A comparative in vitro evaluation of the fermentation properties of prebiotic oligosaccharides.
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of in vitro fermentation properties of commercial prebiotic oligosaccharides.


RESULTS
Populations of predominant gut bacterial groups were monitored over 24 h of batch culture through fluorescent in-situ hybridization. Short-chain fatty acid and gas production were also measured. All prebiotics increased the numbers of bifidobacteria and most decreased clostridia. Xylo-oligosaccharides and lactulose produced the highest increases in numbers of bifidobacteria whilst fructo-oligosaccharides produced the highest populations of lactobacilli. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) resulted in the largest decreases in numbers of clostridia. Short-chain fatty acid generation was highest on lactulose and GOS. Gas production was lowest on isomalto-oligosaccharides and highest on inulin.


CONCLUSIONS
The oligosaccharides differed in their fermentation characteristics. Isomalto-oligosaccharides and GOS were effective at increasing numbers of bifidobacteria and lactate whilst generating the least gas.


CONCLUSIONS
The study provides comparative data on the properties of commercial prebiotics, allowing targeting of dietary intervention for particular applications and blending of oligosaccharides to enhance overall functionality.
Rycroft
C E
CE
Food Microbial Sciences Unit, School of Food Biosciences, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK.
Jones
M R
MR
Gibson
G R
GR
Rastall
R A
RA
D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D003470:Culture Media; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005285:Fermentation; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000378:metabolism*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000378:metabolism*
D003470:Culture Media; D005227:Fatty Acids; D009844:Oligosaccharides