Health
Scientists crack code on how dietary fiber shields your body from harmful sugar damage
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A new UC Irvine study may have finally uncovered how dietary fiber protects the body from sugar’s damage, and how protecting yourself starts in the gut.
Researchers at the UCI School of Medicine found that inulin, a naturally occurring fiber found in vegetables like onions, garlic and artichokes, can reshape the bacteria living in your gut to stop fructose before it hits your liver.
“We found that consuming a type of dietary fiber called inulin… changes the bacteria in the gut to promote the consumption of harmful dietary fructose,” said lead researcher Cholsoon Jang, PhD, of UCI’s Nutrient Metabolism & Disease Lab.
The findings, published in Nature Metabolism, reveal a new level of protection offered by fiber, not just in digestion, but in how the body handles sugar at the molecular level.
ACTRESS KRISTEN BELL’S EASY DIET TRICK TO HELP STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR
Scientists say fiber could help prevent or reverse early signs of fatty liver disease. (iStock)
Jang and his team discovered that when people eat fructose (a common sugar in fruit and sweetened foods) gut bacteria in the small intestine can metabolize it before it reaches the liver. But without enough fiber, too much fructose “spills over,” overwhelming the liver and triggering fat buildup.
RISK OF COLON CANCER SLASHED BY EATING SPECIFIC TYPES OF VEGETABLES, STUDY FINDS
Fructose is a sugar found in fruit that can ‘spill’ into the liver, leading to liver disease. (iStock)
By feeding gut bacteria with inulin, researchers found that the microbes essentially burn through fructose early, preventing that cascade of damage.
Even more striking, once these bacteria were “primed” by inulin, they were able to reverse signs of fatty liver disease, reducing fat accumulation and boosting the liver’s natural antioxidants.
EXPERTS REVEAL 5-STEP APPROACH TO A HEALTHIER GUT AND STRONGER IMMUNITY
Jang says the research proves not all calories are created equal.
He says their work gives “insight into how fiber protects our health from harmful nutrients like fructose.”
The Nature Metabolism study identified how specific gut bacteria metabolize sugar before it reaches the liver. (iStock)
The study focused on non-obese participants: people who might otherwise slip under the radar yet still face hidden risks from high-sugar diets.
Jang noted that metabolic damage isn’t limited to those who are overweight. Even people who appear healthy can experience liver stress and insulin resistance if their gut microbes aren’t equipped to handle excess fructose.
“By identifying specific gut bacteria and metabolic pathways involved, our findings can guide personalized nutrition strategies,” Jang said.
Vegetables like garlic, artichokes and onions can be a good source of inulin, the helpful fiber studied by the research team. (iStock)
He added that future research will explore whether other common fibers beyond inulin can trigger similar protective effects.
MORE IN HEALTH NEWS
The implications stretch far beyond the lab. If certain fibers can train gut microbes to neutralize sugar before it harms the liver, it could open the door to new treatments for fatty liver disease, diabetes, obesity and even cancer.
For now, researchers explain that the findings indicate that fiber not only aids digestion but can be a defender of metabolic health.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
As Jang put it: “For example, by checking how well someone’s gut bacteria clears fructose before the body absorbs it, we can choose the right prebiotic or probiotic supplement for that person to improve results and reduce side effects.”
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A dangerous substance dubbed “gas station heroin” continues to alarm medical professionals, with more states making moves to restrict or ban tianeptine.
Fourteen states have officially classified the tricyclic antidepressant as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Connecticut is the latest state to crack down, officially banning the sale and use of the substance starting on Wednesday.
HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE AVAILABLE IN STORES ACROSS THE NATION
Tianeptine, which can produce euphoria in higher doses, can be more potent than morphine and addictive opioids, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Some countries have taken steps to restrict how tianeptine is prescribed or dispensed, and have even revised the labels to warn people of its potential addictive qualities.
Tianeptine can be more potent than morphine and addictive opioids. (iStock)
Misuse of tianeptine can cause severe adverse health effects, including respiratory depression, severe sedation and death, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Some companies market the drug as an aid for pain, anxiety and depression, or as a means of improving mental alertness in a pill, powder, salt or liquid form.
The products are typically sold at convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops and online retailers, and go by names like Tianaa, ZaZa, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus and TD Red.
Connecticut is the 15th state to classify tianeptine as a Schedule I controlled substance. (Markus Scholz/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said in a press release that the schedule change is a necessary step to combat addiction.
“With false marketing that led consumers to believe these are safe products, and with candy-like flavor options, these substances posed a clear threat to those battling substance-use disorder and our youngest residents,” she added.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The Nutmeg State also added Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), 7-hydroxymitragynine, Bromazolam, Flubromazolam, Nitazenes and Phenibut to the schedule classification.
Earlier this month, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary penned a letter sounding the alarm on what he called a “dangerous and growing health trend.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
“I am very concerned,” Makary wrote. “I want the public to be especially aware of this dangerous product and the serious and continuing risk it poses to America’s youth.”
New York-based Robert Schwaner, M.D., vice chair of system clinical affairs at Stony Brook Emergency Medicine, told Fox News Digital that the FDA has never approved tianeptine as a dietary supplement.
“As with heroin and other opioids, significant mu-opioid receptor stimulation ultimately results in a loss of respiratory drive and subsequent cardiac arrest.” (Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office)
“The euphoria at low doses is primarily due to increased serotonergic activity from its serotonin reuptake effects. With increasing doses, the mu-opioid receptor stimulation may become lethal,” said Schwaner. “As with heroin and other opioids, significant mu-opioid receptor stimulation ultimately results in a loss of respiratory drive and subsequent cardiac arrest.”
Schwaner said he believes the substance requires national regulation due to its addictive qualities.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“Acting at the same receptor as opioids, tianeptine has the potential for an individual to develop tolerance, subsequent dependence and withdrawal from its use,” he cautioned.
Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
A surprise resignation could open the door for an independent to win a Montana Senate seat
Metro Detroit weather forecast, March 26, 2026 — 11 p.m. Update
Man convicted in the deadly 2021 assault of a Thai grandfather in San Francisco avoids prison
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson is confident about cost estimates to repair, rehab City Hall and insists the process has been transparent
Miami Gardens community rallies to help retired teacher rebuild after a fire tore through his home
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
A surprise resignation could open the door for an independent to win a Montana Senate seat
Video: Savannah Guthrie Says She Believes Her Mother Was Taken for Ransom
Stefanik grills University of Michigan leader on lack of audit after string of Chinese national arrests
Photos: More than one million displaced by Israel’s evacuations in Lebanon
DHS shutdown live updates as Senate holds test vote on funding bill
-
Detroit, MI1 week agoDrummer Brian Pastoria, longtime Detroit music advocate, dies at 68
-
Science1 week agoHow a Melting Glacier in Antarctica Could Affect Tens of Millions Around the Globe
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago‘Youth’ Twitter review: Ken Karunaas impresses audiences; Suraj Venjaramoodu adds charm; music wins praise | – The Times of India
-
Science1 week agoI had to man up and get a mammogram
-
Sports5 days agoIOC addresses execution of 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi
-
New Mexico4 days agoClovis shooting leaves one dead, four injured
-
Texas7 days agoHow to buy Houston vs. Texas A&M 2026 March Madness tickets
-
Tennessee3 days agoTennessee Police Investigating Alleged Assault Involving ‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson