuticals incorporated into functional foods. Arabinoxylans are palatable and arabinoxylan-rich foods are well accepted by consumers. Arabinoxylans have been successfully added to bread, porridge or biscuits, among others.
• Dough consistency
A clear distinction needs to be made between soluble and insoluble arabinoxylans. When added to wheat flour, soluble arabinoxylans, compete for water with other flour constituents. As a consequence, dough consistency is increased.
In opposition, insoluble arabinoxylans can form physical barriers for the gluten network during dough development. The resulting gluten has lower extensibility, which decreases dough consistency.
• Loaf volumes
Soluble arabinoxylans increase the viscosity of the dough’s aqueous phase and, thus, have a positive effect both on dough structure and stability, especially during the early baking processes.
This increased stability surrounding the gas cells is very useful in prolonging oven rise, which leads to an increased loaf volume.
Insoluble arabinoxylans, on the other hand, destabilize dough structure and have a negative effect on loaf volume. They also absorb a large amount of water, leaving less available water for proper gluten development and film formation, resulting in a lower loaf volume.
• Crumb structure
As mentioned, soluble arabinoxylans increase the viscosity of the dough’s aqueous phase, leading to greater dough stability. This increased stability surrounding the gas cells also leads to an improved crumb structure.
• Bread staling
Another functional property of arabinoxylans is associated with their role in bread staling. Bread staling is a complex phenomenon involving loss of aroma, deterioration of crust characteristics and increase in crumb firmness. Stale bread is dry and hard.
Over a 7-day storage period, arabinoxylan-fortified bread exhibits lower crumb hardness than the controls without added arabinoxylans. This is attributed to the higher moisture content in the bread fortified with arabinoxylans, as well as to the plasticizing effects of water. [1]
The bottom line
Due to the physicochemical and technological properties (e.g. water-binding capacity, gelation) of soluble arabinoxylans, such as those found in the wheat endosperm, these molecules can be used as a baking additive to improve dough consistency, increase loaf volumes, improve crumb structure and decrease bread staling. Arabinoxylans are palatable and arabinoxylan-rich foods are well accepted by consumers.
What are the health benefits of wheat arabinoxylans?
What are the health benefits of wheat arabinoxylans?
Wheat arabinoxylans are a type of non-starch polysaccharide found in the cell walls of wheat grains. The interest in these molecules has been increasing over time due to their proven health benefits. The consumption of wheat arabinoxylans results in a strong prebiotic effect, enhancement in overall gut health and immunity, and improvement in metabolic parameters such as blood glucose and insulin levels.
What are arabinoxylans?
Arabinoxylans are a type of non-starch polysaccharide found in the cell walls of cereal grains. Arabinoxylans have been identified in all major cereal grains, including wheat, barley, oats, rye, rice, sorghum, maize, and millet. They are localized mainly in the cell walls of starchy endosperm and the aleurone layer, in the bran, and in the husk.
Not all arabinoxylans are the same. Depending on the cereal, the amount and structure of arabinoxylans in a particular tissue may vary. Wheat arabinoxylans are formed by side chains linked by α-(1→2) and/or α-(1→3) bonds along the xylan backbone, and xyloses are most commonly mono-substituted.
The molecular structure of arabinoxylans is also dependent on the extraction method applied. Arabinoxylans can be extracted using chemical, enzymatic, or physical treatments. The different extraction techniques results in differences in the degree of polymerization (which represents the length of the arabinoxylan chains), and the content of soluble arabinoxylan.
As with all dietary fibres, their physicochemical characteristics affect the degree to which they are utilised by the gut microbiota. Higher degrees of polymerization and concentrations of soluble fibre are related to greater bifidogenic effects. [1]
Wheat arabinoxylans can be used as a dietary supplement due to their beneficial effects on gut health, glycaemic control and immune health.
Moreover, due to the physicochemical and technological properties of these molecules (e.g. water-binding capacity, gelation), wheat arabinoxylans can also be used as a baking additive to improve dough consistency, increase loaf volumes and improve crumb structure.
The health benefits of wheat arabinoxylans
Research around wheat arabinoxylans has suggested that these compounds, as part of dietary fibre, have many beneficial physiological effects along the entire human gastrointestinal tract.
These effects are dependent on a complex mixture of molecular and physical properties of arabinoxylan preparations, as well as on the site, rate and extent of their digestion and fermentation in the gut.
Wheat arabinoxylans have strong prebiotic properties
Arabinoxylans have strong prebiotic properties, by selectively stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, such as Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides species. [2,3]
This change in the microbiota is associated with positive health outcomes, such as improved overall health, decreased gut infections and enhanced mineral absorption.
Additionally, the fermentation of prebiotics by intestinal bacteria results in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have numerous favourable effects.
These effects include the inhibition of harmful bacteria, colon cancer prevention or improvement of glucose tolerance, among others. [4]
Wheat arabinoxylans improve glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity
Evidence suggests that arabinoxylans from wheat improve metabolic control in people with impaired glucose tolerance and with Diabetes type 2, by improving blood glucose and insulin levels.
