Effects of phosphorylated cross-linked resistant corn starch on the intestinal microflora and short chain fatty acid formation during in vitro human fecal batch culture

Abstract

Changes in the intestinal microflora and formation of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were studied in an in vitro human fecal batch culture in a medium containing 10 mg/mL of phosphorylated cross-linked resistant corn starch (RS4 type) as the sole carbon source. Viable counts of total anaerobic bacteria and bifidobacteria were higher for RS4 than for corn starch, RS2 (Novelose 240), and cellulose. However, viable counts of lactobacilli were decreased for RS4. The total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) amount was also increased for RS4, corn starch, and RS2, but not for cellulose. The molar ratios of acetic:propionic:butyric acid were 39:20:15 after 36 h of culture in RS4 corn starch. RS4 corn starch promoted the growth of total anaerobic bacteria and bifidobacteria together with SCFAs formations in an in vitro human fecal batch culture.