In lab tests, both supplements changed gut bacteria, but only the control supplement increased Bifidobacterium bacteria.
Scientific Claim
In vitro analysis showed that inulin-propionate ester and inulin-control stimulated changes to gut bacterial populations, though only inulin-control had a selective effect on Bifidobacterium.
Source Excerpt
“In vitro analysis suggested that the protective effects of the inulin-propionate ester on weight gain and adipose tissue distribution were not due to changes in gut bacterial populations compared with inulin-control (see online supplementary material; figure 4A–F). Data from batch culture experiments demonstrated that inulin-control and inulin-propionate ester stimulate changes to the gut microbiota, although only inulin-control had a selective effect on Bifidobacterium.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Studies
Effects of targeted delivery of propionate to the human colon on appetite regulation, body weight maintenance and adiposity in overweight adults
The study used in vitro batch culture experiments to compare effects on gut bacteria, finding that both supplements changed bacterial populations but only the control had a selective effect on Bifidobacterium. This is a methodological finding about the mechanism of action.