Oils and fats for improving glucose metabolism disorders and oils and fats for improving the intestinal environment

Abstract

To provide oils and fats for improving the intestinal environment. [Solution] An oil for improving the intestinal environment, comprising an oil composition containing 10% to 30% by mass of palmitic acid in the total fatty acid residues of the oil composition, wherein 50% or more by mass of the palmitic acid is bonded at the 2-position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an oil or fat for improving abnormal glucose metabolism and an oil or fat for improving the intestinal environment.

Background Art

[0002] Intake of a large amount of lard, which is a typical animal fat, causes biological abnormalities such as inflammation and abnormal glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues (intestinal tract and adipose tissue). As one of the factors causing these biological abnormalities, changes in the intestinal microbiota and the production amount of its metabolites, and changes in the relationship between IgA, which is a major antibody secreted into the intestine, and intestinal bacteria can be mentioned.

[0003] For example, in Non-Patent Document 1, it has been observed that intake of a high-lard diet tends to weaken the binding between intestinal IgA and intestinal bacteria, suggesting that this is one of the factors for abnormal glucose metabolism.

[0004] In addition, Non-Patent Document 2 describes that some intestinal bacteria belonging to the family Lachnospiraceae produce elaidic acid under a high-lard diet, causing a decrease in barrier function and abnormal glucose metabolism.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide oils and fats for improving abnormal glucose metabolism and oils and fats for improving the intestinal environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is an oil for improving glucose metabolism disorders, comprising an oil composition in which palmitic acid is present in an amount of 10% to 30% by mass of the total constituent fatty acid residues of the oil composition, and of the palmitic acid, 50% by mass or more is palmitic acid bound at the 2-position. The oil for improving glucose metabolism disorders comprising the above oil composition can improve glucose metabolism disorders.

[0008] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oil and fat composition contains medium-chain fatty acids in its entirety among the constituent fatty acid residues.

[0009] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, glucose metabolism disorders are improved by promoting the binding of intestinal bacteria and IgA in the intestines.

[0010] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oil and fat composition contains 50% by mass or more of the triglycerides comprising triglycerides in which two medium-chain fatty acids and one long-chain fatty acid molecule are bonded, and triglycerides in which one medium-chain fatty acid molecule and two long-chain fatty acid molecules are bonded.

[0011] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oil and fat composition is an oil and fat composition obtained by 1,3-position specific transesterification of the following raw material oil and fat compositions (A) and (B): (A) a triglyceride containing 70% by mass or more of medium-chain fatty acids in the total constituent fatty acid residues; (B) a triglyceride containing 15% by mass or more of palmitic acid in the total constituent fatty acid residues.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medium-chain fatty acid is caprylic acid and / or capric acid.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an oral or parenteral composition containing the above-mentioned oils and fats for improving glucose metabolism disorders.

[0014] The present invention also relates to an oil for improving the intestinal environment, comprising an oil composition containing 10% to 30% by mass of palmitic acid in the total constituent fatty acid residues of the oil composition, wherein 50% or more by mass of the palmitic acid is bonded at the 2-position. The intestinal environment can be improved by the above oil for improving the intestinal environment.

[0015] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oil and fat composition contains medium-chain fatty acids in its entirety among the constituent fatty acid residues.

[0016] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oil for improving the intestinal environment is an oil for promoting the binding of intestinal bacteria and intestinal IgA.

[0017] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oil for improving the intestinal environment is an oil for suppressing intestinal inflammation.

[0018] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oil and fat composition contains 50% by mass or more of the triglycerides comprising triglycerides in which two medium-chain fatty acids and one long-chain fatty acid molecule are bonded, and triglycerides in which one medium-chain fatty acid molecule and two long-chain fatty acid molecules are bonded.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fat and oil composition is a fat and oil composition obtained by 1,3-position specific transesterification of the following raw material fat and oil compositions (A) and (B). (A) Triglyceride containing 70% by mass or more of medium-chain fatty acids in the total constituent fatty acid residues. (B) Triglyceride containing 15% by mass or more of palmitic acid in the total constituent fatty acid residues.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medium-chain fatty acid is caprylic acid and / or capric acid.

