Fatshimetrie: Unlocking the nutritional potential of baobab fruit
Fatshimetrie, a groundbreaking study led by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), is tackling a fundamental question: can baobab fruit help improve gut and metabolic health in people with obesity? Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the baobab tree, often referred to as the “tree of life,” produces a nutrient-rich fruit that may have promising health benefits. While baobab fruit has been consumed for centuries, its potential to impact human health—particularly in obese people—has never been studied until now.
Baobab fruit: a powerhouse of nutrients
Baobab fruit powder is obtained from the pulp surrounding the fruit’s seeds. The powder is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, polyphenols, and essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. Despite its long history of use in traditional diets, there is little scientific evidence on its impact on the body, particularly in obese people. However, a new study led by SAMRC scientists in collaboration with the African Baobab Alliance seeks to fill this knowledge gap.
Exploring gut and cardiometabolic health
This research is funded by the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Bio-commerce project in Southern Africa and the trial is registered with the South African Clinical Trials Registry. The study aims to determine whether consuming baobab fruit powder can improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes in obese people.
One of the health issues faced by obese people is leaky gut, a condition where the intestinal wall becomes more permeable, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation. This inflammation can lead to or worsen metabolic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Baobab’s high fiber content is thought to strengthen the intestinal wall and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, potentially reducing these risks.
The study will include 50 participants aged 30 to 45 with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more. Half of the group will consume 16 grams of baobab fruit powder per day for 45 days, while the other half will receive a placebo. Participants will mix the powder into water or cold drinks as part of their daily routine.
Researchers will conduct a range of tests before and after the trial, including intestinal permeability tests, blood sugar and cholesterol measurements, and stool analyses to assess changes in gut flora. The goal is to determine whether baobab fruit powder can improve gut integrity, reduce inflammation, and positively impact blood sugar and cholesterol.
Potential benefits and limitations
If this study is successful, it could offer a natural, dietary solution to improve gut health and reduce obesity-related health risks, including heart disease and diabetes. Participants will receive a comprehensive health assessment and will be referred to healthcare professionals if they have any health concerns.
Why is this important?
With obesity on the rise worldwide, finding effective ways to manage associated health risks is more critical than ever. Baobab fruit powder, rich in nutrients and fiber, could offer a simple, natural solution to improve health outcomes.
While scientists await the results of this study, baobab fruit powder is emerging as a practical dietary tool for people looking to manage obesity and its associated risks. This is a small pilot study that focuses only on relatively young adults without chronic diseases, and the results may not be broadly applicable to the general population. But if the study shows promising effects, future research could expand its use to people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Enrollment for the study is still ongoing. If you are interested and would like more information about participating in the trial, please contact the study team:
Email: [email protected] or
WhatsApp: +27 61 544 1574
A study overview is available online at https://www.samrc.ac.za/sites/default/files/2023-09/BaobabFruit.pdf