Dietary Fiber Supplementation Research Articles

Dietary fibre from seeds of Australia native Plantago species as modulators of quality and glycaemic response in starch gels

Dietary fibre (DF) is a non-digestible nutrient which has important roles in the digestive system including mantaining regularity, and reducing the risk of certain cancers and non-communicable diseases, such as metabolic syndrome. Even though the positive health effects of DF have long been established, it has been shown that DF intake for children and adults in Australia is below the recommended range – less than 20% of adults met the suggested intake for reducing risk of chronic diseases(1). Plantago ovata, also known as psyllium, is widely used as DF supplement with evidence showing positive effects on weight control, hyperglycaemic response, cholesterol levels, and irritable bowel syndrome(2). P. ovata seed husk produces a highly viscous gel called mucilage when seeds are exposed to moisture. This mucilage is nearly pure DF and has an intricately layered structure which can be further fractionated and studied as a proxy for different gelling systems. Interestingly, Australia is home to many mucilage-producing Plantago species, most of which are underexplored and underutilised, but show remarkable gelling properties and hypoglycaemic potential(3). In this work, we compare structural and functional properties of fractionated DF from P. ovata, and two promising Australian native relatives, P. turrifera and P. drummondii, and their effect on enzymatic hydrolysis in potato starch gels. Using a 3-step fractionation method, we have separated distinct fractions and explored their individual properties(4). P. turrifera and P. drummondii have higher water absorbing capacity, DF yield, and viscosity compared to P. ovata. Monosaccharide composition of all three species is similar – they are highly substituted heteroxylans with minor pectic component. Notably, arabinose to xylose ratio in all species increases with further extraction steps, which is different from cereal arabinoxylans. In an attempt to explore impact of DF in starch-rich systems, we have fabricated DF-potato starch gels and measured enzymatic hydrolysis (with porcine pancreatic α-amylase), freeze-thaw stability, and colour change. Addition of DF reduced syneresis (water separation) during 15 day freeze-thaw cycle measurement, which can lead to prolonged storage stability and has positive implications for shelf life. Colour change was most noticeable when P. drumondii DF were added, while colour of P. ovata and P. turiferra DF gels was similar to control potato starch gel. Effects on α-amylase starch hydrolysis were significant as well, and depended on species and fractions. Certain DFs had impacts on constant k (speed of hydrolysis), while effects on the extent of hydrolysis are still being explored. In conclusion, utility of Australia native P. turrifera and P. drumondii DFs are evident when applied to starch gels, and should be further explored in food products such as bread to increase DF intake and possibly lower glycaemic index.

Study of various dietary interventions in patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome

Obesity is an independent risk factor оf cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension (HT). Optimization of CVD control methods is one of the most relevant and urgent problems for Russia. Many studies have shown that body weight correlates with blood pressure, and this relationship is due to complex pathogenetic mechanisms. Therefore, therapeutic approaches in a patient with obesity, metabolic syndrome and HT require consideration of all pathophysiologic changes associated with these diseases. Non-pharmacological treatments such as lifestyle changes including weight loss, following dietary guidelines and increasing physical activity can directly affect of BP levels and improve BP control. A wide range of nutritional interventions are effective in treating obesity and comorbidities, and clinicians must consider all options and provide personalized interventions. The Mediterranean diet, vegetarian diets, DASH-diet, Nordic diet, and low-carbohydrate diets have all been associated with improved metabolic health with or without changes in body weight. Recent evidence reinforce more the role of dietary fiber supplementation to the daily diet in patients with HT and metabolic syndrome, although no evidence of significant benefit has been found. Taking into account national dietary characteristics, we have proposed a study in which we plan to study the effect of the Russian diet with fiber supplementation on metabolic parameters in patients with HT. It is planned to evaluate the effect of diet therapy on indicators of metabolic disorders of intestinal metabolites.

Impacts of Fiber Supplementation in Sows during the Transition Period on Constipation, Farrowing Duration, Colostrum Production, and Pre-Weaning Piglet Mortality in the Free-Farrowing System.

