In Vitro Fermentation Profiles, Gas Production Rates, and Microbiota Modulation as Affected by Certain Fructans, Galactooligosaccharides, and Polydextrose

Abstract

It is of interest to benefit from the positive intestinal health outcomes of prebiotic consumption but with minimal gas production. This study examined gas production potential, fermentation profile, and microbial modulation properties of several types of oligosaccharides. Substrates studied included short-chain, medium-chain, and long-chain fructooligosaccharides, oligofructose-enriched inulin, galactooligosaccharide, and polydextrose. Each substrate was fermented in vitro using human fecal inoculum, and fermentation characteristics were quantified at 0, 4, 8, and 12 h. Gas and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production data showed that short-chain oligosaccharides were more rapidly fermented and produced more SCFA and gas than substrates with greater degrees of polymerization. Lactobacilli increased similarly among substrates. Short-chain oligosaccharides fermentation resulted in the greatest increase in bifidobacteria concentrations. Mixing short- and long-chain oligosaccharides attenuated short-chain oligosaccharide fermentation rate and extent. This study provides new information on the fermentation characteristics of some oligosaccharides used in human nutrition.

The Role of Intestinal Barrier Function in Early Life in the Development of Colitis

“…Many of these are fermented by colonic bacteria to short chain fatty acids, which are also beneficial in that they acidify the lumen suppressing pathogen growth, and alter motility as described in Section 2.4 (Yajima, 1985). Short chain oligosaccharide fermentation increases bifidobacteria concentrations in adult faecal samples in vitro (Hernot et al, 2009). Although promotion of bifidobacteria concentration has been demonstrated in a number of infant studies (Rautava & Walker, 2008), few reports exist on the clinical benefits of dietary oligosaccharides in infants (Roberfroid et al, 2010).…”

Altered Host-Microbe Interaction in HIV: A Target for Intervention with Pro- and Prebiotics

“…SCFA are known to have a plethora of effects on the intestinal milieu, epithelial cells as well as local immune cells. Various prebiotics induce differential effects on SCFA production and the ratios of butyrate, acetate, and propionate [143]. The degree of specificity of prebiotic agents enables the potential development of specific prebiotics optimized to target HIV-specific issues.…”

In Vitro Colonic Fermentation and Glycemic Response of Different Kinds of Unripe Banana Flour

“…In the large intestine, the microbiota ferments the carbohydrates that were not digested nor absorbed in the small intestine and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), lactic acid and gases [4,5]. SCFA have several benefic properties for the human organism and intestinal health [6,7], which can be related with systemic effects in the metabolism of glucose and lipids, can increase glucose tolerance [8], contribute to the host´s daily energetic demands, stimulate colonic blood flux and the use of fluids and electrolytes [5].…”