Digestive physiological outcomes related to polydextrose and soluble corn fiber consumption by healthy adult men

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate fermentation characteristics of novel fibers by healthy adults. Twenty‐one healthy adult males were utilized in a crossover design. Each subject received each treatment of 21 g of polydextrose (PDX) or soluble corn fiber (SCF), or a no‐fiber control (NFC) in a snack bar. Each period lasted 21 d and feces were collected during the last 5 d of each period. Food intake, including fiber intake (average 14.7 g/d) did not differ among treatments. Cramping, flatulence, and distention were greatest (P<0.01) when subjects consumed PDX. Reflux, flatulence, and distension were greater (P<0.01) when subjects consumed SCF compared to NFC. All tolerance scores were very low (<2) indicating only small decreases in comfort. Fecal ammonia, 4‐methylphenol, indole, and branched‐chain fatty acid concentrations were decreased (P<0.01) when subjects consumed the novel fiber sources compared to NFC. Fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations were lowest (P<0.05) when subjects consumed PDX compared to SCF and NFC. Fecal pH was lower (P=0.01) when subjects consumed SCF compared to NFC, while PDX was intermediate. Fecal wet weight was greatest (P=0.03) when subjects consumed SCF compared to NFC. Fecal dry weight tended to be greater (P=0.07) when subjects consumed PDX compared to NFC. The novel fibers led to 1.4 and 0.9 (PDX and SCF, respectively) gram increases in fecal dry mass per gram of supplemental fiber intake. These novel fibers appear to be beneficial to gut health while leading to minimal gastrointestinal upset in healthy adult males.