This study investigated how dietary fiber supplementation during the transition period in sows affects constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum production, milk yield, and pre-weaning piglet mortality in the free-farrowing system. A total of 92 Landrace × Yorkshire sows and their 1272 offspring were included in the study. Sows were divided into two groups by parity: control (n = 41) and treatment (n = 51). The control group was fed a standard lactation diet 7 days before farrowing, whereas the treatment group received the same diet with 75 g/day of a dietary fiber supplement. The dietary fiber content analyses were 4.30% and 5.53% in the control and treatment groups, respectively. Sows were fed with 3.89 ± 0.92 kg per day with a diet containing 17.8% crude protein, 3732 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy, and 1.1% lysine. Parameters including farrowing duration, litter characteristics, and the fecal condition of sows were measured. Piglet mortality rates were recorded at 3, 7, and 21 days of lactation. Sows had an average farrowing duration of 216 ± 159 min, with litter sizes of 13.8 ± 4.2 piglets per litter, and a 7.4% stillbirth rate. The treatment group showed a lower constipation rate compared to the control group (17.6% vs. 46.3%, p = 0.003). Farrowing duration did not significantly differ between groups, but the treatment group experienced a 43.6 min shorter duration. In sows with litter sizes of ≥16 piglets per litter, the farrowing duration for sows in the treatment group tended to be shorter than that of the control groups (202.0 ± 37.9 vs. 287.5 ± 41.3 min, p = 0.115). The mean colostrum intake of piglets in the control and treatment groups averaged 424.0 ± 13.7 g and 421.8 ± 12.6 g, respectively (p = 0.908). Likewise, the milk production of sows from Days 3 to 10 and from Days 10 to 17 of lactation in the treatment group (7.34 ± 0.27 and 8.76 ± 0.43 kg/day, respectively) did not differ from that of the control group (7.85 ± 0.30 and 9.55 ± 0.47 kg/day, respectively, p > 0.05). Pre-weaning piglet mortality was slightly lower in the treatment group (13.4% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.085). Across groups, piglet mortality rates within 3, 7, and 21 days were 10.3%, 11.9%, and 15.4%, respectively. Piglets with a ≤200 g colostrum intake had a higher pre-weaning mortality compared to those with a higher intake (p < 0.05), except for the 201-300 g intake (p = 0.472). In conclusion, introducing dietary fiber to sows during the transition period reduced constipation and tended to decrease farrowing duration, especially in sows with large litters. Additionally, it lowered pre-weaning piglet mortality by 3.9% in the free-farrowing system. Nonetheless, providing sows with a 75 g/day dietary fiber supplement for only 7 days before farrowing was not enough to enhance colostrum and milk production, nor did it lead to an increase in piglet colostrum consumption.

Effects of different dietary fiber supplement strategies on incidence of acute gastrointestinal injury in ICU patients: A prospective observational study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of dietary fiber (DF) supplement strategies on the incidence of acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) in critically ill patients. DesignA prospective observational study. SettingThe study was conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from April 2021 to March 2023. MethodsUsing a five-day dietary log counted the amount of DF supplement. The best fitting trajectories of DF supplement were determined based on the latent class trajectory modelling (LCTM). The data of AGI were evaluated on the day 5 (D5) and day 7 (D7) after intensive care unit admission. ResultsA total of 179 patients were included in the study. The LCTM yielded a four-trajectories of models, named; Sustained Low – Group, Slowly Rising – Group, Early Supplement & Slowly Rising – Group and Rapidly Rising – Group, respectively. The incidences of AGI on D5 and D7 were 51.4 % and 40.0 %, respectively. There was an increased risk in the grade of AGI in the Sustained Low – Group compared with the Rapidly Rising – Group on D5 [odds ratio (OR), 4.8; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.9–12.1] and D7 (OR, 12.0; 95 % CI, 3.9–37.0); and an increased risk in the Slowly Rising – Group on D5 (OR, 3.6; 95 % CI, 1.3–9.9). ConclusionThe supplement of DF in critically ill patients may be insufficient and the incidence of AGI is high. Sustained low and slow rising DF supplement may be associated with an increased risk in the AGI. Implications for clinical practiceThe clinical staff could focus on the supplementation of not only the three macronutrients, but also DF in critically ill patients.

