A new peer-reviewed study published today (10 June 2025) in the European Journal of Nutrition has found that a mineral-enriched prebiotic fibre complex may offer a safe and effective alternative for individuals seeking to manage their weight.
While anti-obesity medications can be effective for those with clinical obesity, they often come with significant side effects and were developed for cases where the risk–benefit trade-off is more clearly justified. For individuals who fall into the overweight or high-normal BMI range, this new supplement could provide a better, non-pharmaceutical option for supporting healthy weight management.
The study, led by Adele Costabile, Professor in Clinical Nutrition and the Microbiome at the University of Roehampton, found that the mineral-enriched fibre supplement known as SlimBiome® significantly reduced post-meal insulin levels, decreased hunger by up to 37%, and increased feelings of fullness by up to 55% in healthy adults.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised crossover trial, normal-weight participants were given either the supplement or a standard dextrose drink. The results were striking: participants who consumed the fibre complex reported significantly lower hunger (p=0.038), reduced desire to eat (p=0.002), and greater satiety (p=0.021) for over two hours post-ingestion compared to the placebo. They also showed a marked reduction in insulin levels at 45, 75, and 90 minutes after a glucose load, suggesting the supplement may help regulate metabolic responses to food. These factors are important in managing calorie intake.
Prof Costabile will present her findings at the 18th International Scientific Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota and Health - IPC2025, 24-26 June 2025.
With 64.5% of adults in England now classified as overweight or obese – a 22.6% increase since 2015 - and weight-related conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers placing a growing burden on the NHS, the search for sustainable, non-pharmaceutical weight management tools is increasingly urgent.
“Most diets rely on willpower alone and often fail,” said Professor Costabile. “Our studies show that SlimBiome, a mineral-enriched prebiotic fibre complex, can reduce hunger and food cravings, offering a natural and scientifically backed option to anti-obesity drugs. Appetite regulation is a crucial part of weight control, and this supplement may help improve long-term success without harsh side effects.”
The SlimBiome formulation, developed and patented by OptiBiotix Health, combines glucomannan (a viscous plant fibre), fructooligosaccharides (FOS, a prebiotic), and chromium (a trace mineral involved in insulin signalling) to target multiple mechanisms. These include delayed gastric emptying, improved blood sugar control, and gut microbiome modulation — factors that collectively contribute to appetite regulation and metabolic health.
“While further studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes, our findings indicate that combining fibre, prebiotics and trace minerals can support healthy weight management and glycaemic control — without risking losing muscle mass or causing gastrointestinal distress”, said Professor Costabile. “In fact, participants only lost fat, not muscle mass, and showed improvements in gut microbiome diversity — including increases in beneficial bacteria known to influence satiety signals.”
The combination of the three key ingredients is unique. Glucomannan, a plant-based fibre, acts to form a viscous gel in the stomach, slowing digestion and carbohydrate absorption. FOS supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium spp., which are known to promote the release of short-chain fatty acids that influence appetite-regulating hormones. Chromium, a trace mineral known to play a role in insulin signalling, acts in combination with the other minerals to moderate insulin responses.
Co-investigator of the studies, Dr. Michael Patterson of the University of Roehampton, said: “Pharmaceuticals that mimic appetite-suppressing gut hormones are a major advance, but not everyone can tolerate them. Prebiotics, such as SlimBiome, may stimulate the body’s natural gut hormones, providing a gentler yet effective approach to appetite regulation. These findings align with earlier trials demonstrating reduced food intake and cravings over a four-week supplementation period.”
This research adds to the growing evidence that natural, multi-targeted approaches — including dietary fibres and prebiotics — could offer a viable and more tolerable path to improving metabolic health.