Posted on 05/28/2025 7:38:12 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
A study of almost 400,000 people is the first to indicate, in humans, that the signaling of substances called short-chain fatty acids or SCFAs, released when gut bacteria break down dietary fiber, significantly protects against cardiovascular disease and hypertension by up to 20%.
A previous clinical trial has shown these SCFAs—when provided as a supplement—lead to lowered blood pressure. Another trial is underway.
The current study used data from the UK Biobank database and found rare genetic variants that profoundly impact the function of receptors that bind to SCFAs essentially prevent people from utilizing the cardiovascular protection offered by their own gut microbes.
For this, the researchers compared individuals with these genetic variants and their cardiovascular medical history to controls, finding that this affected cohort had a significantly higher incidence of hypertension and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.
"The study found that disruption in these receptors is associated with up to 20% increased prevalence of hypertension and heart disease or stroke—even after accounting for other risk factors like body weight and smoking," Dr. Tavares said.
"However, it is worth mentioning these rare genetic variants occur in less than 1% of individuals," Professor Marques said.
Importantly, the researchers also looked into what happened to this affected cohort—without the cardioprotective capacity—when fiber intake followed dietary guidelines.
"If they consumed adequate dietary fiber, but were unable to turn this into protection against heart disease, then this would prove the importance of short-chain fatty acids signaling in cardio-protection," Professor Marques said.
"Consistent with our hypothesis, the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in this cohort, even among those who ate a diet rich in fiber," Dr. Tavares added.
The research team is currently in the process of developing a commercially available product that can deliver SCFAs orally.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
They arrived at this when people who could not benefit from bacteria converting soluble fiber into short-chain fatty acids had more disease.
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So it is not a supplement other than that? What of those who have persistent IBS regardless of use of fiber and other non-drug aids? Didn't you post something about creatine?
Take a look through this:
https://freerepublic.com/tag/ibd/index?tab=articles
I would suggest supplementing with 5 mg a day, but the Upper Tolerable Limit is 11 mg a day. We do get some from food.
My wife and I get over 30 grams of soluble fiber a day, primarily from newer keto bread options. We do add psyllium on top, as well.
I would also encourage considering a fast mimicking diet for five days, three months in a row.
I had to take some strong antibiotics about two years ago and was left with large intestinal pains. They have only recently basically gone. I did these things and also took probiotics. It would be similar for IBD, as you will note from the keyword search.
What is a fast mimicking diet?
I mention about it, and getting it prepackaged from Prolon, in this thread:
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4310784/posts
It is truly helpful.
Daniel, I apologize, as I responded for IBD and not IBS.
Here is a listing of articles tied to IBS:
https://freerepublic.com/tag/ibs/index?tab=articles
This is a keyword search at Medical Xpress for IBS:
https://medicalxpress.com/search/?search=Ibs
There are up to around 12 articles a month for IBS. You can scan the titles pretty quickly for what matters. I would open up a separate window to not lose your position in the list.
I hope these can help, sir.
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