[0021] The present invention is an oral or parenteral composition containing the above fat and oil for improving intestinal environment.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the sugar metabolism improver of the present invention, sugar metabolism can be effectively improved. Also, according to the fat and oil for improving intestinal environment of the present invention, the intestinal environment can be effectively improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] Graph showing the final body weight (body weight after 8 weeks of feeding) of each mouse group [Figure 2] Graph showing the weight of peritesticular adipose tissue after 8 weeks of feeding in each mouse group [Figure 3] Graph showing the feeding amount (g / day / mouse) [Figure 4] Graph showing the results of oral glucose tolerance test (IAUC of groups A to D) [Figure 5] Graph showing IAUC in insulin tolerance test [Figure 6] Typical diagram of flow cytometer analysis [Figure 7] Graph showing the IgA coating rate of groups A to D [Figure 8] Graph showing the concentration of elaidic acid in the feces of mice in groups A to D [Figure 9] Graph showing the concentration of active GLP1 in the plasma of mice in groups A to D [Figure 10]Graph showing CXCL1 mRNA expression levels in mice from groups A to D. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The present invention will be described in detail below, but the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0025] <Oil composition> The lipids for improving glucose metabolism disorders and lipids for improving the intestinal environment according to the present invention consist of lipid compositions. The lipid composition according to the present invention contains 10% to 30% by mass of palmitic acid in the total amount of constituent fatty acid residues of the lipid composition, and of the palmitic acid, 50% by mass or more is palmitic acid bound at the 2-position.

[0026] The palmitic acid content in the total fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition is preferably 15% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more. Furthermore, the palmitic acid content in the fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition is preferably 25% by mass or less.

[0027] Furthermore, of the palmitic acid in the total constituent fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition, the palmitic acid bound to the 2-position is preferably 55% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and even more preferably 65% ​​by mass or more. Furthermore, of the palmitic acid in the total constituent fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition, the palmitic acid bound to the 2-position is preferably 100% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, even more preferably 80% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 70% by mass or less.

[0028] Furthermore, the oil and fat composition according to the present invention contains medium-chain fatty acids in the total fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition. The content of medium-chain fatty acids is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more, of the total fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition. Also, the content of medium-chain fatty acids is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less, of the total fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition.

[0029] When medium-chain fatty acids are present above the lower limit, the digestibility and absorption of the oil and fat improve. On the other hand, if there are too many medium-chain fatty acids, their irritant properties may cause digestive tract discomfort after ingestion; therefore, it is preferable to keep the medium-chain fatty acid content below the upper limit.

[0030] Examples of medium-chain fatty acids include caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid, but it is particularly preferable to include caprylic acid and capric acid.

[0031] Furthermore, in the oil and fat composition according to the present invention, the total amount of triglycerides constituting the oil and fat composition is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 55% by mass or more, of triglycerides (M2L) in which two molecules of medium-chain fatty acids (M) and one molecule of long-chain fatty acids (L) are bonded, and triglycerides (ML2) in which one molecule of medium-chain fatty acids (M) and two molecules of long-chain fatty acids (L) are bonded.

[0032] The preferred ratio of M2L to ML2 is M2L:ML2 = 20:80 to 45:55, and more preferably 25:75 to 40:60.

[0033] In this specification, medium-chain fatty acids refer to fatty acids with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and long-chain fatty acids refer to fatty acids with 14 or more carbon atoms.

[0034] The presence of M2L and ML2 leads to the hydrolysis of medium-chain fatty acid residues in the stomach, resulting in monoglycerides and diglycerides, which is advantageous for micelle formation in the small intestine. Furthermore, even if hydrolysis does not occur in the stomach, the residues become more susceptible to breakdown by lipase in the small intestine.

[0035] <Method for producing oil and fat composition> The oil and fat composition according to the present invention is preferably an oil and fat composition obtained by 1,3-specific transesterification of the following raw material oil and fat compositions (A) and (B): (A) a triglyceride containing 70% by mass or more of medium-chain fatty acids in the total constituent fatty acid residues; (B) a triglyceride containing 15% by mass or more of palmitic acid in the total constituent fatty acid residues. By 1,3-specific transesterification of the raw material oil and fat compositions (A) and (B), an oil and fat composition can be produced that contains 10% by mass or more and 30% by mass of palmitic acid in the total constituent fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition, and of the palmitic acid, 50% by mass or more is palmitic acid bound at the 2 position, and that contains medium-chain fatty acids.

