Sand may be a cure for obesity

Engineered purified sand grains could be the next weight loss remedy
.
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that porous silica prevents fats and carbohydrates from being adsorbed
in the body.

Engineered silica particles are made from purified sand and optimized to have a high surface area, allowing them to absorb large amounts of digestive enzymes, fats and sugars
in the gastrointestinal tract.

The study, funded by the Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation, is the first to validate how porous silica particles can hinder the digestive process, preventing the adsorption
of fats and sugars.

The new silicon-based therapy, developed in collaboration with Glantreo Ltd.
, has a milder effect on the stomach and fewer
side effects than the mainstream weight-loss drug Orlistat.

Lead researcher Dr.
Joyce of the University of Southern California said the groundbreaking discovery could change health outcomes
for billions of people struggling with obesity.

"Obesity is a global problem, affecting more than 1.
9 billion people worldwide," said
Dr Joyce.
"Despite this, there is a lack of effective treatments without side effects, such as diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain, which often prevent people from starting treatment
.
" Porous silica is receiving increasing attention for its anti-obesity potential, and human trials have shown it to be a safe treatment
.
Until now, however, researchers haven't figured out exactly how it works
.
Our research shows how porous silica promotes weight loss by acting locally in the gut to limit the digestion and absorption of fats and carbohydrates
.
Importantly, this gentle mechanism promises clinically effective results for weight loss without adverse effects
.
”

Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and is associated with
higher mortality.
In Australia, two-thirds of adults and one in four children are considered overweight or obese
.

This in vitro study examined multiple silica samples
in a gastrointestinal environment that mimics the digestion of high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods.
The study found that porous silica particles with pore widths between 6-10 nanometers are ideal conditions
for triggering inhibitory reactions to fats and sugars.

Dr Joyce said: "This study has identified specific parameters of porous silica to exert its anti-obesity effects
.
The next step is to validate these findings with an obese animal model so that we can determine any changes
in optimal anti-obesity conditions.
Obesity is a completely preventable disease
.
This is a huge step towards
solving one of the world's most preventable health problems.
”

The Anti-Obesity Effect of Porous Silica Is Dependent on Pore Nanostructure, Particle Size, and Surface Chemistry in an In Vitro Digestion Model