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All the news
Electron microscope image of bacteria from the human gastrointestinal microbiota. © INRA, THOMAS Muriel & MEYLHEUC Thierry

Press release

24 Sep 2019

Disarming a probiotic to improve its benefits

For more than a century, the Nissle 1917 strain of the bacterium Escherichia coli has been used as a probiotic to treat gastrointestinal disorders. However, this bacterium also produces a toxin, colibactin, which has deleterious effects on host DNA and might cause colon cancer. It is therefore crucial to understand the mechanisms at play in the strain if we wish to limit undesirable side effects.

Multimodal imaging of a slice of pig brain showing the X-ray scan in shades of grey and brain glucose uptake in false colour via positron-emission tomography (PET)

Press release

25 Jul 2019

Artificial sweeteners: certain adverse metabolic effects revealed in a preclinical model

INRA researchers, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, Australia, studied the effects that a widely used artificial sweetener blend, i.e. acesulfame K-sucralose, has on metabolism. For the first time, they revealed – in animals – an increase in glucose absorption, particularly in the brain and fatty tissues, indicating certain undesirable effects on metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

bottle. © INRA, MAITRE Christophe

Press release

24 Jul 2019

Partially hydrolysed (hypoallergenic) baby formulas do not reduce allergy risks in infants

Often, hypoallergenic formulas are recommended for infants who are not exclusively breastfed and who are at risk of developing allergies. While it is assumed that such formulas reduce the development of allergies later in life, it is unclear whether this claim is true. A team of INRA and INSERM researchers have shown that the consumption of partially hydrolysed (hypoallergenic) formulas was not associated with a reduced risk of developing allergies.

Microbiota

Press release

18 Jul 2019

New prebiotics: benefits without the downsides?

Prebiotics are currently a preferred treatment for certain metabolic disorders, as they can restore the balance of dysfunctional gut microbiota, and improve the body’s metabolism. However, these substances have to be used at high doses, which can result in patients experiencing bloating and flatulence. A research group led by Matteo Serino, Inserm researcher at the Digestive Health Research Institute (Inserm/INRA/ENVT/UT3 Paul Sabatier), has recently shown three plant extracts to have prebiotic effects in obese/diabetic mice, with a shorter duration of treatment and at lower doses to the prebiotics currently in use. For Matteo Serino, this raises the question: do we need to reconsider the protocol for prebiotic administration? These results have been published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.

Fast food. © INRA, MAITRE Christophe

Press release

05 Jun 2019

Consumption of ultra-processed food and risk of cardiovascular disease

In an article published May 30, 2019 in the British Medical Journal, researchers from Inserm, INRA, Université Paris 13 and Cnam in the Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN) report an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in consumers of ultra-processed foods in the NutriNet-Santé cohort.