Supplementing with inulin. In Mice.
Dietary fibre-adapted gut microbiome clears dietary fructose and reverses hepatic steatosis
Dietary fibre-adapted gut microbiome clears dietary fructose and reverses hepatic steatosis | Nature Metabolism
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Alpha
September 16, 2025, 1:36pm
#2
This leads me to think of how to optimize the amount and type dietary fibers which one should consider supplementing:
Beta-glucans - top performer for increasing butyrate in the gut lining.
Inulin - clears fructose.
Potato starch - resistant starch (RS2)
Psyllium
All of the above do something. Each a bit differently.
Reasonably easy to take.
The unknowns:
How much of each?
What combination
How often?
Timing?
All my other unknown unkowns.
Does anyone know?
Update via ChatGPT
Inquiry - Given a foundation (my current “stack”) of:
Beta-glucans,
Inulin,
Potato starch - resistant starch (RS2) and
Psyllium.
Advise any other dietary fibers I should add to the regimen.
Chat GPT recognized the above as:
The “core four”, spanning viscous/gel-forming, prebiotic, resistant starch, and bulking fibers.
and to broaden the metabolic + microbial coverage, recommended:
1. Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG)
Why: Very well tolerated compared to inulin (less gas/bloating).
Effects: Increases bifidobacteria, promotes butyrate, improves stool consistency in both constipation and diarrhea.
Typical dose: 5–10 g/day.
2. Arabinoxylans (AX, AXOS)
Found in wheat bran, rye, oats.
Why: Feed butyrate-producing bacteria (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii ).
Effects: Prebiotic, supports immune modulation.
Supplements: Available as “arabinoxylan oligosaccharides” (AXOS).
3. Pectins
From apples, citrus peels.
Why: Strong SCFA generator (especially acetate → cross-feeding into butyrate).
Effects: May improve gut barrier, metabolic markers.
Notes: Soluble and viscous, like beta-glucans, but with different microbial targets.
4. Acacia Fiber (Gum Arabic)
Why: Gentle prebiotic, often used for people with IBS who can’t tolerate inulin.
Effects: Increases bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Dose: 10–15 g/day, usually well tolerated.
5. Glucomannan (Konjac Root Fiber)
Why: Exceptionally viscous → slows gastric emptying, blunts glucose/lipid spikes.
Effects: Mostly metabolic; modest fermentability.
Notes: Can cause bloating if not titrated slowly.
6. Larch Arabinogalactan
Why: Soluble fiber with immune-modulating effects; ferments to butyrate.
Uses: Sometimes taken for respiratory and immune health.
Dose: 4–6 g/day typical.
7. Polyphenol-Rich Fiber Complexes
Example: cocoa husk fiber, grape seed fiber.
Why: Combine prebiotic + antioxidant properties.
Notes: Not strictly “fiber only,” but support microbial diversity.
Summary (how these fit with your current stack):
Core (you already listed):
Beta-glucans → viscous, SCFA production.
Inulin → bifidogenic, prebiotic.
Potato starch (RS2) → butyrate.
Psyllium → stool regulation, cholesterol/glucose support.
Strong adds: PHGG, pectin, acacia.
Optional adds: Arabinoxylans, glucomannan, larch arabinogalactan.
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For a couple of years I’ve added psyllium, chia, and flax to moist dishes like beans, rice, and soups — just enough to thicken slightly, not gel. About 4 months ago I went heavy on probiotics, which finally gave me consistent Bristol 4 stools.
Last month I added potato starch. Cheap, easy — just swirl it in water. Tip: ramp up slowly. My first try caused weird stools, smaller more frequent, so I backed off and increased gradually. Now I’m steady Bristol 4.
Warning: gas production definitely increases at higher doses. For me it’s a sign it’s working great… but not everyone around me agrees.