Development of technological solutions to increase the biological value of gluten-free bread

The industry of gluten-free bakery products has not been studied properly, so this topic is gaining popularity among scientists. The subject of the research was the development of recipes for gluten-free flour mixtures. To improve the taste characteristics of the product and increase the biological value, it was decided to introduce plant raw materials non-traditional for bread. Chia seeds and carrot powder were chosen as additives. The goal of the research was to develop recipes for gluten-free flour mixtures. The research was carried out in several stages: 1. determination of the component composition of the gluten-free mixture recipe and production of prototypes; 2. analysis of organoleptic indicators; 3. carrying out physical and chemical studies of dough and finished products. To carry out the analysis instrumental and visual research methods were used. During the experiment three samples of bread were obtained from different types of gluten-free flour (No. 1 – green buckwheat; No. 2 amaranth flour; No. 3 – gram flour) in combination with rice flour, carrot powder and chia seeds. The control sample was bread made from rice flour, potato and corn starch. The rate of dietary fiber supplementation was calculated on the basis of the recommended daily intake. Thus, 2.8 g of dietary fiber was added with carrots, and 4.4 g of dietary fiber with chia seeds. According to all the studies carried out, sample No. 3 from gram flour turned out to be the best. The research results can be used in the baking industry to expand the range of bakery products. A mixture for making gluten-free bread can be a very useful product, especially for those categories of the population who have a need for such products. Also, given that for the majority of the population bread is a commodity of everyday demand, the production of such mixtures will be in great demand.

Proximate, nutraceutical composition and antimicrobial activities of Uvaria chamea (Udagu) seeds and oil

The study investigated proximate, nutraceutical composition and Antimicrobial activities of Uvaria chamea (Udagu) seeds. Standard methods were used to analyze the plant seeds for the present of nutraceutical and proximate component of the plant Uvaria chamea (Udagu) seeds. While disk diffusion method was employed to assay the the potent of the seed oil as an antimicrobial agent. Result of the proximate revealed that Uvaria chamea (Udagu) seeds contains ash (10.19 %), moisture (5.2 %), crude protein (0.09 %), crude fiber (51.81 %), total fat (26.19 %) and carbohydrate (6.52 %). While nutraceutical study showed that Uvaria chamea (Udagu) seeds contains cardiac glycosides (0.046 %), tannins (0.2 %), saponins (0.01 %) and alkaloids (0.45 %).The proximate result implies that the plant contains essential component such as crude fiber, total fat and ash in significant quantities, and can be utilized as food and in treating several ailments. The presences of alkaloids, tannins, Cardiac glycoside, and saponins in the plant seed indicate it can be used as a medicinal source. The oil presented no antimicrobial and antibiotic activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. The results suggest that Uvaria chamae seed have a potential role as a new source of health-promoting diets (can be used as a dietary fiber supplement in obesity management) with high oxidative stability. And the oil is a fixed oil that could be an acceptable substitute for cooking vegetable oil that do not have antimicrobial/antibiotic activities. Keywords: Proximate; nutraceutical; fiber; alkaloids; tannins

The Impact of Fiber Source on Digestive Function, Fecal Microbiota, and Immune Response in Adult Dogs.

This study evaluated the impact of different fiber sources on intestinal function, fecal microbiota, and overall health in dogs. Twelve dogs were used in a crossover design, involving three periods of 6 weeks and three diets: a low-fiber diet (CTR), a cereal-fiber and beet-pulp-supplemented diet (BRA), and a fruit-fiber-supplemented diet (FRU). Each period included a digestibility trial and fecal and blood sampling in the last week. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbiota taxonomy (16S rRNA Illumina-MiSeq) and functionality (Shotgun-NovaSeq 6000) were determined in the feces. General biochemistry, complete blood cells, and lymphocyte subsets were also analyzed. The fiber-supplemented diets showed lower digestibility without significant changes in the fecal consistency. The BRA diet showed higher total SCFA concentrations (p = 0.056), with increases in alpha diversity and particular beneficial genera, such as Lachnospira, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium. The BRA microbiota was also associated with an overabundance of genes related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. The FRU diet had a distinct impact on the microbiota composition and functionality, leading to higher levels of CD8 lymphocytes. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting the right fiber source when formulating dog diets, as it can have a differential impact on gut microbiota and animal health.

