Influence of soluble corn fibre on markers of immunity & inflammation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Soluble corn fibre and markers of immunity and inflammation in older adults: a randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
317212
Contact name
Philip C Calder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN15979195
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
As people age their immune system can become weaker and there is often an increase in inflammation which contributes to common age-related diseases. These include heart disease, metabolic disease such as type-2 diabetes, the loss of muscle mass and strength known as sarcopenia, the weakening of bones known as osteoporosis, some cancers, and possibly dementia. A weaker immune system means older people can be more susceptible to infections and that some vaccines may not work as well as in younger adults.
The “healthy” bacteria in the intestine (called gut microbiota) have an influence on the immune system and inflammation. Interestingly, intestinal bacteria also change with ageing and this can result in the loss of protective function and in the movement of harmful bacterial toxins and whole bacteria from the gut into the blood. Why these changes occur and how we can improve this in ageing are not understood. What we do know is that the intestinal bacteria can be altered by diet. Fibre intake is considered essential for optimal gut health including maintaining healthy gut bacteria. However, most people do not eat enough fibre. We plan to investigate whether fibre supplements improve measures of the immune system, inflammation and intestinal bacteria in people aged over 60 y. The fibre we will use will be soluble corn fibre. This resists digestion and absorption in the small intestine and passes to the large intestine where it can be fermented by the gut microbiota. Soluble corn fibre has been shown to beneficially modify gut microbiota but its effects on the immune system and inflammation have not been tested in older people.
We plan to compare the effects of soluble corn fibre on the immune system and inflammation and gut microbiota with the effects of a placebo which is a poorly digested sugar called maltodextrin.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SC/0414
Date of REC Opinion
28 Dec 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion