Portuguese 
Spanish 
Food additive developed by UK scientists uses natural ingredients to stimulate appetite hormones, received approval from the European Union, and may be incorporated into everyday foods to help prevent obesity.
The search for safe alternatives to prevent weight gain has just received an important boost. Researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Glasgow have developed a new dietary fiber called inulin-propionate ester (IPE). The compound received approval from the European Union and may, in the future, be integrated into daily consumption foods to help control appetite and prevent obesity.
The information was released by the European Commission, following the publication of scientific studies conducted by Imperial College London and the University of Glasgow. According to the researchers, the new ingredient acts directly on the release of hormones responsible for the feeling of satiety, reducing excessive calorie intake throughout the day.
Unlike medications used for weight loss, the goal of IPE is not to promote rapid weight loss. Instead, the technology seeks to prevent the gradual weight gain that often occurs over the years and often favors the development of obesity.
-
Harvard Researchers Develop Biological Clock to Estimate Life Expectancy, Potentially Transforming Human Aging Studies
-
Methane, natural fuel lakes, ice, and a nitrogen-rich atmosphere make Titan central to NASA’s plans for the first “space fuel station” to speed up missions beyond Mars.
-
16-Year-Old Kentucky Student Solves Long-Standing Biomedical Challenge, Wins Top Young Scientist Award at $9 Million Science Fair
-
Teen Invents Biodegradable Material from Shrimp Shells That Decomposes 1.5 Million Times Faster Than Regular Plastic
How the superfiber approved by the European Union works
The scientists produced the IPE by combining two natural components. The first is inulin, a fiber naturally present in foods such as chicory and onions. The second component is propionate, a short-chain fatty acid naturally produced by the body.
When a person consumes the supplement, the IPE delivers the propionate directly to specific receptors in the intestine. As a consequence, the body increases the release of hormones responsible for regulating appetite.
According to Douglas Morrison, a professor at the University of Glasgow and one of the creators of the technology, this strategy allows for the stimulation of hormones exactly where they exert the greatest biological effect.
Additionally, Morrison highlighted that GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, popularly known as “weight loss pens,” show excellent results for weight loss. However, the IPE may act preventively, reducing the slow and continuous weight gain that often leads patients to require these treatments.
The researchers began developing the IPE in Morrison’s laboratory. Subsequently, the team initiated a scientific collaboration of 15 years with Professor Gary Frost, a specialist in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction at Imperial College London.
During this period, the scientists conducted several clinical studies to evaluate both the safety and efficacy of the supplement.
Studies indicate benefits beyond appetite control
The results obtained so far show that the effects of IPE may go beyond reducing caloric intake.
Some research indicated that the supplement also helps preserve muscle mass, improve levels of accumulated liver fat, and promote metabolic health. Additionally, the researchers observed possible benefits for the immune system.
Another important finding involves the amount needed to produce effects. Clinical studies showed that approximately 10 grams per day can already influence the mechanisms responsible for appetite regulation.
Since IPE is in the form of a white powder, manufacturers can easily add it to different foods. Among them are vitamins, cereals, bread, and other products consumed daily. Similarly, the consumer can use the ingredient as a standalone dietary supplement.
Approval paves the way for large-scale production
At the end of 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued the first favorable opinion on the new ingredient after analyzing toxicological, nutritional, and microbiological data.
Now, the European Commission has granted the definitive authorization and officially included the IPE in the European Union List of Authorized Novel Foods.
Despite regulatory approval, the product will not immediately reach the market. Before that, it will be necessary to expand manufacturing capacity.
To accelerate this stage, the researchers created the company Satisfed. The goal is to find industrial partners capable of producing the ingredient on a commercial scale.
According to Douglas Morrison, a small excess of calories consumed daily can lead to significant consequences over the years. The researcher explains that even an average gain of 1 kg per year in young adults can lead to significant weight problems during middle age.
Furthermore, he notes that increasing fiber consumption already shows benefits for controlling body weight. However, most people still consume amounts far below nutritional recommendations.
Therefore, the researchers believe that incorporating IPE into conventional foods could facilitate public access to a simple, effective, and relatively inexpensive strategy to increase satiety and help combat the growing global obesity epidemic.
If this superfiber were available in Brazil and had proven safety and efficacy, would you include this ingredient in your daily diet? Share your opinion in the comments.