Dietary fiber supplementation increases Drosophila melanogaster lifespan and gut microbiota diversity.

Dietary fiber has been shown to have multiple health benefits, including a positive effect on longevity and the gut microbiota. In the present study, Drosophila melanogaster has been chosen as an in vivo model organism to study the health effects of dietary fiber supplementation (DFS). DFS extended the mean half-life of male and female flies, but the absolute lifespan only increased in females. To reveal the underlying mechanisms, we examined the effect of DFS on gut microbiota diversity and abundance, local gut immunity, and the brain proteome. A significant difference in the gut microbial community was observed between groups with and without fiber supplementation, which reduced the gut pathogenic bacterial load. We also observed an upregulated expression ofdual oxidaseand a modulated expression ofAttacinandDiptericingenes in the gut of older flies, possibly delaying the gut dysbiosis connected to the age-related gut immune dysfunction. Brain proteome analysis showed that DFS led to the modulation of metabolic processes connected to mitochondrial biogenesis, the RhoV-GTPase cycle, organelle biogenesis and maintenance, membrane trafficking and vesicle-mediated transport, possibly orchestrated through a gut-brain axis interaction. Taken together, our study shows that DFS can prolong the half-life and lifespan of flies, possibly by promoting a healthier gut environment and delaying the physiological dysbiosis that characterizes the ageing process. However, the RhoV-GTPase cycle at the brain level may deserve more attention in future studies.

Effects of konjac glucomannan intake patterns on glucose and lipid metabolism of obese mice induced by a high fat diet.

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a dietary fiber supplement that exhibits multiple biological activities, including weight control as well as regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Currently, KGM intake patterns in practical applications include KGM sol, thermal irreversible gel, and frozen thermal irreversible gel. In this study, four intake patterns of KGM, namely KGM sol (KS), deacetylated KGM (DK), KGM gel (KG), and frozen KGM gel (FKG), were used as materials to explore the effects of different KGM intake patterns on glucose and lipid metabolism and intestinal flora in obese mice induced by a high fat diet under the same dose. The results showed that any type of KGM intake could reduce body weight, fat mass, lipid levels, and insulin resistance in obese mice, and alleviate liver damage and inflammation caused by obesity. However, KS has the most significant effect on controlling blood glucose and blood lipid in obese mice. Additionally, it was found that KS, DK, KG and FKG can increase the α-diversity of intestinal microflora in high-fat mice and improve the microflora disorder in high-fat mice. Finally, KS may increase the levels of fasting appetite hormones GLP-1 and PYY in mice, up-regulate the expression of LDLR, GCK and G-6-pase mRNA, and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestinal flora of mice, thus regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. This study systematically investigated the effects of different intake forms of KGM on metabolism and intestinal flora in obese mice, which is of great significance for further understanding the role of KGM in the prevention and treatment of obesity-related metabolic diseases and for developing targeted dietary interventions.

Review of the Patient Burden and Therapeutic Landscape of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation in the United States.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the gut-brain axis. IBS with constipation (IBS-C) accounts for approximately one-third of IBS cases and is associated with substantial burden of illness and decreased quality of life. This narrative review provides an overview of the current and upcoming treatment options and disease management for IBS-C from a US perspective and discusses the importance of the relationship between patient and health care provider in diagnosis and treatment. A positive diagnostic strategy for IBS-C is recommended, based on clinical history, physical examination, and minimal laboratory tests. An effective communication strategy between patients and health care professionals is essential to ensure early diagnosis and reduce both health care costs and overall disease burden. Treatment typically begins with lifestyle interventions and nonpharmacologic options, such as dietary interventions, fiber supplements, and osmotic laxatives. In patients with inadequate response to these therapies, 4 currently available therapies (lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, and tenapanor) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration may relieve IBS-C symptoms. These agents are generally well tolerated and efficacious in improving IBS-C symptoms, including constipation and abdominal pain. In patients with persistent abdominal pain and/or psychological symptoms, brain-gut behavioral therapy or neuromodulator therapy may be beneficial.

