PreticX® - Clinical Research Data Summary
PreticX® Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) Targeted Prebiotic
PreticX® is a clinically studied ingredient found in the following Silver Fern™ Brand product:
- Targeted Prebiotic – https://www.silverfernbrand.com/products/targeted-prebiotic
Introduction
PreticX® is a targeted xylooligosaccharide (XOS) prebiotic that helps support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria — particularly Bifidobacteria — at low doses, promoting digestive health, healthy immune function, and metabolic health with excellent tolerance.*
Below we have provided a summary of the key data from each study, along with a link to the complete clinical research.
- Summary of Study 1 – Full Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36437471/
- Summary of Study 2 – Full Study: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2014/fo/c3fo60348b
- Summary of Study 3 – Full Study: https://www.koreamed.org/SearchBasic.php?RID=2078411
- Summary of Study 4 – Full Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4528259/pdf/fphys-06-00216.pdf
- Summary of Study 5 – Full Study: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/54/5/54_5_396/_article
Ingredient Manufacturer Website: https://ingredients.aidp.com/#preticx
Study 1 Summary
Complete Study Information: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36437471/
XOS Combined with Probiotics and Visceral Fat Distribution and Gene Expression in Overweight Adults
Genes & Nutrition. 2022 Nov 28;17(1):15. doi:10.1186/s12263-022-00718-7.
In a 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, low-dose PreticX® XOS paired with probiotics was associated with improvements in visceral fat distribution and changes in gene expression related to immune and metabolic signaling in overweight, weight-stable adults, without changes in body weight.
Study Design Highlights
- Study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Participants: Overweight adults, weight stable
- Duration: 90 days
- Intervention: PreticX® XOS 0.8 g/day + Bacillus probiotics 3 billion CFU/day
- Outcomes: DXA-measured body composition, 574-plex blood mRNA inflammatory and metabolic markers
Key Findings (What the Study Showed)
1. Visceral Fat Distribution
- ↓ 35–37% reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT)
- Occurred without changes in body weight or total body fat
- Placebo showed no significant VAT reduction
- This represents redistribution of fat toward a healthier metabolic profile, not weight loss
2. Gene Expression Related to Immune and Adipose Signaling
Significant down-regulation of inflammatory genes linked to adipose dysfunction:
- TNFAIP6 ↓ ~75% (60–90 days)
- ST2 ↓ ~70–80% (60–90 days)
- LTF ↓ ~90% (90 days)
- SOCS1 ↓ ~75% (60–90 days)
3. Metabolic and Immune Signaling Pathway Markers
Down-regulation of genes associated with metabolic and immune signaling pathways:
- IL-18 ↓ ~40–50%
- CCL4 ↓ ~55–65%
- ARG1 ↓ ~80% (early response)
- ATM ↓ ~35–50%
- CD80 ↓ ~60–70%
- CEACAM6 ↓ ~40–50%
- LAMP3 ↓ ~50–60%
Benefits of PreticX® Demonstrated by This Study
Based directly on the clinical outcomes, PreticX® XOS + probiotics at 0.8 g/day was shown to:
✓ Support 35–37% reduction in visceral adipose tissue independent of body weight change
✓ Support broad down-regulation of inflammatory gene expression related to adipose dysfunction
✓ Demonstrate meaningful changes at a very low prebiotic dose (0.8 g/day)
✓ Produce changes in immune and metabolic signaling markers independent of calorie restriction
Why This Study Matters
This study demonstrates that even at a very low dose of 0.8 g/day, XOS supplementation was associated with meaningful changes in visceral fat distribution and a broad anti-inflammatory gene expression shift — without requiring weight loss or calorie restriction. These findings highlight how targeted prebiotic support may influence metabolic and immune signaling pathways.*
Reference Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36437471/
Study 2 Summary
Complete Study Information: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2014/fo/c3fo60348b
Low-Dose XOS Supplementation and Gut Microbiota Composition in Healthy Adults
Finegold SM, et al. Food & Function. 2014;5(3):436-445.
This 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled intervention in 32 healthy adults evaluated XOS supplementation at 1.4 g/day and 2.8 g/day compared with placebo, with run-in and washout phases, assessing gut microbiota composition, digestive tolerance, stool pH, and SCFAs.
