Ferulic acid combined with different dietary fibers improve glucose metabolism and intestinal barrier function by regulating gut microbiota in high-fat diet-fed mice

Consuming whole grains contributes to the preservation of glucose homeostasis and supports intestinal health, primarily attributed to the presence of functional components like polyphenols and dietary fiber. However, it is not well understood how the combined influence of cereal polyphenols and dietary fiber could benefit the glucose metabolism and alter the gut microbiota. Our results showed that compared to ferulic acid alone, ferulic acid combined with arabinoxylan or β-glucan could significantly improve glucose tolerance and maintain intestinal homeostasis in high-fat diet-fed mice. Ferulic acid combined with β-glucan significantly increased serum GLP-1 level and tight junction proteins expression in colon. Ferulic acid combined arabinoxylan increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibaculum. Ferulic acid combined with β-glucan increased the abundance of Akkermansia and norank_f_Muribaculaceae, which were negatively correlated with impaired glucose tolerance. Therefore, ferulic acid combined with arabinoxylan or β-glucan ameliorates glucose metabolism and protects intestinal barrier integrity by regulating gut microbiota.