Insoluble/soluble fraction ratio determines effects of dietary fiber on gut microbiota and serum metabolites in healthy mice.

Both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) play pivotal roles in maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis; whether the effects of the different ratios of IDF and SDF are consistent remains unclear. Consequently, we selected SDFs and IDFs from six representative foods (apple, celery, kale, black fungus, oats, and soybeans) and formulated nine dietary fiber recipes composed of IDF and SDF with a ratio from 1 : 9 to 9 : 1 (NDFR) to compare their impact on microbial effects with healthy mice. We discovered that NDFR treatment decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. The α diversity and relative richness of Parabacteroides and Prevotella at the genus level showed an upward trend along with the ratio of IDF increasing, while the relative abundance of Akkermansia at the genus level and the production of acetic acid and propionic acid exhibited an increased trend along with the ratio of SDF increasing. The relative abundance of Parabacteroides and Prevotella in the I9S1DF group (the ratio of IDF and SDF was 9 : 1) was 1.72 times and 5.92 times higher than that in the I1S9DF group (the ratio of IDF and SDF was 1 : 9), respectively. The relative abundance of Akkermansia in the I1S9DF group was 17.18 times higher than that in the I9S1DF group. Moreover, a high ratio of SDF (SDF reaches 60% or more) enriched the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway; however, a high ratio of IDF (IDF reaches 80% or more) regulated the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These findings are helpful in the development of dietary fiber supplements based on gut microbiota and metabolites.

Dietary Fiber Supplementation in Type I Glycogen Storage Disease; Could it Contribute to a Better Metabolic Control?

Dietary Fiber Supplementation in Type I Glycogen Storage Disease; Could it Contribute to a Better Metabolic Control?

Supplementation with Complex Dietary Fiber during Late Pregnancy and Lactation Can Improve Progeny Growth Performance by Regulating Maternal Antioxidant Status and Milk Quality.

This study investigated the nutritional benefits of complex dietary fiber (beta-glucan and fructo-oligosaccharides, CDF) supplementation in sows and piglets during late pregnancy and lactation. Twenty-four sows were randomly divided into two groups: the control group was fed a basal diet (n = 12), and the experimental group was fed a CDF diet (0.25% CDF replaced the same proportion of corn in the basal diet, n = 12). Dietary treatment was given from day 107 of pregnancy to day 25 of lactation. The results of this experiment showed that CDF increased the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows during lactation and the weaning body weight (BW) and average daily gain of piglets. Dietary CDF supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity and immune level of sows and decreased the serum zonulin level. Dietary supplementation with CDF increased the levels of antioxidant activity, immunoglobulin, and anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 (IL-10) in milk. Meanwhile, piglets in the CDF group had increased serum antioxidant activity, immunoglobulin, and growth-related hormone levels; decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels; and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid content. In addition, the CDF group increased the diversity of microorganisms in sow feces. In conclusion, the supplementation of a diet with CDF in late pregnancy and lactation can alleviate the oxidative stress of sows, improve milk quality, and have significant positive effects on the antioxidant capacity and growth performance of piglets.

Microbiota-accessible fiber activates short-chain fatty acid and bile acid metabolism to improve intestinal mucus barrier in broiler chickens.

The intestinal mucus barrier, located at the interface of the intestinal epithelium and the microbiota, is the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms and environmental antigens. Dietary polysaccharides, which act as microbiota-accessible fiber, play a key role in the regulation of intestinal microbial communities. However, the mechanism via which dietary fiber affects the intestinal mucus barrier through targeted regulation of the gut microbiota is not clear. This study provides fundamental evidence for the benefits of dietary fiber supplementation in broiler chickens through improvement in the intestinal mucus barrier by targeted regulation of the gut ecosystem. Our findings suggest that the microbiota-accessible fiber-gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acid/bile acid axis plays a key role in regulating intestinal function.