[0036] The raw oil and fat composition (A) preferably contains 70% by mass or more of medium-chain fatty acids, more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 95% by mass or more of medium-chain fatty acids in total constituent fatty acid residues. When the amount of medium-chain fatty acids is within the above range, an oil and fat composition containing M2L and ML2 can be efficiently obtained.

[0037] Furthermore, the raw oil and fat composition (B) preferably contains 15% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, of palmitic acid among its constituent fatty acid residues. Furthermore, the raw oil and fat composition (B) preferably contains 50% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, and even more preferably 30% by mass or less, of palmitic acid among its constituent fatty acid residues. In addition, of the palmitic acid contained in the total constituent fatty acid residues, it is preferable that 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more, of the palmitic acid bound to the 2-position of the glyceride. By using a raw oil and fat composition (B) in which the 2-position palmitic acid binding ratio is within the above range, micelle formation can be achieved efficiently, thereby obtaining an oil and fat composition with good absorbability. Examples of oil and fat composition (B) include lard and structural lipids in which the 2-position palmitic acid binding ratio has been increased by an enzymatic transesterification reaction at the 1,3 positions.

[0038] The mixed mass ratio of the raw material oil compositions (A) and (B) in the 1,3-position specific transesterification reaction is preferably 3:7 to 1:9, more preferably 2.5:7.5 to 1.5:8.5.

[0039] Furthermore, for transesterification reactions using 1,3-specific lipases, it is preferable to use lipases derived from microorganisms such as Alcaligenes, Geothorium, Chromobacterium, Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Candida, Pseudomonas, Mucor, and Geotrichum.

[0040] Such lipases can be commercially available. Examples include Amano A (manufactured by Amano Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and Lipozyme (manufactured by Novozymes). There are no particular restrictions on the form in which the above-mentioned lipase is used, but from the viewpoint of efficiency, it is preferable to immobilize it on a carrier by a conventional method.

[0041] The temperature of the enzyme reaction is usually 10°C or higher, more specifically 30-70°C, more preferably 40-70°C, and even more preferably 45-65°C, from the viewpoint of ensuring a sufficient reaction rate while maintaining enzyme activity for a long period and suppressing the formation of isomer triglycerides as much as possible. The duration of the enzyme reaction is not particularly limited as long as a sufficient transesterification reaction rate can be achieved, but is preferably 30 minutes or more, more preferably 2-24 hours.

[0042] <Oils and fats for improving glucose metabolism abnormalities> The present invention relates to an oil and fat composition described above, for improving abnormal glucose metabolism.

[0043] The present invention relates to a lipid for improving glucose metabolism disorders, which can preferably improve glucose metabolism disorders without causing weight loss. Elderly people and those with certain diseases have a need to avoid weight loss. The present invention provides a lipid for improving glucose metabolism disorders that can be offered to people with such needs.

[0044] <Methods for improving glucose metabolism abnormalities> Furthermore, glucose metabolism disorders can be improved by the lipids for improving glucose metabolism disorders according to the present invention. In other words, the present invention is also a method for improving glucose metabolism disorders, which includes using an lipid composition as an oral or parenteral composition, wherein the lipid composition contains 10% to 30% by mass of palmitic acid in the total amount of constituent fatty acid residues, and of the palmitic acid, 50% by mass or more of palmitic acid is bonded at the 2-position.

[0045] Furthermore, the present invention is a method for improving glucose metabolism disorders, preferably without causing weight loss.

[0046] <Oils and fats for improving intestinal environment> The present invention is also a lipid for improving the intestinal environment, comprising the above-described lipid composition. More specifically, the present invention is a lipid for promoting the binding of intestinal bacteria and intestinal IgA, comprising the above-described lipid composition. By promoting the binding of intestinal bacteria and intestinal IgA, the intestinal environment can be improved. More specifically, the present invention is a lipid for suppressing intestinal inflammation, comprising the above-described lipid composition. By suppressing intestinal inflammation, the intestinal environment can be improved.

[0047] The present invention relates to an oil for improving the intestinal environment that can preferably improve glucose metabolism disorders without causing weight loss. Elderly people and those with certain diseases often have a need to avoid weight loss. The present invention provides an oil for improving the intestinal environment that can be offered to people with such needs.

