Fecal Bifidobacteria Counts Research Articles

Effect of Intake of Bifidobacteria and Dietary Fiber on Resting Energy Expenditure: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Comparison Study.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 in combination with inulin has been shown to have several health benefits, including an improvement in the intestinal microbiota and a reduction in human visceral fat. Previous studies have suggested that the visceral fat reduction of GCL2505 and inulin may be achieved by improving daily energy expenditure. This parallel, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the effects of GCL2505 and inulin on resting energy expenditure (REE) in overweight or mildly obese Japanese adults (n = 44). Participants ingested 1 × 1010 colony forming units of GCL2505 and 5.0 g of inulin daily for 4 weeks. REE score at week 4 was set as the primary endpoint. At week 4, the REE score of the GCL2505 and inulin group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group, with a difference of 84.4 kcal/day. In addition, fecal bifidobacteria counts were significantly increased in the GCL2505 and inulin group. Our results indicated that the intake of GCL2505 and inulin improves energy balance, which is known to be a major factor of obesity, by modulating the microbiota in the gut. This is the first report to demonstrate the effects of probiotics and dietary fiber on REE in humans.

Dietary intervention of prebiotics and vitamins on gut health of children

PurposeGut health has multidimensional impact on childhood growth and development. Diet being the major modulator of gut health, this study aims to hypothesize if supplementation of dietary prebiotics and vitamins can impact gut environment of healthy children.Design/methodology/approachA double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted with parallel allocation of children 8–13 years of age to placebo or test group. Test group was supplemented with 1.5 g of formulation comprising prebiotics and vitamins, and to placebo, maltodextrin (1.5 g) was supplemented. After four weeks, the effect on markers of gut health (i.e. beneficial microbes, and gut integrity markers such as secretory Immunoglobulin A [sIgA] and calprotectin concentration) was evaluated in feces of children.FindingsSignificant increase of 17.1% in fecal bifidobacteria counts (p = 0.04) was observed in the test group compared to placebo after four weeks. Also, fecal calprotectin concentration decreased (20%) significantly (p = 0.01) in test group compared to placebo. In addition, the test group showed significant improvement in fecal sIgA and lactobacilli compared to baseline concentration (p = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively).Research limitations/implicationsThis study demonstrates that prebiotic (and vitamin) intervention may influence health outcomes in children by positively modulating markers of gut health.Originality/valueThere are limited studies demonstrating the efficacy of prebiotic and vitamins on gut health of school age children.

In healthy adults, resistant maltodextrin produces a greater change in fecal bifidobacteria counts and increases stool wet weight: a double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover study

Dietary fiber stimulates the growth of potentially beneficial bacteria (eg, bifidobacteria), yet most Americans do not meet daily fiber recommendations. Resistant maltodextrin (RMD), a fermentable functional fiber, may help individuals meet total fiber recommendations and potentially increase bifidobacteria. It was hypothesized that fecal bifidobacteria counts/ng fecal DNA would increase after adding 25 g RMD to inadequate fiber diets of healthy adults. In this double-blind, controlled crossover study, 51 participants (26.3 ± 6.8 years, mean ± SD) were randomized to consume 0, 15, and 25 g RMD daily for 3 weeks followed by a 2-week washout. Participants collected all stools for 2 days at weeks 0 and 3 of each intervention for stool wet weight (WW) measurements and fecal bifidobacteria counts. Weekly 24-hour dietary recalls assessed total fiber intake. Only 25 g RMD resulted in a change (final minus baseline) in bifidobacteria that was significant compared with 0 g (0.17 ± 0.09 vs −0.17 ± 0.09 log10[counts], respectively, mean ± SEM, P = .008). Stool WW increased only with 25 g (150 ± 11 vs baseline 121±11 g/d; P = .011). Mean daily total fiber intake (including RMD) was significantly higher (both P< .001) with 15 g (17.8 ± 0.6 g/1000 kcal or 4184 kJ) and 25 g (25.3 ± 1.1 g/1000 kcal) compared with 0 g RMD (8.4±0.4 g/1000 kcal). Mean daily total fiber intakes exceeded recommendations (14 g/1000 kcal) with 15 and 25 g of RMD, and 25 g RMD increased fecal bifidobacteria counts and stool WW, suggesting health benefits from increasing total fiber intake.

