Prebiotic Effects of Xylooligosaccharides on the Improvement of Microbiota Balance in Human Subjects

Abstract

It has been indicated that probiotics can be nourished by consuming prebiotics in order to function more efficiently, allowing the bacteria to stay within a healthy balance. In this study, we investigated the effects of xylooligosaccharides- (XOS-) enriched rice porridge consumption on the ecosystem in the intestinal tract of human subjects. Twenty healthy subjects participated in this 6-week trial, in which 10 subjects received XOS-enriched rice porridge while the others received placebo rice porridge. Fecal samples were collected at the end of weeks 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 for microorganism examination. The results showed that 6-week daily ingestion of the XOS-enriched rice porridge induced significant increases in fecal bacterial counts of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., as well as decreases in Clostridium perfringens without changing the total anaerobic bacterial counts, compared to that of placebo rice porridge. However, fluctuations in the counts of coliforms were observed in both groups during the 6-week intervention. In conclusion, the intestinal microbiota balance was improved after daily consumption of 150 g of rice porridge containing XOS for 6 weeks, demonstrating the prebiotic potential of XOS incorporated into foods. This also indicates the effectiveness of XOS as a functional ingredient in relation to its role as a prebiotic compound.

Mechanisms of Action of Prebiotics and Their Effects on Gastro-Intestinal Disorders in Adults

“…The bifidogenic effects of XOS on B. lactis seemed to be more efficient than those of FOS alone in a colon model, suggesting that the association between XOS and B.lactis could generate a successful symbiotic product [64]. A 6-week randomized controlled trial, conducted on 20 healthy subjects, demonstrated that those who consumed 150 g rice porridge with XOS supplementation (1.2 g XOS once daily) had increased fecal bacterial counts of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium and a decreased Clostridium, without altered total anaerobic bacterial counts, compared to the control group, who ate only rice porridge, without supplementation [65]. The increase in lactobacilli was in contrast with the above results obtained in a pure culture [63] and with another study, conducted on humans by Finegold et al, where the authors showed no changes in lactobacilli counts, stool pH and SCFA production after XOS administration at different doses (1.4 g and 2.8 g) [66].…”

“…↑ Bifidobacteria (especially Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium adolescentis [63]), Lactobacilli [65] and butyrate fecal concentrations [62]. ↓ Clostridium growth [65]. No changes in lactobacilli counts, stool pH and SCFAs production [66].…”

Gut dysbacteriosis and intestinal disease: mechanism and treatment

“…Fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS), a dietary fibre rich in fruits and vegetables, were added to improve blood glucose homeostasis in animal models (Lin et al . 2016). Oligoxylose has the function of prebiotics.…”

Effects of Caustic Extraction on Properties of Viscose Grade Dissolving Pulp

“…Moreover, the extracted hemicelluloses exhibit longer chain lengths compared to the low molecular weight hemicellulose obtained from the steeping lye. Because oligomeric sugar containing lyes are of special interest in a biorefinery context, where they are further processed, e.g., into xylooligosaccharides for prebiotic formulations [34,35], a co-product of higher market value can be separated by the described process.…”