The short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) formed from the metabolization of arabinoxylans by the gut microbiota are mainly butyrate, acetate and propionate. Acetate and propionate can bind to a specific protein receptor called GPCR43 in the colon.
After binding, the secretion of two peptides (PYY and GLP-1) is increased. This leads to lowered intestinal motility and a decrease in the levels of a hunger hormone called ghrelin. These processes are key to improving glucose handling. [5,6]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that there is sufficient scientific evidence to substantiate the health claim that the consumption of arabinoxylans produced from wheat endosperm contributes to a reduction of the glucose rise after a meal. [7]
Some other soluble fibres have also been associated with this health benefit; however, one of the advantages of arabinoxylans lies in their higher palatability.
Wheat arabinoxylans boost immune health
Arabinoxylans have immunomodulatory properties. Specifically, they may enhance adaptive immunity, innate immunity and gut barrier integrity:
1. Adaptive immunity. Arabinoxylans may enhance vaccination efficacy against influenza, resulting in fewer adverse events, fewer respiratory tract infections and an improved seroprotection rate. [8]
2. Innate immunity. As mentioned, arabinoxylans may promote a beneficial short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile. This leads to increased cytokine production, improved monocytes recruitment capacity, and activation of regulatory T-cells, resulting in increased immune system vigilance. All these cells are involved in keeping the immune system in check by making sure that it returns to a stable state after invaders have been successfully cleaned up. [9,10]
3. Gut barrier integrity. The short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate provides additional energy to the gut cells and strengthens the mucus layer. Arabinoxylans further induce the upregulation of tight junction proteins, protecting the human body against foreign invaders and strengthening the immune system. [11,12]
How can you add wheat arabinoxylans to your diet?
Though in small concentrations, wheat arabinoxylans are naturally found in wheat-based products. However, if you want to increase the intake of these compounds in your diet, dietary supplements or enriched functional foods are also available. They can be found in capsule form, in powder blends, bars and even products such as enriched bread, pasta, and a variety of other snacks.
Generally, 1 to 5 grams of arabinoxylans daily are enough to benefit from their prebiotic effect. Regarding EFSA’s health claim on glycaemic control, at least 8% of arabinoxylan-rich fibre produced from wheat endosperm per unit of available carbohydrates should be consumed.
Wheat arabinoxylans are generally considered safe and well tolerated by the gut, meaning that they do not cause intestinal discomfort. [13,14]
What are postbiotics? Let's find out!
What are postbiotics? Let’s find out!
Probiotics and prebiotics are very popular nowadays for their positive effects on gut health. Most recently, postbiotics, which are products or metabolites released from microbial fermentation, have also gained attention due to their health benefits. However, they are still unknown to the majority of consumers.
What are postbiotics?
Postbiotics are defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. In other words, they are the bacterial products or metabolites released from microbial fermentation.
For this reason, postbiotics include several types of compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids (that have several health benefits), microbial cell fragments, functional proteins, extracellular polysaccharides, cell lysates or teichoic acid.
Unlike probiotics, postbiotics do not need to be alive to be beneficial, so they are more stable than the living bacteria they are derived from. [1]
Why postbiotics?
Why postbiotics when I can already take probiotics and prebiotics? This may be a question that comes up.
It is important to understand that gut microbiota composition varies between individuals. This means that the degree to which different components are metabolized may be different among persons.
As a result, probiotics and prebiotics may have different health effects between individuals. Moreover, temporal changes in our gut microbiota composition could also influence the effects of these compounds.
On the other hand, many positive health effects of probiotics and prebiotics are due to the production of components such as short-chain fatty acids, microbial fragments, functional proteins or teichoic acid.
As mentioned before, these components are postbiotics, which means that when postbiotics are taken, these components are directly ingested.
If you want to know more about prebiotics, check this article. Or if you are familiar with prebiotics, this article about synbiotics might be for you!
What are the health benefits of postbiotics?
Research suggests that postbiotics may have several health benefits. These include the following:
• Modulation of the microbiota. Postbiotics components such as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, are beneficial for gut health. [2]
• Modulation of the immune system. Butyrate can stimulate the production of T cells in the intestine, which helps control immune responses. Other components such as microbial cell wall fragments can increase the production of cytokines, which are chemical messengers that help reduce inflammation and boost immune responses. [2,3]
• Modulation of the metabolism. Propionate, a short-chain fatty acid, can help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. On the other hand, butyrate can stimulate the production of an antioxidant called glutathione. [1,2]
• Weight loss aid. Short-chain fatty acids may help weight loss through the modification of eating behaviours. This is due to the release of hormones that increase satiety. [1]
• Reduction of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. A study in 443 individuals with IBS involving orally administered, heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum, found that the postbiotic substantially alleviated symptoms associated with IBS, such as abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating and abnormal bowel habits. [4]
• Other potential benefits. Orally administered, inactivated lactic acid bacteria may help eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic unexplained diarrhoea and the abrogation of the negative effects of stress. [1]
How can I add postbiotics to my diet?