Effects of four different dietary fibre supplements on weight loss and lipid and glucose serum profiles during energy restriction in patient with traits of metabolic syndrome: Comparative, randomized placebo-controlled study

Effects of four different dietary fibre supplements on weight loss and lipid and glucose serum profiles during energy restriction in patient with traits of metabolic syndrome: Comparative, randomized placebo-controlled study

A Comparative Study of Resistant Dextrins and Resistant Maltodextrins from Different Tuber Crop Starches.

The anti-digestibility of resistant dextrin (RD) and resistant maltodextrin (RMD) is usually significantly affected by processing techniques, reaction conditions, and starch sources. The objective of this investigation is to elucidate the similarities and differences in the anti-digestive properties of RD and RMD prepared from three different tuber crop starches, namely, potato, cassava, and sweet potato, and to reveal the associated mechanisms. The results show that all RMDs have a microstructure characterized by irregular fragmentation and porous surfaces, no longer maintaining the original crystalline structure of starches. Conversely, RDs preserve the structural morphology of starches, featuring rough surfaces and similar crystalline structures. RDs exhibite hydrolysis rates of approximately 40%, whereas RMDs displaye rates lower than 8%. This disparity can be attributed to the reduction of α-1,4 and α-1,6 bonds and the development of a highly branched spatial structure in RMDs. The indigestible components of the three types of RDs range from 34% to 37%, whereas RMDs vary from 80% to 85%, with potato resistant maltodextrin displaying the highest content (84.96%, p < 0.05). In conclusion, there are significant differences in the processing performances between different tuber crop starches. For the preparation of RMDs, potato starch seems to be superior to sweet potato and cassava starches. These attributes lay the foundation for considering RDs and RMDs as suitable components for liquid beverages, solid dietary fiber supplements, and low glycemic index (low-GI) products.

Highlights of three metabolites HDL and reduction in blood pressure values after dietary fiber supplementation in overweight and obese normotensive women: a metabolomic study

IntroductionThe prevalence of hypertension and obesity are a worldwide concern.ObjetivesAssess the metabolites profile after intervention with mixed dietary fiber in overweight and obese normotensive women.MethodsThis is a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study. Through a simple randomization process, two groups were allocated, with eleven women (group 1) receiving 12 g of mixed dietary fiber and thirteen women (group 2) receiving 12 g of placebo (corn starch) for eight weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical tests and lifestyle were analyzed. As for evaluation metabolomics, used a 1H NMR. The data matrix generated 96 samples and 225 variables, which was exported in the ASCII format for the “The Unscrumbler” statistics software (version 9.7, CAMO Process).ResultsAfter the intervention with mixed dietary fiber, significant differences were observed between the main types of metabolites, referring to the increase in the relative peak areas of in three HDL metabolites 4.94 ppm (0.0086*), HDL 1.28 ppm (0 .0337*), HDL 0.88 ppm (0.0224*) and an α-glucose metabolite 4.90 ppm (0.0106) and the reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (0.0292*) of 7 mmHg in the reference range and in the placebo group there was a reduction in SBP (0.0118*) of 4 mmHg and of a choline metabolite 3.65 ppm (0.0266*), which does not call into question the validity of these results in the literature.ConclusionThe synergism of the functions of these statistically highlighted metabolites contributed to prevention the increase in SBP after fiber intervention in overweight and obese normotensive women.

Functional profiling of gut microbial and immune responses toward different types of dietary fiber: a step toward personalized dietary interventions

ABSTRACT Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining gut and overall health. The objective of this study was to investigate whether different types of dietary fiber elicited specific changes in gut microbiota composition and the production of short-chain fatty acids. To test this, a longitudinal crossover study design was employed, in which healthy adult women consumed three distinct dietary fiber supplements: Inulin (fructo-oligosaccharide), Vitafiber (isomalto-oligosaccharide), and Fibremax (mixture of different fiber) during a one-week intervention period, followed by a 2-week washout period. A total of 15 g of soluble fiber was consumed daily for each supplement. Samples were collected before and after each intervention to analyze the composition of the gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing and fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids measured using nuclear magnetic resonance. Phenotypic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied in subsets of participants with higher SCFA levels post-intervention using spectral flow cytometry. The results revealed substantial stability and resilience of the overall gut bacterial community toward fiber-induced changes. However, each supplement had specific effects on gut bacterial alpha and beta diversity, SCFA production, and immune changes. Inulin consistently exerted the most pronounced effect across individuals and certain taxa were identified as potential indicators of SCFA production in response to inulin supplementation. This distinguishing feature was not observed for the other fiber supplements. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings. Overall, our study implies that personalized dietary fiber intervention could be tailored to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria to maximize SCFA production and associated health benefits.

