In lab tests, propionate made human colon cells release more of the gut hormones that make you feel full, with higher concentrations causing bigger increases.
Scientific Claim
Propionate significantly stimulated PYY and GLP-1 release from human colonic cells in vitro, with 400 mmol/L concentrations inducing a threefold increase in PYY and 2.4-fold increase in GLP-1 secretion.
Source Excerpt
“Propionate significantly stimulated PYY secretion from human colonic cells, with concentrations of 200 mmol/L and 400 mmol/L inducing 1.8-fold and threefold rises above basal secretion, respectively (p<0.05 and p<0.001; figure 1A). Propionate also increased GLP-1 secretion, with 200 mmol/L and 400 mmol/L inducing 1.6-fold and 2.4-fold increases in GLP-1 release, respectively (p<0.001; figure 1B).”
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 cell culture experiments to directly test propionate's effect on hormone release from human colonic cells, showing statistically significant dose-dependent increases in PYY and GLP-1 secretion.