Xanthan gum-based fluid thickener decreases postprandial blood glucose associated with increase of Glp1 and Glp1r expression in ileum and alteration of gut microbiome

This study aimed to investigate the effects of administration of xanthan gum-based fluid thickener on the regulation of postprandial blood glucose level, gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract, and gut microbiome. Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: with (Th group) and without (Co group) the administration of a xanthan gum-based fluid thickener for 5 wks. Blood glucose levels at 60 and 90 min after glucose administration were substantially decreased in the Th group. Glp1 and Glp1r expression in the ileum was significantly upregulated after continuous administration of thickener. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the cholesterol homeostasis, fatty acid metabolism, and glycolysis gene sets were enriched in the ileum of Th group. Microbial composition in the gut was altered after administrating the fluid thickener, and relative abundance in Erysipelotrichales and Christensenellaceae showed positive correlation with Glp1 and Glp1r expression in the ileum. Xanthan gum-based fluid thickener may ameliorate glucose/lipid metabolism.