Gut Bacteria Linked to Reduced Cravings for Sugar

A Chinese study identifies Bacteroides vulgatus as a potential factor in curbing sugar cravings and managing metabolic disorders like diabetes.

Researchers from Jiangnan University found that the gut bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus may play a role in reducing sugar cravings.
The study observed lower levels of the protein FFAR4 in diabetic mice and humans, which correlated with reduced levels of Bacteroides vulgatus and its metabolite, pantothenate.
Pantothenate was shown to boost the release of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, and subsequently the liver hormone FGF21, which impacts eating behavior.
Experiments revealed that introducing pantothenate or Bacteroides vulgatus into diabetic mice significantly decreased their sugar consumption.
The findings suggest potential future applications of probiotics or targeted therapies in managing obesity and type-2 diabetes, though further clinical research is required.