A University of Calgary researcher is examining the effect of prebiotic fibre on a child’s weight.

Raylene Reimer, PhD, is recruiting children between the ages of 8 and 12 who are considered overweight.   That would be a child at or above the 85 percentile for weight, or simply if a parent is concerned about their child’s weight.

The children in the study will take a powdered fibre in water once a day for 16 weeks.

This isn’t a diet, Reimer says the fibre has a wide range of benefits including appetite control as well as acting to make positive changes in our natural bacteria. 

She says “the hot science right now is really all about the bacteria in our gut”.

Reimer says if the bacteria in the gut aren’t working properly, people will absorb more calories from food than they require, as well, those calories are more likely to be turned into body fat.

While Reimer is only recruiting children for her study, she says most Canadians could benefit from more fibre in their diet, she says “We as Canadians eat far less fibre than we should”.

Anyone interested in the study can call 403 220 8549 or email childhoodfiberstudy@gmail.com