According to Regular Girl science guru Derek Timm, PhD, RDN, “This new study connects the dots between regularity, postbiotics and immune support.”Researchers in Japan followed 96 healthy adults over a 12-week period. Study participants received either 5.2 grams of Sunfiber or a placebo daily, and kept diaries of their cold-like symptoms. Researchers also measured the participants’ levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in their stool and their blood immune markers at the study’s beginning and at weeks 6 and 12. Bottom line: The researchers concluded that consuming Sunfiber “may affect immune function and suppress cold-like symptoms through the production of SCFAs in healthy adults.” Here are the details, and commentary by Timm.
- The Sunfiber group had a statistically significant greater number of symptom-free days than the placebo group. “The rate of no symptoms was high among both groups. However, the Sunfiber group had more healthy, symptom-free days than the placebo, which is meaningful to most people. We all want more days where we feel good and are not dragged down by symptoms.”
- There were significant differences between the Sunfiber and placebo groups for the vast majority of cold symptoms. “Sunfiber significantly reduced most general symptoms including runny nose, plugged nose, general malaise, arthralgia and chills. Additionally, Sunfiber reduced the number of days the participants experienced constipation or diarrhea. The overlap of improved digestive and cold-like symptoms demonstrates the connection between gut and immune health.”
- There were steady increases in all SCFAs, most interestingly butyric acid levels were significantly higher in Sunfiber compared with the placebo group. “SCFAs are postbiotics that confer health benefits. In addition, total SCFAs and propionate were all significantly higher than placebo. We know Sunfiber produces SCFAs including high levels of butyric acid, but it’s exciting to corroborate earlier findings.