[0048] <Methods to improve your gut environment> Furthermore, the intestinal environment can be improved by the intestinal environment improving oils and fats according to the present invention. In other words, the present invention is also a method for improving the intestinal environment, which includes using an oil and fat composition as an oral or parenteral composition, wherein the oil and fat composition contains 10% to 30% by mass of palmitic acid in total constituent fatty acid residues, and of the palmitic acid, 50% by mass or more is palmitic acid bound at the 2-position.

[0049] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an oil for improving the intestinal environment that can preferably improve the intestinal environment without causing weight loss.

[0050] Furthermore, the binding of intestinal bacteria to intestinal IgA can be promoted by the oil and fat for promoting the binding of intestinal bacteria to intestinal IgA according to the present invention. In other words, the present invention is also a method for promoting the binding of intestinal bacteria to intestinal IgA, which includes using an oil and fat composition as an oral or parenteral composition, wherein the oil and fat composition contains 10% to 30% by mass of palmitic acid in the total amount of constituent fatty acid residues, and of the palmitic acid, 50% by mass or more is palmitic acid bound at the 2-position.

[0051] Furthermore, the present invention is a method for promoting the binding of intestinal bacteria to intestinal IgA, which preferably does not result in weight loss.

[0052] Furthermore, intestinal inflammation can be suppressed by the intestinal inflammation-suppressing oil according to the present invention. That is, the present invention also includes using an oil composition as an oral or parenteral composition, wherein the oil composition contains 10% to 30% by mass of palmitic acid in the total amount of constituent fatty acid residues of the oil composition, and of the palmitic acid, 50% by mass or more of the palmitic acid is bound at the 2-position.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an oil for suppressing intestinal inflammation, which can preferably suppress intestinal inflammation without causing weight loss.

[0054] <Oral or parenteral compositions> The present invention also relates to an oral or parenteral composition comprising the above-mentioned oils and fats for improving glucose metabolism disorders, or the above-mentioned oils and fats for improving the intestinal environment.

[0055] Examples of oral compositions include foods and pharmaceuticals. The content of oils and fats for improving glucose metabolism disorders or for improving the intestinal environment in the oral composition is preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20% by mass or more. Furthermore, the content of oils and fats for improving glucose metabolism disorders or for improving the intestinal environment in the oral composition is preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less.

[0056] Examples of parenteral compositions include gastrostomy compositions and enteral compositions. The content of oils and fats for improving glucose metabolism disorders or for improving the intestinal environment in the parenteral composition is preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20% by mass or more. Furthermore, the content of oils and fats for improving glucose metabolism disorders or for improving the intestinal environment in the parenteral composition is preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less. [Examples]

[0057] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples.

[0058] <Oil composition> The following describes the oil and fat compositions used in the examples and comparative examples. • Lard lard (manufactured by Kaneka) was used. • Medium-chain fatty acid oil (MPO oil, manufactured by Chuo Kasei) and the above lard were mixed in a mass ratio of 22:78. The temperature was adjusted to 55°C, and a transesterification reaction was carried out by passing the mixture through a column packed with 1,3-specific lipase (Lipozyme TL IM, manufactured by Novozymes). After decolorization and deodorization, the resulting mixture was referred to as MPO.

[0059] <Analysis of Triglyceride Fraction> The triglyceride fractions of the lard and MPO described above were analyzed using the following method. Details are provided below.

[0060] • Content of palmitic acid, total content of caprylic and capric acid, and content of elaidic acid in the total fatty acid residues of the oil composition (%) The measurement was performed according to the standard method for analyzing fats and oils (2.2.4.3-2013, trans fatty acid content (capillary gas chromatography)). A Shimadzu GC-2010 gas chromatography system was used. A SUPELCO SP-2560 column was used.

[0061] • 2nd palmitic acid binding ratio (%) The content of palmitic acid bound to the 2-position of triglycerides was measured based on the standard method for analyzing fats and oils (2.4.5-2016, Triacylglycerol 2-position fatty acid composition (enzyme transesterification method)). A Shimadzu GC-2010 gas chromatography system was used. A SUPELCO SP-2560 column was used. The ratio of palmitic acid bound to the 2-position was calculated using the following formula: 2-position palmitic acid binding ratio (%) = (Content of palmitic acid bound to the 2-position / Total palmitic acid content in all constituent fatty acid residues × 3) × 100

[0062] The ratio of triglycerides (M2L + ML2) in the oil composition to triglycerides containing two medium-chain fatty acids and one long-chain fatty acid (M2L) and triglycerides containing one medium-chain fatty acid and two long-chain fatty acids (ML2). The analysis was performed according to the standard method for analyzing fats and oils (2.4.6.1-2013, triacylglycerin composition). A Shimadzu GC-2010 gas chromatography system was used. A DB-1 column from GL Sciences was used.

