title: Germinated barley foodstuff increases fecal volume and butyrate production at relatively low doses and relieves constipation in humans.
abstract: Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF), derived from the aleurone layer, scutellum and germ of germinated barley, contains a large quantity of fermentable dietary fibers, especially hemicellulose. GBF was given to 9 healthy volunteers in a dose of 9 g of GBF per day for 10 consecutive days, and subsequently 18 g of GBF for another 10 days. As a control, no GBF was given for 3 days before administration of GBF (control period). Fecal weight, water content and short chain fatty acid content were measured before and during the last 3 days of each experimental period. Feeding of GBF significantly increased the fecal butyrate content as well as fecal weight at both dose-levels (9 and 18 g/day), compared with those during the control period. Daily administration of 9 g GBF induced the maximum level of defecation in humans. Relatively mild but chronic constipated volunteers (n = 16) were administered 9 g of GBF daily for 14 days. In this experiment, the condition of defecation (frequency, volume) was estimated by a questionnaire survey. GBF significantly improved defecation within a short period without severe adverse effects. No major abnormalities in laboratory findings were found in hematologic and urinary analyses. In conclusion, daily administration of 9 g GBF was effective for improving defecation in healthy but constipated humans. GBF is a highly safe and effective foodstuff for improving defecation.
authors.affiliation: Applied Bioresearch Center, Corporate Research and Development Division Kirin Brewery Co. Ltd., Miyaharacho 3, Takasaki, Gunma 370-1295, Japan.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kanauchi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mitsuyama
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saiki
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hitomi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bamba
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Araki
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fujiyama
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002087:Butyrates / Q000032:analysis*; D003248:Constipation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003672:Defecation; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D018525:Germination; D001467:Hordeum; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002087:Butyrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber