In a fourth publication from the Skidmore College weight loss study, scientists led by Dr. Paul Arciero, along with colleagues from Arizona State University, reported that the Isagenix weight loss system reduced gastrointestinal symptoms coinciding with favorable responses to the gut microbiome and metabolic “signature” responses (1). These responses differed from a calorie and physical activity-matched heart-healthy (calorie-restricted) diet, which also provided health benefits. This data was published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

The gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria—some healthy, some harmful. The microbiome affects many biological functions, including nutrient absorption and synthesis, immune responses, brain and cognition, and general metabolism. Study of the gut microbiome has become one of the most intensely focused areas for scientific exploration. While a “healthy” gut microbiome is still undefined, associations with better and worsening health conditions are constantly being characterized.

Previous publications from this clinical study demonstrated greater weight, total body fat, and visceral fat loss of the Isagenix system compared to heart-healthy (2) – The Isagenix Weight Management System Shown Superior to Heart-Healthy Diet for Weight Loss, Visceral Fat Loss, and Appetite Control in a Published Study – Isagenix Health), the effectiveness of either one or two Cleanse Days per week (intermittent fasting) on body composition and metabolic markers (3) – Isagenix Compares One vs. Two Cleanse Days per Week in a Clinical Investigation – Isagenix Health), and on the gut microbiome and metabolic responses (4) – Published Study: Isagenix Cleanse Days Modify the Gut Microbiome and Support Digestive Health – Isagenix Health).

Study Design

As detailed previously (The Isagenix Weight Management System Shown Superior to Heart-Healthy Diet for Weight Loss, Visceral Fat Loss, and Appetite Control in a Published Study – Isagenix Health), the study employed 41 obese or overweight individuals who followed either Isagenix or the heart-healthy program for eight weeks. At baseline (week 0), week 4, and week 8, subjects provided plasma and fecal samples for analysis of metabolic markers (“metabolome”) and the gut microbiome, respectively. The plasma metabolome reflects dozens or hundreds of small molecules and metabolites reflective of physiological and cellular processes; therefore, the metabolome can provide clues to cellular and whole-body health. Subjects also responded to a questionnaire addressing their gut health responses to their specific dietary intervention. Additionally, key metabolic regulating proteins called cytokines were also measured.

Study Findings

Key findings from the clinical trial include:

  • A more pronounced and favorable modification of the gut microbiome with Isagenix compared to the heart-healthy diet. These alterations were also associated with changes in the plasma metabolome, such as improved fat oxidation (fat burning) and metabolic health,
  • Increases in cytokine proteins linked to fat burning, weight loss, inflammation, and immune response, and,
  • Reduced gastrointestinal symptoms – such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea – from individuals following Isagenix compared to the heart-healthy diet.

These researchers highlighted the potential contributions of Isagenix’s unique combination of intermittent fasting (Cleanse Days) plus timely and sustained high protein intakes in beneficially modifying the gut microbiome and key metabolic pathways implicated in weight loss, weight maintenance, and overall well-being.

References

  1. Mohr AE, Sweazea KL, Bowes DA, Jasbi P, Whisner CM, Sears DD, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Jin Y, Gu H, Klein-Seetharaman J, Arciero KM, Gumpricht E, Arciero PJ. Gut microbiome remodeling and metabolomic profile improves in response to protein pacing with intermittent fasting versus continuous caloric restriction. Nat Commun. 2024 May 28;15(1):4155. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-48355-5. PMID: 38806467.
  2. Arciero PJ, Poe M, Mohr AE, Ives SJ, Arciero A, Sweazea KL, Gumpricht E, Arciero KM. Intermittent fasting and protein pacing are superior to caloric restriction for weight and visceral fat loss. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2023 Feb;31 Suppl 1:139-149. doi: 10.1002/oby.23660. Epub 2022 Dec 27. PMID: 36575144.
  3. Arciero PJ, Arciero KM, Poe M, Mohr AE, Ives SJ, Arciero A, Boyce M, Zhang J, Haas M, Valdez E, Corbet D, Judd K, Smith A, Furlong O, Wahler M, Gumpricht E. Intermittent fasting two days versus one day per week, matched for total energy intake and expenditure, increases weight loss in overweight/obese men and women. Nutr J. 2022 Jun 4;21(1):36. doi: 10.1186/s12937-022-00790-0.
  4. Mohr AE, Jasbi P, Bowes DA, Dirks B, Whisner CM, Arciero KM, Poe M, Gu H, Gumpricht E, Sweazea KL, Arciero PJ. Exploratory analysis of one versus two-day intermittent fasting protocols on the gut microbiome and plasma metabolome in adults with overweight/obesity. Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 26;9:1036080. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1036080.