Effect of a polysaccharide-rich hydrolysate from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (LipiGo®) in body weight loss: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in overweight and obese adults.

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.