EU approves food additive to help curb appetite

The European Union has officially authorized the use of inulin propionate ester (IPE), a novel food additive developed to aid in weight management by enhancing feelings of fullness. This approval marks IPE's inclusion in the EU's list of authorized novel foods, following a safety assessment for human consumption.

IPE is a dietary fiber created by scientists at Imperial College London in collaboration with the SUERC, Centre for the Isotope Sciences at the University of Glasgow. Its design aims to maximize the benefits of a high-fiber diet by helping individuals feel satiated for extended periods, thereby reducing the likelihood of consuming excess calories, a common factor in long-term weight gain.

IPE is expected to be integrated into a range of food items, including smoothies, concentrated drinks, cereals, and bread. It will also be available as a dietary supplement. Unlike weight-loss medications, IPE is positioned as a preventative measure against weight gain that could lead to obesity.

Professor Gary Frost, Chair in Nutrition and Dietetics at Imperial College London, highlighted that even small daily caloric surpluses can lead to significant weight gain over time. He noted that a gain of just one kilogram per year in young adults can result in serious weight issues by middle age. Frost pointed out that while higher fiber intake is known to combat this, many people struggle to consume adequate amounts.

Clinical trials demonstrated that consuming approximately 10 grams of IPE daily helped regulate appetite and prevent weight gain. IPE is a combination of inulin, a natural compound found in chicory and onions, and propionate, a short-chain fatty acid naturally produced in the body. It works by delivering propionate to receptors in the large intestine, which triggers the release of appetite-regulating hormones and enhances natural gut fermentation.