In vitro approach to evaluate the fermentation pattern of inulin-rich food in obese individuals

Abstract

Alterations of the gut microbiome have been associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. The gut microbiota can be influenced by the intake of dietary fibres with prebiotic properties, such as inulin-type fructans. The present study tested the hypothesis that obese individuals subjected for 12 weeks to an inulin-enriched v. inulin-poor diet have differential faecal fermentation patterns. The fermentation of cellulose and inulin hydrolysates of six different inulin-rich and inulin-poor vegetables of both groups was analysed in vitro on faecal inocula. The results showed that the microbiota from obese patients who received a fructan-rich diet for 3 weeks produces more gas and total SCFA compared with the microbiota taken from the same individuals before the treatment. Obese individuals fed with a low-fructan diet produce less gas and less SCFA compared with the treated group. The present study highlighted profound changes in microbiota fermentation capacity obtained by prebiotic intervention in obese individuals, which favours the production of specific bioactive metabolites.

Extraction and Purification of Inulin from Jerusalem Artichoke with Response Surface Method and Ion Exchange Resins

“… 6 As a functional polysaccharide, inulin has been extensively applied in low calorie, low sugar, and low fat foods. 7 Moreover, the metabolites of inulin in the body could inhibit pathogen colonization in the prevention of intestinal infections and diseases. 8 Besides, inulin could also be used to delay absorption of drugs with adverse effects on the stomach.…”

“…Inulin is a polysaccharide linked by β-(2,1) linkages of d -fructose bonds and terminated with a glucose residue through a sucrose-type linkage at the reducing end, , which is a water-soluble storage polysaccharide with a large variety of food and pharmaceutical applications . As a functional polysaccharide, inulin has been extensively applied in low calorie, low sugar, and low fat foods . Moreover, the metabolites of inulin in the body could inhibit pathogen colonization in the prevention of intestinal infections and diseases .…”