Postbiotics are not as easy to find as probiotics and prebiotics, but they can be purchased in health food stores and online. They are generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
As postbiotics are generated from fermentation by the bacteria in your gut, you can increase postbiotics production by eating foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods and drinks, such as yoghurt, kefir, tempeh or kombucha. Prebiotics can be found in high fibre foods, such as vegetables and whole-grain products.
Naxus® positive clinical results on its contribution towards an effective vaccination in elderly individuals
Naxus® positive clinical results on its contribution towards an effective vaccination in elderly individuals
Press release
The results of the recent clinical trial displayed the significant benefits of Naxus® towards the efficacy of vaccines . Naxus® led to a significant positive changes in parameters such as, cytokine production, microbiota composition, and fecal PH compared to other non-digestible polysaccharides.
The Clinical Benefits of Naxus®
Immunosenescence is the process of deterioration of immune system functionality, mostly present in the elderly. Effective vaccination of the older adult is therefore a rising concern and a point to consider. BioActor has published the results of its recent clinical trial on Naxus®, an arabinoxylan extract from wheat endosperm on vaccination efficiency in Nutrients (Laue et al. 2021). Naxus® was compared to other non-digestible polysaccharides (NSPs): Wellmune®, Oatwell®, a beta-glucan from shiitake and exopolysaccharide preparation from L. Mucosae. NSPs are known for their promising effects on improving the immune response. From all investigated products, daily supplementation of Naxus® improved vaccination efficiency most effectively. Naxus® was further found to be safe, tolerable and feasible as a supplement.
The participants that completed the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study were 231 of 239 subjects. Participants where split into six groups, each consuming a different non-digestible polysaccharide or control: Naxus®, Oatwell®, Wellmune®, a beta-glucan preparation from shiitake prepared according to a pre-specified procedure or an exopolysaccharide preparation from L. Mucosae for the duration of 5 weeks. The study showed significant beneficial changes in the Naxus® group compared to control in several parameters such as, cytokine production, microbiota composition and fecal pH.
Some of these beneficial changes could be linked with the significant increase in the abundance of Bifidobacterium in the gut that Naxus® demonstrated in the study. This increase is associated with a reduced infection, duration of influenza and severity of the common cold. Furthermore, an increase in IFN-γ was observed as a result of Naxus® consumption. IFN-y cytokines are produced by natural killer cells, which function as the first in line of defense against viral infections.
The researchers conclude that Naxus® is the most effective compound tested, compared to other NSPs, in this study to promote an adjuvant effect on the immune response to vaccination. Although lack of understanding of the underlying mechanism, strong immunomodulatory are likely to explain the effect. Previous In-vitro work already demonstrated convincing links between the innate immune system and Naxus®. An enhanced vigilance of the immune system could therefore be the key to an explanation of the vaccination efficiency.
In conclusion, the findings in this study show a valuable contribution of Naxus® to our body, functioning as a prebiotic and enhancing protection against unwanted intruders!
BioActor’s Chief Scientific Officer, Yala Stevens says: “I am very happy with the publication of the vaccination trial, as it is the culmination of a great effort and collaboration involving multiple partners. These interesting results I believe are also very relevant and deserve to be shared within the scientific community and beyond.”
Naxus® can be applied in various finished dosage forms, including bars, granola, flapjacks, capsules, stick packs, scoopable powder.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands, is a product development company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. The company focuses on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy aging. The goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact us via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Naxus® has to offer.
Further information can be found on: www.naxus.nl
Partnership between BioActor and Wageningen University to integrate microbiota and immunity into a miniaturized assay
Partnership between BioActor and Wageningen University to integrate microbiota and immunity into a miniaturized assay
Press release
The intestine-on-a-chip model is a promising technology to revolutionize the currently used in vitro methods to better emulate the complex in vivo human intestinal physiology
The project
BioActor is thrilled to be an industrial partner of the INIMINI project, in partnership with Wageningen University & Research. The project “INIMINI-health: immune- and microbiota-competent intestine-on-a-chip to study health-promoting nutrition and drugs”, funded by Health Holland, aims to integrate microbiota and immunity into a miniaturized assay.
The intestine-on-a-chip model is a promising technology to revolutionize the currently used in vitro methods to better emulate the complex in vivo human intestinal physiology, providing an alternative for animal models in which species differences and ethical concerns are problematic. With this innovative tool, it will be possible to explore food interventions (and food-drug interactions) that can be used to prevent a compromised intestinal immune system and/or to treat the consequences.
The project consortium is a unique combination of knowledge partners (TO2 and academic institutes), six industry partners (Dutch and international) along the value chain, and the Dutch Maag Lever Darm Stichting (MLDS) as the key patient organization. BioActor will provide its knowledge on the physiological effects of flavonoids and arabinoxylans on the gut microbiota and the immune system.
This embodies the ‘quadruple helix’ approach that contributes to the overarching mission of “vital functioning citizens in a healthy economy”.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands, is a life science company that develops and markets proprietary bioactives for the nutrition & healthcare industries. The company focuses on clinically validated innovative bioactives that address active living and healthy ageing. The goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer real health benefits to the consumer.
For further information, see www.bioactor.com
