Study of ButyrateHexanoate-Enriched Triglycerides to Improve Metabolic Health and Prevent Diabetes in Adults with Overweight and Prediabetes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether increasing levels of butyrate and hexanoate, two short-chain fatty acids SCFAs, in the bloodstream can improve metabolism and help prevent diabetes in people who are overweight or obese and have prediabetes. Animal and human studies suggest these SCFAs have positive effects on body weight control, inflammation, and insulin resistance. This study aims to see if long-term increases in these SCFAs improve fat tissue function, reduce inflammation, and increase insulin sensitivity. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an oil enriched with butyrate and hexanoate triglycerides or a placebo oil without these SCFAs but otherwise similar in composition. The oils are taken twice daily for 24 weeks six months. The study uses a double-blind design, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers know who receives which oil until the end of the trial. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments before and after the six-month intervention. These include tests for insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissue, liver, and fat tissue, energy expenditure and substrate oxidation measurements, blood and stool tests for SCFA levels and microbiota composition, hormone and metabolite analysis, body composition and weight checks, and gut permeability assessment. The total participation lasts at least six months, with continuous monitoring of metabolic health and safety.

Butyrate-enriched Triglyceride and Diabetes Prevention