Effect of Chicory-derived Inulin on Abdominal Sensations and Bowel Motor Function.

Goal:To determine the effect of a prebiotic chicory-derived inulin-type fructan on the tolerance of intestinal gas.Background:Subjects with gas-related complaints exhibit impaired handling of intestinal gas loads and we hypothesized that inulin would have a beneficial effect.Study:Placebo-controlled, parallel, randomized, double-blind trial. Subjects with abdominal symptoms and reduced tolerance of intestinal gas (selected by a pretest) received either inulin (8 g/d, n=18) or maltodextrin as a placebo (8 g/d, n=18) for 4 weeks. A gas challenge test (4 h jejunal gas infusion at 12 mL/min while measuring abdominal symptoms and gas retention for 3 h) was performed before and at the end of the intervention phase. Gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel habits (using daily questionnaires for 1 wk) and fecal bifidobacteria counts were measured before and at the end of the intervention.Results:Inulin decreased gas retention during the gas challenge test (by 22%; P=0.035 vs. baseline), while the placebo did not, but the intergroup difference was not statistically significant (P=0.343). Inulin and placebo reduced the perception of abdominal sensations in the gas challenge test to a similar extent (by 52% and 43%, respectively). Participants reported moderate gastrointestinal symptoms and normal bowel habits during baseline examination, and these findings remained unchanged in both groups during the intervention. Inulin led to a higher relative abundance of bifidobacteria counts (P=0.01 vs. placebo).Conclusions:A daily dose of inulin that promotes bifidobacteria growth and may improve gut function, is well tolerated by subjects with gastrointestinal complaints.

Early Benefits of a Starter Formula Enriched in Prebiotics and Probiotics on the Gut Microbiota of Healthy Infants Born to HIV+ Mothers: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

The gut microbiota of infants is shaped by both the mode of delivery and the type of feeding. The gut of vaginally and cesarean-delivered infants is colonized at different rates and with different bacterial species, leading to differences in the gut microbial composition, which may persist up to 6 months. In a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial conducted in South Africa, we tested the effect of a formula supplemented with a prebiotic (a mixture of bovine milk-derived oligosaccharides [BMOS] generated from whey permeate and containing galactooligosaccharides and milk oligosaccharides such as 3′- and 6′-sialyllactose) and the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) strain CNCM I-3446 on the bifidobacteria levels in the gut of infants born vaginally or via cesarean section in early life. Additionally, the safety of the new formulation was evaluated. A total of 430 healthy, full-term infants born to HIV-positive mothers who had elected to feed their child beginning from birth (≤3 days old) exclusively with formula were randomized into this multicenter trial of four parallel groups. A total of 421 infants who had any study formula intake were included in the full analysis set (FAS). The first two groups consisted of cesarean-delivered infants assigned to the Test formula (n = 92) (a starter infant formula [IF] containing BMOS at a total oligosaccharide concentration of 5.8 ± 1.0 g/100 g of powder formula [8 g/L in the reconstituted formula] + B. lactis [1 × 107 colony-forming units {cfu}/g]) or a Control IF (n = 101); the second two groups consisted of vaginally delivered infants randomized to the same Test (n = 115) or Control (n = 113) formulas from the time of enrollment to 6 months. The primary efficacy outcome was fecal bifidobacteria count at 10 days, and the primary safety outcome was daily weight gain (g/d) between 10 days and 4 months. At 10 days, fecal bifidobacteria counts were significantly higher in the Test formula than in the Control formula group among infants with cesarean birth (median [range] log: 9.41 [6.30–10.94] cfu/g versus 6.30 [6.30–10.51] cfu/g; P = 0.002) but not among those with vaginal birth (median [range] log: 10.06 [5.93–10.77] cfu/g versus 9.85 [6.15–10.79] cfu/g; P = 0.126). The lower bound of the two-sided 95% confidence interval of the difference in the mean daily weight gain between the Test and Control formula groups was more than –3 g/d in both the vaginally and cesarean-delivered infants, indicating that growth in the Test formula-fed infants was not inferior to that of Control formula-fed infants. At 10 days and 4 weeks, the fecal pH of infants fed the Test formula was significantly lower than in those fed the Control formula, irrespective of mode of delivery: for vaginal delivery: 4.93 versus 5.59; P < 0.001 (10 days) and 5.01 versus 5.71; P < 0.001 (4 weeks); for cesarean delivery: 5.14 versus 5.65, P = 0.009 (10 days) and 5.06 versus 5.75, P < 0.001 (4 weeks). At 3 months, this acidification effect only persisted among cesarean-born infants. IF supplemented with the prebiotic BMOS and probiotic B. lactis induced a strong bifidogenic effect in both delivering modes, but more explicitly correcting the low bifidobacteria level found in cesarean-born infants from birth. The supplemented IF lowered the fecal pH and improved the fecal microbiota in both normal and cesarean-delivered infants. The use of bifidobacteria as a probiotic even in infants who are immunologically at risk is safe and well tolerated.

