Abstract
BACKGROUND In the present study we evaluated the weight loss effect of a polysaccharide-rich food supplement, LipiGo®, comprising a specific β-glucan-chitin-chitosan fraction (BGCC) obtained from the chemical hydrolysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, resulting as a by-product of the brewing process. RESULTS A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed enrolling 56 overweight and obese subjects (body mass index, BMI, 25-35 kg m-2 ) who were not following any specific diet, and were given placebo or BGCC (3 g d-1 ) for 12 weeks. Results were analysed by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) methods. Body weight increased in the placebo group compared to baseline (ITT: 1.0 kg, P < 0.001; PP: 1.5 kg, P = 0.003), while it was slightly lowered in the BGCC group (ITT: -0.8 kg, P = 0.210; PP: -1.1 kg, P = 0.182). BGCC, but not the consumption of placebo, also resulted in a reduction of waist circumference and body fat compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that daily supplementation of BGCC may be useful for improving body weight and waist circumference in overweight and obese subjects, without relevant adverse effects. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