[0063] Table 1 shows the analytical values ​​for the triglyceride fractions of lard and MPO.

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] <Mouse group> C57BL6J mice (male, 8 weeks old) were divided into four test groups, A to D (6 mice per group), and were fed the test diets shown in Table 2 ad libitum for 8 weeks.

[0066] [Table 2]

[0067] The data for each graph below is shown as mean ± standard error. Two-way ANOVA (difference in oil type × amount of oil intake) was performed on each data point, and if the interaction between the two factors was significant, multiple comparison tests were conducted. A significance level of 5% was used as the significance detection criterion.

[0068] <Body weight, adipose tissue weight, and feeding amount> Body weight and food intake (g / day / mouse) were measured weekly. In addition, peritellar adipose tissue was collected during dissection and its weight was measured.

[0069] Figure 1 shows the final body weight (body weight after 8 weeks of feeding) for each mouse group. Figure 2 shows the peritesticular adipose tissue weight after 8 weeks of feeding for each mouse group. Figure 3 shows the amount of food fed (g / day / mouse). The 30% supplementation (groups B and D) showed a significant increase in body weight and adipose tissue weight compared to the 7% supplementation (groups A and C), while no significant difference was observed between lard and MPO in either the 7% or 30% supplementation groups. No significant difference was observed between lard and MPO in terms of food volume in either the 7% or 30% supplementation groups. In conclusion, MPO did not show a significant difference in body weight, adipose tissue weight, or food volume compared to lard.

[0070] <Oral glucose tolerance test> After a 12-hour fast, each group of mice was orally administered a glucose solution (2 mg / g mouse body weight), and blood glucose levels were measured before administration and up to 120 minutes after administration. The area under the curve (IAUC) was calculated from the blood glucose level data.

[0071] Figure 4 shows the results of the oral glucose tolerance test (IAUC for groups A-D). With a 30% addition (comparison of group C and group D), MPO significantly reduced IAUC more effectively than lard (Figure 4). These results indicate that MPO intake effectively improves glucose tolerance compared to lard intake.

[0072] <Insulin loading test> After a two-hour fast, insulin solution (0.7 mU / g mouse body weight) was administered intraperitoneally to mice in each group, and blood glucose levels were measured over time, both before administration and up to 120 minutes after administration. The area under the curve (IAUC) was calculated from the blood glucose level data.

[0073] Figure 5 shows the IAUC in the insulin loading test. In the insulin loading test, MPO significantly reduced the IAUC compared to lard, regardless of whether 7% or 30% MPO was added (Figure 5). These results indicate that MPO intake effectively improves insulin sensitivity compared to lard intake.

[0074] <Evaluation of the binding between intestinal bacteria and intestinal IgA> Fecal matter was suspended in phosphate buffer, and intestinal bacteria were collected by stepwise centrifugation. IgA bound to bacteria was stained with FITC-labeled anti-IgA antibody, and bacterial nucleoid DNA was stained with propidium iodide (PI). After staining, IgA-binding bacteria were detected by flow cytometry, and the percentage of IgA-binding bacteria (PI and FITC double-positive bacteria) among all bacteria (PI-positive bacteria) (IgA coating rate) was calculated.

[0075] A representative diagram of flow cytometry analysis is shown in Figure 6. All bacteria (PI-positive bacteria) are enclosed in a thick frame, and IgA-binding bacteria (PI, FITC bipositive bacteria) are enclosed in a thin frame. The IgA coating rates for groups A to D are shown in Figure 7. In both 7% and 30% additions, MPO significantly increased the IgA coating rate more than lard. This result indicates that MPO intake effectively promotes IgA binding to intestinal bacteria compared to lard intake.