ブルガリアヨーグルト摂取による糞便中ビフィズス菌の増加作用を検証するプラセボ対照二重盲検比較試験

ブルガリアヨーグルト摂取による糞便中ビフィズス菌の増加作用を検証するプラセボ対照二重盲検比較試験

Microbial and Immune Biomarkers in Infants at Risk for Allergies Fed an Intact Cow’s Milk Formula Containing Specific Non-Digestible Carbohydrates

Background: Oligosaccharides may support postnatal immune development by influencing the constitution of gastrointestinal microbiota. This prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial investigated the effect of a specific prebiotic mixture of short chain galactooligosaccharides (scGOS) and long chain fructooligosaccharides (lcFOS) on microbiota and immune biomarkers during the first six months of life in high risk infants for allergies fed a formula based on intact cow’s milk protein. Methods: If formula feeding was started, the infant was randomly assigned to one of two cow’s milk formula groups (0.8 g/100 ml scGOS/lcFOS or maltodextrine as control). The faecal microbiota of the scGOS/lcFOS and control groups was analysed. In a subgroup blood was collected at the age of six months for serum biomarkers. A reference group consisted of 90 exclusively breast fed infants up to six months of age. Results: In both the prebiotic group and control group a total of 51 infants completed the study. The scGOS/lcFOS supplementation was associated with a significantly higher number of faecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli counts compared to controls, accompanied by significantly lower pH values in the faeces. In the serum, the scGOS/lcFOS group showed a trend towards a decrease in total IgE levels as well as a trend towards a decrease in the percentage of children with elevated (>15 kU/l) IgE. There were no differences found in kappa Ig-fLC and lambda Ig-fLC between the two groups. Conclusions: scGOS/lcFOS administration significantly influences the composition of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. There were some observations with respect to the immune parameters which need further investigation.

Antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects of fructo-oligosaccharide ind-galactose-treated Balb/cJ mice

Chronic subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of d-galactose (DG) to BL/6J mice has been shown to induce oxidative stress and is considered a model to mimic accelerated ageing. Fructo-oligosaccharide (FO) is a well-defined prebiotic and its fermentation by lactic acid bacteria has been shown to exert antioxidative capacity. The present study was aimed to determine whether FO attenuated DG-induced oxidative stress and hepatopathy in Balb/cJ mice. Mice (12 weeks of age, n 40) were divided into control (s.c. saline), DG (s.c. 1·2 g/kg body weight), DG+FO (5%, w/w) and DG+vitamin E (0·2%, w/w) groups and were killed after 52 d of treatment. Results indicated that DG significantly decreased the hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. These alterations were ameliorated both by FO and vitamin E. DG increased the hepatic TAG content approximately by 7·2% compared with the vehicle control, which was in agreement with the histological alteration. FO, similar to vitamin E, almost normalised the hepatic TAG content and ameliorated the histological characteristics of fatty liver. Similarly, the increased plasma alanine aminotransferase activity induced by DG was normalised by FO and vitamin E, respectively. Faecal bifidobacteria counts were greater in the DG+FO and DG+vitamin E groups compared with the DG group, respectively. In conclusion, the present study indicated that FO diminished the altered hepatic antioxidative enzyme activities and morphology caused by chronic DG administration in Balb/cJ mice, partially associated with its prebiotic role in the colon.

Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis supplementation in preterm infants: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

To systematically evaluate and update evidence on the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis CNCM I-3446 supplementation in preterm infants. The Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases and major pediatric conference proceedings were searched in December 2008 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The company that manufactures B lactis was contacted for unpublished data. The review was restricted to RCTs performed in preterm infants <37 weeks of gestation and/or with a birth weight <2500 g. Four RCTs involving 324 infants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with controls, B lactis supplementation has the potential to increase fecal bifidobacteria counts and to reduce Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium spp counts. It also can reduce stool pH and fecal calprotectin concentrations, increase fecal immunoglobulin A and short-chain fatty acid concentrations, and decrease intestinal permeability. Compared with controls, B lactis supplementation had no effect on the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis stage > or = 2 (3 RCTs, n = 293, risk ratio [RR] 0.53, 95% CI 0.16-1.83), risk of sepsis (2 RCTs, 397 cultures, RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.07-5.2), and use of antibiotics (2 RCTs, n = 255, RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.28-1.62). The power of these studies, however, does not allow for a definitive statement regarding a reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. B lactis supplementation did have some effects on anthropometric parameters. No adverse events associated with B lactis supplementation were reported. Evidence regarding the potential beneficial effects of B lactis supplementation in preterm infants is encouraging. Further studies to assess clinically relevant outcomes are needed.

Long-term supplementation of isomalto-oligosaccharides improved colonic microflora profile, bowel function, and blood cholesterol levels in constipated elderly people—A placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial

Objectives The main purpose of this study was to determine the long-term (8 wk) effects of isomalto-oligosaccharide (IO) supplementation on fecal microflora, bowel function, and biochemical indicators of nutritional status in constipated elderly subjects. We also assessed whether the effect of IO was sustained after its withdrawal. Methods Thirteen (five male) constipated subjects (age 82.5 ± 1.9 y) participated in this diet-controlled study that consisted of a 4-wk placebo period, two 4-wk IO (10 g/d) -supplementation periods (IO1 and IO2), and a 4-wk post period. Fasting blood was collected on the last day of each period. Stools were collected during the last week of each period. The bowel function was monitored throughout the study. Results The fecal bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, and bacteroides counts (log counts/g wet feces) significantly increased and clostridia count decreased at the end of the IO1 period. The effects were more pronounced in the IO2 period and then returned to the levels of the IO1 period at the end of the post period. Daily fecal excretion of acetate and propionate increased along with IO supplementation. The frequency of spontaneous defecation increased in the IO2 period, and wet fecal mass increased by 24% in both the IO1 and the IO2 periods. The effects of IO on bowel function diminished in the post period. Plasma total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower with 4- or 8-wk IO supplementation as compared with the placebo and post period, respectively. Conclusions IO supplementation into a low-fiber diet improved colonic microflora profile and bowel movement in a time-dependent fashion in constipated elderly subjects. These beneficial effects decreased after discontinuation of the supplements.

Dietary cheese whey protein protects rats against mild dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis: Role of mucin and microbiota

Data from the literature suggest that the availability of the amino acids threonine, cysteine, or both, is limiting for mucin synthesis under conditions of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike casein, cheese whey protein is rich in these amino acids. The protective effect of cheese whey protein was examined using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammation of the large intestine in rats that were fed a diet containing casein, cheese whey protein, or casein supplemented with threonine and cysteine. The clinical markers diarrhea and fecal blood were determined using biochemical assays, and gene expression of inflammation markers was used to quantify inflammation. The effect of dairy protein on mucin production was determined by gene expression of rat mucin 2 (MUC2) and by quantifying fecal mucin excretion. Fecal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were determined using quantitative PCR. Dietary cheese whey protein reduced DSS-induced gene expression of the inflammation markers interleukin 1β, calprotectin, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and diminished the clinical symptoms diarrhea and fecal blood loss. Moreover, cheese whey protein increased fecal mucin secretion without affecting gene expression of MUC2, suggesting enhanced mucin synthesis. In addition, cheese whey protein increased fecal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria counts. Supplementation of threonine and cysteine showed comparable effects. In conclusion, cheese whey protein protected rats against DSS-induced gut inflammation. This can most likely be explained by its threonine and cysteine content. Protection can be the result of both the stimulation of intestinal mucin synthesis and modification of microflora composition.

