Effects of dragon fruit oligosaccharides on immunity, gut microbiome, and their metabolites in healthy adults – A randomized double-blind placebo controlled study

Abstract

Healthy food has wide popularity and relates positively to health. Our previous studies have shown that dragon fruit oligosaccharides (DFO) have prebiotic activities, balancing the gut microbiota in a simulated human colon system, and are safe and stimulate the immune system in rats. The effects of DFO on immune stimulation gut microbe modulation and the correlation of gut microbiota and nutrients were investigated in a human trial. This clinical study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The participants were 107 healthy adults, divided into 3 groups that received DFO in drinking waterdoses of 4 and 8 g/day, compared to the placebo group for 4 consecutive weeks. DFO consumption at 4 g/day increased IgA level (11.31 mg/dL or 10.95% from baseline) and 8 g/day outstandingly promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. (8.41%) and Faecalibacterium (1.99%) and decreased harmful bacteria, especially, Escherichia coli (8.44%). The relationship between gut microbes and nutrient intake was explored and significant (p < 0.05) correlations between specific microbial groups and intakes of specific macro- and micronutrients were observed. The potential dose of DFO for healthy adults was established as 4 g/day for improving IgA level and 8 g/day for promoting beneficial gut microbiota.