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Inulin propionate ester

What is inulin propionate?

Inulin propionate ester is a novel fat loss supplement that is said to have appetite suppressant effects. This compound is said to be able to provide a kind of "shortcut" to the same feeling of satiety as after consuming large amounts of fiber such as resistant starch, inulin and beta-glucan.

Where does inulin propionate ester come from?

Two compounds are needed to produce inulin propionate ester (IPE): Inulin and propionate. Inulin is a naturally occurring dietary fiber found in a number of plants. Industrial quantities are produced from chicory, a plant that belongs to the same family as dandelion. Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid that is produced in the digestive tract by the intestinal flora. Bacteria that live in our intestines use the fiber we eat to produce propionate. Inulin propionate ester is produced by joining these two compounds together via a special bond called an ester bond.

What does inulin propionate ester do?

Inulin propionate ester was developed for three reasons:

  1. To transport more propionate directly into the intestine
  2. To transport more inulin into the intestine
  3. To support appetite suppression and a feeling of satiety

The ester bond in Inulin Propionate Ester is broken by the intestinal bacteria, releasing the propionate and allowing it to work its magic. The released inulin is utilized by the bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids such as propionate.

How does inulin propionate ester suppress appetite?

The exact mechanisms by which inulin propionate ester reduces appetite are not yet known, but scientists have a pretty good idea of how this might work. Basically, increasing propionate levels in the gut can result in the production of two different compounds:

  • PYY - Peptide YY
  • GLP-1 - Glucagon Like Peptide 1

Both of these compounds have been shown to influence hunger and food intake. Although this has not yet been verified, inulin propionate ester may also influence the levels of other digestive hormones associated with hunger and satiety. These hormones include CCK (cholecystokinin), oxyntomodulin and amylin.

Benefits of inulin propionate ester

As shown above, inulin propionate ester may help support weight and fat loss efforts via the following mechanisms:

  • Reducing the stimulus of energy-dense foods
  • Reduction of hunger and appetite
  • Reduction of calorie and energy intake

In addition to the above results, which are the result of a recent study conducted by Byrne and colleagues (1), another study conducted by Chambers and colleagues (2) found that 24 weeks (6 months) of daily supplementation with inulin propionate ester resulted in the following:

  • Reduced weight gain
  • Reduced visceral abdominal fat
  • Reduced amounts of fat in the liver cells
  • Support for better insulin sensitivity

Benefits of inulin propionate ester for bodybuilders

The rate of obesity in the Western world has risen steadily in recent years and continues to rise, although it is already far too high. The modern diet and environment make achieving and maintaining an "ideal body" much more difficult than it used to be. With the constant temptation of very tasty, energy-rich and relatively cheap foods all around us, it is difficult to stick to a diet or a targeted eating pattern for any length of time.

Perhaps with the help of inulin propionate ester, these cravings can be more easily controlled, making it much easier to avoid overeating and junk food and maintain a leaner body in the long run. In addition to their effects on appetite and satiety, short-chain fatty acids including propionate have been shown to help reduce fat accumulation and inflammation.

Inulin propionate ester side effects and disadvantages

At present, there does not appear to be any evidence of significant disadvantages or side effects from the use of inulin propionate ester. However, future studies may show whether there are any precautions that should be taken when using inulin propionate ester.

Inulin propionate ester intake recommendation and timing of intake

Both studies mentioned above used a dosage of 10 grams of inulin propionate ester. This resulted in an intake of 2.36 grams of propionate into the gut, which is about 2.5 times the average amount of propionate produced by gut bacteria in a typical Western diet. In terms of timing, there does not appear to be a specific recommended intake time for this supplement. However, scientific research suggests that it takes about three hours after ingestion before the ingested inulin propionate ester reaches the gut, suggesting that it is probably best to take inulin propionate ester earlier in the day before the larger meals of the day such as lunch and dinner.

Where to find inulin propionate ester supplements?

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there were no commercial inulin propionate ester products available. Inulin is already a widely used dietary fiber and it should not be too difficult to produce large quantities of Inulin Propionate Ester in the near future. Once inulin propionate ester is available, it can be expected to be available on its own or as part of a comprehensive fat burner or fat metabolization enhancing product.

Combinations of Inulin Propionate Ester with other supplements

Since inulin propionate ester is quite inactive, it can be combined with most other supplements such as protein powders, weight loss supplements and pre-workout products. As one of its main effects is to suppress appetite and increase satiety, it is probably not the ideal supplement for a bulking phase with supplements such as weight gainers.