Pediatric Applications of Inulin and Oligofructose

Inulin-type fructans have been used in infants and children because of their prebiotic potential to modulate the intestinal flora and influence the innate and adaptive immune response favorably. A mixture of long chain inulin (5–60 monomers) in combination with galactooligosaccharides (GOS) (2–7 monomers) has been added to infant formula in Europe in a 10–90% ratio for over 5 y. Clinical studies have demonstrated that these prebiotic formulas have significant effects on flora composition, improve stool consistency, decrease intestinal permeability, and reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory infections and atopic dermatitis. Oligofructose in weaning foods consumed by toddlers increases fecal Bifidobacteria counts and decreases fecal Clostridia counts during consumption, leading to softer stools and fewer fever episodes and other GI symptoms. Synergy, a mixture of oligofructose and long chain inulin, is protective of the Bifidus flora during amoxicillin treatment. Few studies are available in adolescents. Calcium absorption is improved especially by Synergy. The same product, combined with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Acidophilus, induces significantly favorable effects on colonic ammonia (NH3) metabolism. The demonstrated bifidogenic effect of inulin and oligofructose on intestinal microbiota is probably not the only mechanism involved but may be the key to important immune mediated effects.

Soyoligosaccharide Increases Fecal Bifidobacteria Counts, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Fecal Lipid Concentrations in Young Korean Women

The effects of soyoligosaccharide intake on human fecal characteristics were investigated by measuring the fecal water content, bifidobacteria counts, pH, and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lipids. Sixteen young women were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) 1.5 g/day soyoligosaccharide intake group [low soyoligosaccharide (LSO)] or (2) 3 g/day soyoligosaccharide intake group [high soyoligosaccharide (HSO)]. The experimental period was 30 days, and fecal samples were collected every 7 days. The number of bifidobacteria in feces was increased significantly in the HSO group. Of the fecal SCFAs, propionate and butyrate concentrations were significantly increased in the HSO group. The excretions of total lipids in feces were significantly increased in both the LSO and HSO groups. These results demonstrate that a soyoligosaccharide intake of 3 g/day increases fecal bifidobacteria counts, SCFA concentrations, and fecal lipid output in Korean young women.

Effects of a synbiotic milk product on human intestinal ecosystem

To investigate the effect of prolonged consumption of a synbiotic milk (Synbiotic) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain 74-2, 10(7) CFU ml(-1)), Bifidobacterium lactis (strain 420, 10(7) CFU ml(-1)) and 2% inulin on colonic ecosystem in healthy humans. A group of 26 healthy subjects, aged 22-47 years, participated in a 6-week placebo-controlled dietary intervention study. After a 2-week baseline period, in which all volunteers consumed 500 ml day(-1) of 2% skimmed milk (Placebo), the study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, two-armed parallel study in which 4-week consumption of 500 ml day portions of Synbiotic or Placebo were compared. Faecal microbial counts, pH, l-lactic acid and bile acid concentrations were assessed before and after the intervention. Synbiotic consumption significantly decreased faecal dry weight (P < 0.01) and l-lactic acid (P < 0.05) concentration, while significantly increased faecal bifidobacteria (P < 0.05) and lactobacilli (P < 0.01) counts. The tested synbiotic milk showed its synbiotic nature by enhancing the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Scientific support to functional effect of a synbiotic milk.

Changes of Gut Microbiota and Immune Markers During the Complementary Feeding Period in Healthy Breast‐fed Infants

Little is known about changes in intestinal microbiota during the important period of complementary feeding (weaning). This descriptive study investigated changes of selected gut microbiota and markers of gut permeability and the immune system in breast fed infants during the complementary feeding period. 22 healthy, exclusively breast fed infants (from birth to 4 months) with no antibiotic intake during the month prior to the study, were followed from 4 to 9 months of age. Faecal and saliva samples were collected at the start of the study (V0) and at monthly intervals (V1-V5) for measurement of selective gut microbiota (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, vancomycin-insensitive lactobacilli, enterobacteria, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens) using semi-selective media. Immune markers (alpha-1-antitrypsin, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), secretory IgA and TNF-alpha were measured in saliva and secretory IgA and TNF-alpha in faecal samples. High stool bifidobacteria counts at the start of the study (7.99 1 1.95 log10 CFU/g faeces) remained stable throughout the 5 months of complementary feeding while counts of enterobacteria and enterococci increased with age (P < 0.05 and P = 0.02 respectively). Vancomycin-insensitive lactobacilli increased significantly during weaning for V0 to V3 (P < 0.01), and then decreased slightly (V4). Faecal Clostridium perfringens remained below the detection limit during the study and parameters measured in saliva did not change. Faecal ECP decreased significantly from 1.011.4 (V0) to 0.510.9 mg/mg protein (V5) P = 0.03. Age and/or diet modifications during complementary feeding had no impact on faecal bifidobacteria counts but increased those of enterobacteria and enterococci. Transient increases in faecal lactobacilli and vancomycin-insensitive lactobacilli counts were observed. The reduction in faecal ECP may indicate a decrease in gut permeability (reinforcement of gut mucosa integrity) during the weaning period with age [corrected]

