title: Fn-type chicory inulin hydrolysate has a prebiotic effect in humans.
abstract: The partial enzymatic hydrolysis of chicory inulin (GFn; 2 < or =n < or =60) yields an oligofructose preparation that is composed of both GFn-type and Fn-type oligosaccharides (2 < or =n < or =7; 2 < or =m < or =7), where G is glucose, F is fructose, and n is the number of beta(2-->1) bound fructose moieties. Human studies have shown that feeding GFn-type oligomers significantly modifies the composition of the fecal microflora especially by increasing the number of bifidobacteria. The experiments reported here were used to test the hypothesis that the Fn-type molecules have the same property. During a controlled feeding study, 8 volunteers (5 females and 3 males) consumed 8 g/d of an Fn-rich product for up to 5 wk. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed for total anaerobes, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, bacteroides, coliforms and Clostridium perfringens. Both 2 and 5 wk of oligofructose feeding resulted in a selective increase in bifidobacteria (P<0.01). In addition, a daily intake of 8 g of the Fn-type oligofructose preparation reduced fecal pH and caused little intestinal discomfort.
authors.affiliation: Institut Paul Lambin, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Menne
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Guggenbuhl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roberfroid
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D018651:Cichorium intybus; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004032:Diet; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000382:microbiology; D007444:Inulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D009844:Oligosaccharides; D005632:Fructose; D007444:Inulin