A study from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland has demonstrated the potential of prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) to improve fatty liver health in humans. This research is significant as it is the first to explore these effects directly in people. The study involved 42 overweight adults who took a daily dose of 2.8 grams of XOS for four months.
Key findings include:
- Reduction of Harmful Metabolites: The supplement decreased certain amino acid-derived metabolites in the gut associated with liver fat accumulation.
- Influence of Gut Microbiota: Those with imbalanced gut microbiota saw the most benefit, with XOS helping to restore microbiota balance and reducing visceral fat.
- Variable Responses: Participants with more advanced fatty liver disease showed weaker responses to XOS.
The study suggests XOS could lead to personalized treatments for fatty liver disease, though further research is necessary to solidify these claims. The research was funded by an Academy Research Fellow grant and published in the journal npj Gut and Liver.
For additional details, the original study can be found here.