Study Design Highlights
- Study design: Controlled intervention with run-in and washout phases
- Participants: 32 healthy adults
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Doses tested: 1.4 g/day XOS, 2.8 g/day XOS, placebo
- Measured outcomes: Stool microbiota (culture + 16S sequencing), digestive tolerance, stool pH, SCFAs
Key Findings (What the Study Showed)
1. Increased Bifidobacterium
- High-dose XOS (2.8 g/day): ↑ Bifidobacterium ~21% at 4 weeks; ↑ ~17% at 8 weeks (statistically significant vs. baseline and placebo)
- Low-dose XOS (1.4 g/day): Smaller but still significant increases vs. placebo at later time points
- A dose-response effect was observed
2. Selective Microbiome Support
- Increase in Bacteroides fragilis group
- Increase in total anaerobic bacteria driven by beneficial species
- Decrease in Enterobacteriaceae relative to placebo
- Increases in Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia in sequencing analyses
- XOS did not stimulate excessive growth of unrelated microbial groups
3. Digestive Tolerance
- No significant increase in gas, bloating, or cramping vs. placebo
- No reports of diarrhea
- Strong tolerance even at 2.8 g/day — substantially lower than doses typically required for many other prebiotic fibers
- Stool pH, total SCFA levels, and overall microbial diversity remained stable
Benefits of PreticX® Demonstrated by This Study
Based directly on the study findings, XOS was shown to:
✓ Support statistically significant increases in Bifidobacterium at 1.4–2.8 g/day
✓ Demonstrate a dose-responsive bifidogenic effect
✓ Support increases in Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia
✓ Maintain excellent digestive tolerance with no significant bloating, gas, or cramping vs. placebo
✓ Provide targeted microbiome support without disrupting microbial diversity
Why This Study Matters
This study demonstrated clinically measurable microbiome shifts at ≤3 g/day with strong digestive tolerance — a combination that is difficult to achieve with many other prebiotic fibers and makes PreticX® well suited for individuals with sensitive digestion.*
Reference Link: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2014/fo/c3fo60348b
Study 3 Summary
Complete Study Information: https://www.koreamed.org/SearchBasic.php?RID=2078411
Effects of Xylooligosaccharide Intake on Fecal Bifidobacteria, Lactic Acid and Lipid Metabolism in Korean Young Women
Na, Kim, et al. Korean Journal of Nutrition. 2007;40:154–161.
This study evaluated the effects of low-dose XOS supplementation (1.4 g/day or 2.8 g/day for 28 days) on gut microbiota composition and digestive outcomes in healthy young women.
Study Design Highlights
- Participants: Healthy young women
- Duration: 28 days
- Dosages: 1.4 g/day or 2.8 g/day XOS
Key Findings (What the Study Showed)
1. Increased Beneficial Bacteria
XOS supplementation significantly increased Bifidobacterium compared with baseline.
2. Changes in Gut Fermentation Markers
At the higher dose (2.8 g/day), XOS supplementation was associated with reduced fecal pH and increased lactic acid production, reflecting normal microbial fermentation processes associated with prebiotic fibers.
3. Improved Stool Comfort
Participants consuming XOS reported improvements in stool softness and ease of bowel movements, without changes in stool volume or transit time — indicating a gentle effect on digestive function.
4. Good Digestive Tolerance
The low-dose XOS intervention was well tolerated, with no significant digestive discomfort reported.
Benefits of PreticX® Demonstrated by This Study
Based directly on the study findings, XOS was shown to:
✓ Support selective increases in beneficial Bifidobacterium
✓ Support changes in microbial fermentation markers (reduced fecal pH, increased lactic acid)
✓ Support digestive comfort improvements including stool softness and ease of movement
✓ Achieve effects at very low doses (1.4–2.8 g/day) with no significant discomfort
Why This Study Matters
This study confirms the bifidogenic and digestive comfort benefits of XOS at low doses in a real-world dietary context, providing evidence that PreticX® can support both microbiome balance and everyday digestive function.*
Reference Link: https://www.koreamed.org/SearchBasic.php?RID=2078411
Study 4 Summary
Complete Study Information: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4528259/pdf/fphys-06-00216.pdf
Xylooligosaccharides Supplementation Alters Gut Bacteria in Both Healthy and Prediabetic Adults: A Pilot Study
Yang J., et al. Frontiers in Physiology. 2015;6:216.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated whether 2 g/day of XOS for 8 weeks could influence gut microbiota composition in 16 healthy adults and 13 adults with elevated blood sugar markers, and explored potential associations with markers related to metabolic function.
Study Design Highlights
- Study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
- Participants: 16 healthy adults + 13 adults with elevated blood sugar markers
- Intervention: XOS 2 g/day vs. placebo
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Outcomes: Gut microbiota composition (16S sequencing), glucose tolerance, insulin response, inflammatory signaling markers
Key Findings (What the Study Showed)
1. Changes in Gut Microbiota Composition
- Increases in Blautia hydrogenotrophica, a bacterial species associated with gut microbial balance
- Increased Verrucomicrobia phylum including Akkermansia
- Prevention of placebo-associated increases in certain bacterial groups
- Reductions in several opportunistic microbial taxa
- Maintenance of overall microbial diversity
- No gastrointestinal side effects reported
2. Early Metabolic Signal Trends
In participants with elevated metabolic markers, researchers observed a trend toward a reduced insulin response during oral glucose tolerance testing. No significant changes were observed in body weight, glucose levels, lipid markers, or inflammatory markers during the 8-week study period.