[0076] <Measurement of elaidic acid concentration in feces> After freeze-drying the feces, lipids were extracted using a chloroform:methanol = 2:1 solution. Tridecanoic acid was added to the extracted lipids as an internal standard, and methyl esterification was performed according to the standard lipid analysis method (2.4.1.2-2013, boron trifluoride methanol method). The fatty acid composition was measured according to the standard lipid analysis method (2.2.4.3-2013, trans fatty acid content (capillary gas chromatography method)), and elaidic acid was identified by comparison with the standard sample. A Shimadzu GC-2010 gas chromatography apparatus was used. A SUPELCO SP-2560 column was used.

[0077] Figure 8 shows the elaidic acid concentrations in the feces of mice from groups A to D. In a comparison of 30% addition (comparison of group C and group D), MPO significantly reduced elaidic acid concentration in the feces compared to lard. This result indicates that, under high-volume fat intake, MPO effectively reduces the elaidic acid concentration present in the intestinal tract compared to lard.

[0078] <Measurement of active GLP1 concentration in plasma> Active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1), secreted by L cells, the endocrine cells of the small intestine, has an insulin secretion-promoting effect on the pancreas and is an essential hormone for maintaining normal glucose metabolism. Blood was collected from mice by cardiac sampling and mixed with EDTA, and plasma was collected by centrifugation. The collected plasma was immediately mixed with a DPPIV inhibitor to suppress the degradation of GLP1. The concentration of active GLP1 in the plasma was measured using the GLP-1, Active form (High Sensitivity) Assay Kit (IBL).

[0079] Figure 9 shows the plasma concentrations of active GLP1 in mice from groups A to D. Both 7% and 30% MPO addition significantly increased the plasma concentration of active GLP1 compared to lard. This result indicates that MPO effectively promotes GLP1 secretion compared to lard.

[0080] <Quantification of inflammatory cytokine CXCL1 gene expression level in the colon> Total RNA was extracted and purified from the colon using Isogen2 (Nippon Gene Co., Ltd.). cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription reaction using RevertraAce (Toyobo Co., Ltd.). Using the synthesized cDNA as a template, gene-specific primers and DNA polymerase solution for quantitative PCR were added, and the relative expression level of the inflammatory cytokine CXCL1 was quantified by the SYBR method.

[0081] Figure 10 shows the CXCL1 mRNA expression levels in mice from groups A to D. Both 7% and 30% MPO significantly reduced CXCL1 gene expression in the colon compared to lard. This result indicates that MPO effectively suppresses the expression of CXCL1, an inflammatory cytokine, compared to lard. [Industrial applicability]

[0082] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide oils and fats for improving abnormal glucose metabolism and oils and fats for improving the intestinal environment.

Claims

1. An oil for improving the intestinal environment, comprising an oil composition containing 10% to 30% by mass of palmitic acid in the total fatty acid residues of the oil composition, wherein 50% or more by mass of the palmitic acid is bonded at the 2-position.

2. The oil and fat composition is an oil and fat for improving the intestinal environment according to claim 1, wherein the oil and fat composition contains medium-chain fatty acids in the total number of constituent fatty acid residues of the oil and fat composition.

3. The oil for improving the intestinal environment according to claim 1, which is an oil for promoting the binding of intestinal bacteria and intestinal IgA.

4. The oil for improving the intestinal environment according to claim 1, which is an oil for suppressing intestinal inflammation.

5. The oil and fat composition is an oil and fat for improving the intestinal environment according to claim 1, wherein the total amount of triglycerides constituting the oil and fat composition is 50% by mass or more, consisting of triglycerides in which two medium-chain fatty acids and one long-chain fatty acid molecule are bonded, and triglycerides in which one medium-chain fatty acid molecule and two long-chain fatty acid molecules are bonded.

6. The oil and fat composition is an oil and fat composition obtained by 1,3-specific transesterification of the following raw material oil and fat compositions (A) and (B), as described in claim 1, for improving the intestinal environment; (A) Triglycerides containing 70% or more by mass of medium-chain fatty acids in the total constituent fatty acid residues. (B) A triglyceride containing 15% by mass or more of palmitic acid in the total constituent fatty acid residues.

7. The oil for improving the intestinal environment according to claim 1, wherein the medium-chain fatty acid is caprylic acid and / or capric acid.

8. An oral or parenteral composition comprising an oil or fat for improving the intestinal environment as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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