The capacity of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides to stimulate faecal bifidobacteria: a dose-response relationship study in healthy humans

BackgroundShort-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) are well-known for their bifidogenicity. In a large study comprising 200 healthy volunteers, we determined the bifidogenic properties of 7 non-digestible carbohydrates administered at a dose of 10 g/d in the diet; we analysed dose-response relationships of the bifidogenic substrates at doses ranging from 2.5 to 10 g/d in comparison with a placebo. The aim of this presentation is to give more details about the dose-response effects of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS).MethodsForty healthy volunteers (18 males, 22 females) eating their usual diets were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8 subjects and received scFOS at a dose of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 g/d or a placebo for 7 d. Stools were collected before (day (d) 8) and at the end (day (d) 15) of sugar consumption, and tolerance was evaluated using a daily chart.Results (m ± SEM)Bifidobacteria counts increase was higher in scFOS than in placebo group for all doses tested [2.5 g/d (from 9.15 ± 0.59 to 9.39 ± 0.70; P = 0.02); 5 g/d (from 10.21 ± 0.21 to 10.67 ± 0.22; P = 0.03); 7.5 g/d (from 9.28 ± 0.49 to 9.85 ± 0.35;P = 0.01); 10 g/d (from 9.00 ± 0.81 to 10.18 ± 0.60; P = 0.003)]. A significant correlation between the ingested dose of scFOS and faecal bifidobacteria counts was observed at d15 (r2 = 0.307, P < 0.001). Total anaerobes increased at the dose of 10 g/d. No significant differences were found for Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, enterobacteria or pH in any group. The frequency of digestive symptoms was not different between scFOS at any of the doses tested and placebo. Bloating was significantly more intense during scFOS ingestion at doses of 2.5 and 5 g/d, but not at doses of 7.5 and 10 g/d. Excess flatus, borborygmi and abdominal pain did not differ from the placebo at any of the doses tested.ConclusionThis study showed that scFOS is bifidogenic and well tolerated at doses ranging from 2.5 to 10 g/d, and that there is a dose-response relationship in healthy volunteers.

EFFECT OF A FORMULA WITH ADAPTED PROTEIN PROFILE ON INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA AND GROWTH OF INFANTS

The protective effect of the breast-milk may be partly attributed to the characteristics of the intestinal microbiota provided by this mode of nutrition. The microbiota of formula-fed infants differs from that of breast-fed infants. Although the main bifidogenic effect of breast-milk has been attributed to the non-protein fraction, it is now recognized that it is due to a complex set of inter-acting factors, among which the type and level of protein (standard formula 2.5 g; human milk 1.8 g/100 Kcal). Aims: To evaluate if a formula with an adapted protein profile, enabling an amino acid profile more similar to human milk (consistent with the international recommendations) may provide similar growth and intestinal microbiota compared to human milk. Subjects and Methods: Non-randomized parallel study in healthy newborn infants less than 28 d of age (21 breast-fed, 27 bottle-fed). The bottle-fed infants received ad libitum a NAN formula with adapted protein profile (1.8 g/100 kcal), and were followed until the age of 120 d. The breast-fed infants were exclusively breast-fed from birth to 60 ± 3 d of age. Anthropometric data and fecal bacteria counts (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli and Enterobacteria; evaluated by FISH and/or by plating techniques) were measured. Results: The test formula with adapted protein profile provided satisfactory growth up to 120 d compared to the Euro-Growth data, and favored the bifidobacteria population to reach a level similar to that of the breast-fed infants at 60d. Fecal bifidobacteria counts in bottled-fed vs. breast-fed infants obtained by FISH and culture plates were 8.6 ± 0.6 vs. 8.8 ± 0.8 (p = 0.33) and 7.2 ± 3.3 vs. 7.8 ± 3.2 log cfu/g of feces (p = 0.53), respectively. Likewise, the other bacterial populations were not affected by the mode of feeding. Conclusion: Infants fed a starter formula with adapted protein profile had normal growth and intestinal microbiota similar to that of breast-fed infants.