Benefits of PreticX® Demonstrated by This Study
Based directly on the study findings, XOS at 2 g/day was shown to:
✓ Support favorable shifts in gut microbiota composition in both healthy adults and those with metabolic risk markers
✓ Support increases in Akkermansia and Blautia hydrogenotrophica
✓ Prevent unfavorable microbiota shifts observed in the placebo group
✓ Demonstrate targeted microbiome modulation with no gastrointestinal side effects
Why This Study Matters
This study demonstrates targeted microbiome shifts at a low dose (2 g/day) across two different population groups, supporting the connection between gut microbiome composition and metabolic signaling. The absence of gastrointestinal side effects reinforces PreticX®'s tolerability profile.*
Reference Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4528259/pdf/fphys-06-00216.pdf
Study 5 Summary
Complete Study Information: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/54/5/54_5_396/_article
XOS Supplementation and Markers of Glucose Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, and Oxidative Balance
Wayne et al. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 2008;54:396–401.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of XOS supplementation (4 g/day for 8 weeks) on markers related to glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and oxidative balance in 26 adults with elevated blood sugar markers. Diet, medications, and lifestyle were maintained throughout the study.
Study Design Highlights
- Study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Participants: 26 adults with elevated blood sugar markers
- Intervention: XOS 4 g/day (split doses with meals) vs. placebo (glucose)
- Duration: 8 weeks
Key Findings (What the Study Showed)
1. Markers of Glucose Metabolism
- Fasting blood glucose: ~8% reduction
- HbA1c: ~0.37 percentage point reduction
- Fructosamine: ~21% reduction
- Changes occurred without alterations in body weight or diet
2. Lipid-Related Markers
- Total cholesterol: ~14% reduction
- LDL cholesterol: ~7% reduction
- Oxidized LDL: ~22% reduction
- Apolipoprotein B: ~17% reduction
- Triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were not significantly changed
3. Oxidative Balance Markers
- Reduced oxidized LDL
- Changes in catalase activity
- Other antioxidant markers remained unchanged
4. Safety and Tolerability
- No significant changes in body weight, BMI, liver or kidney function markers, or nutrient intake
- No gastrointestinal complaints reported; high compliance
Benefits of PreticX® Demonstrated by This Study
Based directly on the clinical outcomes, XOS at 4 g/day was shown to:
✓ Support approximately 8% reduction in fasting blood glucose
✓ Support approximately 21% reduction in fructosamine
✓ Support approximately 14% reduction in total cholesterol and 22% reduction in oxidized LDL
✓ Produce benefits without changes in body weight or dietary intake
✓ Demonstrate high tolerability with no gastrointestinal complaints
Why This Study Matters
This study demonstrates measurable changes in markers related to glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism from XOS supplementation at a moderate dose, with benefits occurring independently of body weight changes or dietary modifications.*
Reference Link: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/54/5/54_5_396/_article
Big-Picture Integration with Other Studies
- Study 1: Supported healthy visceral fat distribution (35–37% VAT reduction) and broad changes in gene expression related to immune and metabolic signaling at a very low dose (0.8 g/day), without changes in body weight.
- Study 2: Increased levels of beneficial Bifidobacterium (~17–21%) with a dose-response effect and strong digestive tolerance — no significant bloating, gas, or cramping vs. placebo at ≤3 g/day.
- Study 3: Increased Bifidobacterium and supported digestive comfort (stool softness, ease of movement) at 1.4–2.8 g/day in healthy young women.
- Study 4: Supported favorable shifts in gut microbiota composition including increases in Akkermansia in both healthy adults and individuals with metabolic risk markers at 2 g/day.
- Study 5: Showed improvements in markers related to glucose metabolism (~8% fasting glucose reduction, ~21% fructosamine reduction), lipid metabolism (~14% total cholesterol reduction, ~22% oxidized LDL reduction), and oxidative balance at 4 g/day.
PreticX® Ingredient Summary & Real-World Relevance
PreticX® is a precision prebiotic fiber designed to selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria at low doses. Unlike traditional fibers that rely primarily on bulk fermentation, PreticX® helps support specific beneficial microbes that play roles in digestion, metabolism, immune balance, and overall gut health.*
Clinical research shows PreticX® increases Bifidobacterium — one of the most well-studied beneficial bacterial groups in the gut microbiome — at doses as low as 1–3 grams per day, substantially lower than doses typically required for many other prebiotic fibers. This lower effective dose supports greater digestive comfort and reduced likelihood of bloating or gas, making it well suited for individuals with sensitive digestion.*
Human research also suggests PreticX® may help support beneficial microbiome patterns associated with healthy metabolic function, with studies observing changes in markers related to glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and visceral fat distribution. By promoting beneficial microbes, PreticX® may also help support gut barrier integrity and balanced immune signaling.*
Ingredient Manufacturer Website: https://ingredients.aidp.com/#preticx
PreticX® is a clinically studied ingredient found in the following Silver Fern™ Brand product:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.