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Consumption of a food product containing prebiotics and probiotics has been recognized as an important factor in lowering risk of intestinal cancer and gastrointestinal diseases and risks associated with high cholesterol. An oats-based symbiotic yogurt-like food (Oagurt) was developed using oats and probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium), with pre-polymerized whey protein (PWP) as a gelation agent. The product was also fortified with inulin to increase soluble fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Physico-chemical analyses and 9 wk shelf life for viability of probiotics and changes in pH and viscosity were carried out for formulations with (F) and without (C) fortification. Results of the shelf life study showed that both L. casei and Bifidobacterium remained at therapeutic levels: 4.8 x 10(6) CFU/g (F), 4.3 x 10(6) CFU/g (C) and 3.1 x 10(6) CFU/g (F), 3.17 x 10(6) CFU/g (C) after 9 wk. However L. acidophilus did not survive after 3 wk. Viscosity and pH decreased significantly during the study with the difference between formulations also significant for pH (P < 0.0001). Scanning electron microscopy of samples revealed that the pre-polymerized whey protein played a major role in the structure of the gel with an increased protein network structure visible at higher PWP levels. A consumer acceptability study showed that the product was "fair" for all organoleptic attributes.

Relationships between dietary nutrients and plasma and fecal estrone, estradiol-17 beta, testosterone, and plasma prolactin concentrations were studied in young Seventh-day Adventist men: 18 nonvegetarians (NVs), 20 lactoovovegetarians (LOVs), and 15 vegans (V). Blood samples and 3-d dietary records were obtained. Contemporaneously collected diet composites and stool samples were analyzed for fiber. Vs and LOVs consumed significantly more fiber than did the omnivores, whereas NVs and LOVs consumed more saturated fatty acids than did Vs. Although plasma steroid-hormone status did not differ, Vs had significantly higher fecal estrogen concentrations than did NVs or LOVs. Plasma prolactin concentrations were significantly higher in NVs and LOVs than in Vs. Significant relationships were observed for the combined groups between dietary and fecal fiber components and fecal, but not plasma, steroid hormones. For the combined groups, prolactin concentrations were positively correlated with saturated fatty acid intake. Further research on the effects of dietary nutrients on endocrine homeostasis in other age groups is warranted.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of citrus pectin on human fecal neutral and acid steroid excretion and beta-glucuronidase and 7alpha-dehydroxylase activity. Eight healthy male subjects (age 20 to 27 yr) were used in a switchback design with or without 15 g citrus pectin added to a mixed low fiber diet. There were three successive 18-day periods preceded by a 4-day adjustment period. Half of the subjects followed a pectin-nonpectin-pectin protocol and the other half followed a nonpectin-pectin-nonpectin protocol. Fecal samples were collected throughout the study under anaerobic conditions. Compared to the control diet, mean fecal weight, percentage moisture, transit time, and fecal fat for both groups of subjects were not significantly different by analysis of variance when subjects were fed pectin diet. Mean beta-glucuronidase activity was increased (35%) when subjects were fed the pectin. Mean 7alpha-dehydroxylase activity showed no definite trend. Mean neutral steroid concentration was slightly decreased (8%) when the pectin diet was fed but total excretion was unchanged. End of period neutral steroid concentration was decreased 9% and total excretion was decreased 3.5%. Mean acid steroid concentration was not changed but total excretion was increased (11%) on the pectin diet. End of period acid steroid concentration and excretion was increased 6% on the pectin diet. This study shows that there were interrelationships between dietary pectin, neutral and acid steroid metabolism, and bacterial enzyme activity.