Effects of Elevating Colonic Propionate on Liver Fat Content in Adults with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reported in 20% of adults worldwide, a condition associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Positive physiological effects have been linked with the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by colonic fermentation of dietary fiber, including reductions in hepatic fat content. We have developed a novel inulin-propionate ester (IPE), whereby the SCFA propionate is bound to the dietary fiber inulin. The bound propionate is only released through fermentation in the colon and we hypothesized that long term elevations in colonic propionate production would reduce liver fat in adults with NAFLD. Sixteen participants (40-65 years) were recruited and intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) was determined using 1H-MRS. All participants were identified as having NAFLD on the basis of a liver fat content >5%. Participants were provided with either 10 g/day IPE (n=11) or 10 g/day inulin control (n=5) to add to their normal diet for a 24 week period. In th...