Effects of mannooligosaccharides from coffee mannan on fat storage in mice fed a high fat diet

Mice were fed either a high fat diet or a high fat diet containing 1% mannooligosaccharides (MOS) for twelve weeks. The effects of MOS on fat accumulation and excretion were examined. After twelve weeks, the percentage weight of the fat and hepatic triglyceride level were significantly lower in the MOS group than that of the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). Furthermore, the serum triglyceride level had a decreasing tendency in the MOS group (p = 0.058). On the other hand, the fecal triglyceride level as well as the amount of fat excreted significantly increased in the MOS group (p < 0.05). This study showed that the administration of MOS lessened the fat accumulation in the parametrial adipose tissue and the liver while at the same time increased the amount of fat being excreted. These results indicate that MOS may prevent the fat storage through inhibiting the intestinal absorption of dietary fat in a high fat diet.