Effects of Gluconic Acid on Human Faecal Bacteria

Abstract

Gluconate was fermented selectively by the Bijidohacterium adolescentis group and some species of other genera, including Clostridium clostridiiforme, C. innocuum, Propionibacterium acnes, Megasphaera elsdenii, Enterococcus jaecium and Klebsiella pneumoniae; however it was not utilised by most other bacteria including the Bacteroidaceae. No other organic acid salts were utilised by B. adolescentis. These salts weakly inhibited the growth of C. perjringens in vitro, as did gluconate. The absorption rate of gluconate from the ligated small intestinal loop in rats was 19.9 per cent under conditions when 100 per cent of glucose was absorbed. The effects of ingestion of gluconate on human faecal bacteria was studied in ten healthy adult males. They ingested 9 g/d or 3 g/d of glucono-6-lactone (anhydride of gluconic acid). With the 9 g/d ingestion, the number of bifidobacteria significantly increased (P<0.001), whereas C. perfringens decreased and Enterobacteriaceae remained constant. The concentrations of bifidobacteria also increased ( W 0 . 0 5 ) following 3 g/d ingestion.

Evaluation of the Suppressive Effect on Bitter Taste of Gluconate

“…It is a functional ingredient that promotes the growth of Lactobacillus bifidus in the intestine, as do oligosaccharides. 7) To confirm a new use for gluconate, we investigated its suppressive effect on bitter taste. Three substances were used as bitter tastants, QHCl, which is used as a medicine, and caffeine and naringin, which are added to or found in food.…”

Sodium Gluconate and Potassium Gluconate as Substitutes for Sodium Chloride in Breadmaking.

“…Gluconic acid is used as a flavoring agent (Boutraux, 1978). Asano et al (1994) found that gluconic acid promotes the growth of Lactobacillus bifidus, as do oligosaccharides. Furthermore, Morita et al (1994) reported that calcium gluconate improves bread dough.…”

Effect of dietary supplementation of butyric acid glycerides on performance, immunological responses, ileal microflora, and nutrient digestibility in laying hens fed different basal diets

“…Of course, a part of beneficial effect of OA is mediated by decreasing microbial populations in intestine. In this regard, it has been reported that gluconic acid improved nutrient digestibility via reducing pathogenic intestinal bacteria (Asano et al, 1994).…”