199 Effects of Dietary Fiber and Biotic Supplementation on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility, Fecal Characteristics, and Fecal Metabolites of Healthy Adult Dogs

Abstract Synbiotics, or mixtures of live microorganisms and substrates selectively utilized by host microorganisms, may confer complementary or synergistic health benefits to the host. Although synbiotics have demonstrated the potential to modulate the gut microbiome and improve gastrointestinal health in many host species, research trials in companion animal diets are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) of diets supplemented with fibers or biotics and to evaluate their effects on the fecal characteristics, metabolites, microbiota, and immunoglobulin (Ig) A concentrations of dogs consuming them. Healthy adult female beagles (n = 12; age= 6.2 ± 1.6 yr; BW = 9.5 ± 1.1 kg) were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to test three dietary treatments: 1) basal diet based on rice, chicken meal, tapioca starch, and cellulose and without probiotics or prebiotics + a placebo treat (control, CT); 2) diet based on rice, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, and cellulose + placebo treat (GB); 3) diet based on rice, chicken meal, and garbanzo beans, and functional fiber/prebiotic blend (mannanoligosaccharides; fructooligosaccharides, inulin, pea fiber, alfalfa meal, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product) + probiotic-containing treat (synbiotic treatment, SYN). The probiotic treat contained Bacillus subtilus and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (2 x 109 CFU/d). In each 28-day period, a 22-day diet adaptation was followed by a 5-day fecal collection phase for measurement of ATTD and fecal characteristics, metabolites, microbiota, and IgA concentrations. Fasted blood samples were collected on day 28 for serum chemistry and complete blood count. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P &amp;lt; 0.05 being significant. ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter, and energy were less and DM fecal output was greater in dogs fed SYN than those fed CT or GB, whereas ATTD of crude protein was greater in dogs fed CT and SYN than those fed GB. ATTD of fat was higher and wet fecal output was less in dogs fed CT than those fed GB or SYN. Fecal DM% was greater in dogs fed CT than those fed SYN or GB, and greater in dogs fed SYN than those fed GB. Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; acetate, propionate, total SCFA) were higher in dogs fed GB than those fed CT or SYN, and higher in dogs fed GB than those fed SYN. Fecal IgA concentrations were greater in dogs fed GB than those fed CT. Serum triglycerides were less in dogs fed GB than those fed SYN or CT. Our results demonstrate that legume-based dietary fibers, with or without prebiotics and probiotics, slightly reduce nutrient digestibility, increase stool output, beneficially shift fecal metabolites, and reduce blood lipids of adult dogs.

Inulin Inhibits the Inflammatory Response through Modulating Enteric Glial Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Mice by Reshaping Intestinal Flora.

Inulin, a commonly used dietary fiber supplement, is capable of modulating the gut microbiome. Chronic inflammation resulting from metabolic abnormalities and gut flora dysfunction plays a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our research has demonstrated that inulin administration effectively reduced colonic inflammation in T2DM mice by inducing changes in the gut microbiota and increasing the concentration of butyric acid, which in turn modulated the function of enteric glial cells (EGCs). Experiments conducted on T2DM mice revealed that inulin administration led to an increase in the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and the concentration of butyric acid in the colon. The anti-inflammatory effects of altered gastrointestinal flora and its metabolites were further confirmed through fecal microbiota transplantation. Butyric acid was found to inhibit the activation of the κB inhibitor kinase β/nuclear factor κB pathway, regulate the expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, suppress the abnormal activation of EGCs, and prevent the release of inflammatory factors by EGCs. Similar results were observed in vitro experiments with butyric acid. Our findings demonstrate that inulin, by influencing the intestinal flora, modifies the activity of EGCs to effectively reduce colonic inflammation in T2DM mice.