Short-Chain Fructo-Oligosaccharide Administration Dose-Dependently Increases Fecal Bifidobacteria in Healthy Humans

Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (SC-FOS) are a mixture of oligosaccharides consisting of glucose linked to fructose units (Gfn; n = ≤ 4), which are not digested in the human small intestine but are fermented in the colon where they specifically promote the growth of bifidobacteria. In healthy volunteers, we assessed the tolerance and the threshold dose of SC-FOS that significantly increased fecal bifidobacteria counts and the possibility of a dose-response relationship. Randomly divided into five groups and eating their usual diets, healthy volunteers (40: 18 males, 22 females) ingested in two oral doses for 7 d a powder mixture containing (g SC-FOS/d): 0, G0; 2.5, G2.5; 5, G5; 10, G10; 20, G20. Stools were collected before (d1) and at the end (d8) of sugar consumption, and tolerance was evaluated using a daily chart. Total anaerobe counts were not affected by SC-FOS ingestion. Bifidobacteria counts at d8 were greater in groups G10 and G20 than in G0 and G2.5 (P < 0.05). Fecal pH did not differ among groups. A significant correlation between the dose of SC-FOS ingested and the fecal bifidobacteria counts was observed at d8 (r = 0.53; P < 0.01). Excess flatus was significantly more frequent in subjects consuming G20 than in those consuming G0, G2.5 or G5 (P < 0.05), and more intense in G20 than in G0 and G5 groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal and well-tolerated dose of SC-FOS that significantly increased fecal bifidobacteria in healthy volunteers consuming their usual diet is 10 g/d.

Fecal Numbers of Bifidobacteria Are Higher in Pigs Fed Bifidobacterium longum with a High Amylose Cornstarch Than with a Low Amylose Cornstarch ,

Twelve young male pigs consumed a purified diet containing wheat bran as fiber source. Starch provided 50% of total daily energy either as a low amylose cornstarch or as a high amylose (amylomaize) starch. The pigs were given a supplement of a freeze-dried probiotic organism (Bifidobacterium longum CSCC 1941). A block crossover design was used so that at any one time two groups of three pigs consumed either the high or low amylose cornstarch without probiotic and a further two groups of three pigs consumed either high or low amylose cornstarch with probiotic. Neither food intake nor body weight gain was affected by diet. Fecal output was higher when pigs were fed the high amylose cornstarch, but moisture content was unaffected. Fecal concentrations and excretion of total volatile fatty acids were higher when pigs were fed the high amylose cornstarch. Concentrations of acetate were unaffected by dietary starch, but those of propionate and butyrate were higher when the high amylose cornstarch was consumed. Fecal excretion of all three acids was higher during high amylose cornstarch feeding. Bifidobacteria were detected in the feces only when pigs were fed Bifidobacterium longum. Fecal bifidobacteria counts (expressed per gram of wet feces) and their daily fecal excretion were higher when pigs were fed high amylose cornstarch. Feeding the probiotic did not alter fecal starch or volatile fatty acids. None of the variables studied was affected by the order of feeding of starch or probiotic. The data show that a high amylose starch acts as a prebiotic in promoting the fecal excretion of probiotic organisms.

Effect of fiber-rich foods on the composition of intestinal microflora

The intestinal microflora of humans forms a complex ecosystem that may vary with dietary intake. A randomized controlled trial with cross-over design was carried out to study the effects of two metabolic diets containing predominantly either soluble or insoluble dietary fibers on human intestinal microflora. Fecal microflora were not significantly different between the soluble and insoluble fiber group. Mean fecal mass was significantly higher with two weeks' intake of the metabolic diets. Fecal pH dropped significantly to 6.42 at week 15. Fecal aerobes were significantly lower at week 15 compared with either week 0 or 2. Fecal anaerobes and bifidobacteria counts increased significantly in week 2 but returned to their baseline levels at week 15. The logarithmic ratio of anaerobes to aerobes increased significantly from 2.08 at the baseline to 2.40 in week 15. These results showed that the intestinal microflora can be altered with intake of dietary fiber with 2 weeks of fiber intake. The drop in fecal pH at week 15 indicated that fermentation activity of the microflora may be enhanced without a detectable change in the composition of the microflora itself.