Oats Containing 1.4g β-Glucan Significantly Increased Lactobacillus Levels In Vitro using M-SHIME® Model and In Vivo in Healthy Adults with Elevated Cholesterol Levels

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Preliminary evidence, primarily animal and in vitro studies, suggests that oats selectively impact the microbiota. We conducted an in vitro screening trial, using the M-SHIME model®, with fecal inoculum from healthy adult donors with elevated cholesterol levels to determine the effect of 1 serving (40g) of Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats (OFO) containing 1.4g β-Glucan (βG). We also conducted a clinical trial to confirm the in vitro effect of OFO in vivo using fecal material obtained from a similar subject population. Methods In Vitro Trial- Validated M-SHIME model of the entire GI system was used with mucosal beads. Fecal inoculum was donated from 3 healthy adults with elevated cholesterol levels (total cholesterol >5.5 to < 7mmol/L and LDL cholesterol >3.4 to ≤ 4.9mmol/L). Treatment was 40g OFO, containing 1.4g βG. Study design included 2 week (wk) stabilization, 2 wk control, and 3 wk intervention periods. Clinical Trial- Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 38 healthy adults with elevated cholesterol levels within same ranges used in vitro. Treatment was 40g OFO (1.4g βG). Control was 40g Cream of Rice, containing no βG. Study design included 2 wk run-in, 6 wk intervention, and 4 wk wash out periods. Changes in select fecal groups were quantified using qPCR. Results OFO statistically increased lactobacillus in vitro in all colon regions and in vivo compared to control. OFO statistically increased bifidobacterium in vitro in all colon regions compared to control. Increase in bifidobacterium in vivo was observed but did not reach significance. No significant changes in either studies for other bacteria's quantified: Akkermansia Muciniphila, Enterobacteriaceae, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii, Clostridium Perfringens, and Eubacterium Hallii. Conclusions 1 serving of OFO significantly increased lactobacillus levels in vitro and was replicated in vivo. This is notable because previous in vivo research suggests lactobacillus strains may play a significant role in cholesterol metabolism, and therefore this effect warrants further study in humans. Funding Sources Financial support for this study was provided by PepsiCo, Inc. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of PepsiCo, Inc.