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Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a gluten-free pseudo-cereal, has gained popularity over the last decade due to its high nutritional value. Quinoa is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, tocopherols (Vitamin E), unsaturated fatty acids and a wide range of polyphenols. The study used Gallus gallus intra-amniotic feeding, a clinically validated method, to assess the effects of quinoa soluble fiber (QSF) and quercetin 3-glucoside (Q3G) versus control. Quercetin is a pharmacologically active polyphenol found in quinoa. Six groups (no injection, 18 Ω H2O, 5% inulin, 1% Q3G, 5% QSF, 1% Q3G + 5% QSF) were assessed for their effect on the brush border membrane (BBM) functionality, intestinal morphology and cecal bacterial populations. Our results showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in BBM morphology, particularly goblet and Paneth cell numbers, in the group administered with quinoa and quercetin. However, there were no significant changes seen in the expression of the genes assessed both in the duodenum and liver between any of the treatment groups. Furthermore, fibrous quinoa increased the concentration of probiotic L. plantarum populations compared to the control (H2O). In conclusion, quercetin and quinoa fiber consumption has the potential to improve intestinal morphology and modulate the microbiome.
Highlights
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal grown in the Andean region of South America
The objective of this study is to evaluate quinoa soluble fiber (QSF) and quercetin 3-glucoside (Q3G) for their potential prebiotic effect on the microbiome, brush border membrane (BBM) functionality and mineral absorption, to better understand the mechanisms behind the reported biological effects
The treatment group (1% Q3G + 5% QSF) visibly changed the cecal microbial composition when compared to the control
Summary
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal grown in the Andean region (mainly Peru and Bolivia) of South America. Quinoa provides a range of nutrients from essential amino acids, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, fibers to health-promoting phytocompounds such as alkylresorcinols [1], saponins [2], polyphenols, phytosterols and phytoecdysteriods [3] among others. It is advertised as a “superfood” and promoted as an agricultural crop for its ability to adapt to different soil types and stress-conditions. The United Nations declared 2013 as the “International Year of Quinoa” [4] Despite these benefits, quinoa is not widely consumed. This may be due to its heavy import prices, lack of awareness among consumers and insufficient research [3,5]
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