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Short-chain fatty acids and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Nhan H T Pham1,2, Mugdha V Joglekar1, Wilson K M Wong1
1are with the Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.
Nutrition Reviews
|June 8, 2023
Summary
This review found that increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can lower fasting insulin levels, improving insulin sensitivity. However, SCFA interventions did not significantly affect fasting glucose in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health
- Gut Microbiome Research
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Reduced gut short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Clinical interventions to increase SCFAs show inconsistent results regarding glucose homeostasis.
Approach:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies up to July 2022.
- Searched PubMed and Embase using keywords related to SCFAs, obesity, diabetes, and insulin sensitivity.
- Included 23 studies analyzing SCFA interventions' effects on fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR.
Key Points:
- SCFA interventions significantly reduced fasting insulin concentrations compared to placebo (SMD = -0.15).
- Confirmed increases in SCFAs post-intervention were associated with lower fasting insulin.
- Elevated SCFAs showed a significant beneficial effect on HOMA-IR (P < 0.00001).
Conclusions:
- Increased post-intervention SCFA levels are linked to reduced fasting insulin and improved insulin sensitivity.
- SCFA interventions demonstrate potential for managing insulin resistance.
- No significant impact on fasting glucose levels was observed.
