Supplementation with propionate, normally produced by gut bacteria consuming fiber, reduced cravings for junk food.

Propionate is a short chain fatty acid that is normally produced by gut bacteria that consume a type of fiber called inulin. In this study, it reduced activity in brain regions associated with reward and decreased cravings for junk food. People were given a propionate-inulin ester because it releases much more propionate than inulin alone. Additionally, individuals that were given the propionate supplement consumed 10% less food.