Abstract: Branched chain fatty acids (BF) are a common component of the human food supply but remain neglected as bioactive nutrients. The mean intake of BF in the US exceeds 500 mg/d and originates primarily from ruminant foods, dairy, and beef. In Asia where dairy is less consumed, BF is derived from some fermented foods, such as nattÅ consumed in Japan. Most of the existing data on BF is derived from studies of purified BF rather than oils rich in BF, as with omega-3 PUFA. These studies are mostly pre-clinical, in cells or mice, and show that BF influence gut microbiota, gut enterocyte composition and inflammatory responses, and may have a role in normalizing gut health. A proprietary strain of spore-forming Bacillus subtilis (strain “BG01-4™”) makes high levels of BF and can be consumed as a sachet powder. An RCT (ACTRN12621001441808p) investigated the effects of deactivated B subtilis BG01-4™ on functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in 67 participants over four weeks, using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). The experimental group showed significant improvement in self-reported constipation symptoms (33% vs 15% in placebo), while both groups demonstrated similar improvements in total gastrointestinal symptoms and diarrhea. Secondary analyses revealed significant improvements in symptom clusters, including constipation (18%), indigestion (11%), and dyspepsia (10%) compared to placebo, supporting BG01-4™'s effectiveness for specific GI symptoms. Along with existing reports, the promising initial findings support the hypothesis that B subtilis grow as commensal organisms in the lower gut, assisting in the normalization of gut health via the production of BF. This and similar strategies may serve as an alternative for individuals who would benefit from branched fat but consume limited foods, such as dairy, containing these nutrients.
Disclosure: This presentation discusses a product of Adepa Life Sciences, Pty. The author is a Founder and Shareholder
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