Prebiotic potential and gastrointestinal effects of immature wheat grain (IWG) biscuits.
In this study the effects of immature wheat grains (IWG), a natural source of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), on intestinal microbiota and gastrointestinal function were evaluated. Ileal effluents from three ileostomates were collected for 8 h after IWG-enriched or Control biscuit administration, and then fermented in vitro with human faecal inoculum. On fermentation broths, microbial counts and SCFA were measured. Moreover, we investigated the effect of IWG biscuits on gastric emptying. Twelve healthy volunteers underwent ultrasound measurement of gastric emptying of a standard meal consumed 5 h after a breakfast composed by lactose-free milk and IWG or Control biscuits; hunger and satiety sensations were also evaluated in this period. Bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts were higher (P < 0.05) in IWG than in Control cultures, supporting the prebiotic effects of IWG, probably linked to its FOS content; moreover IWG fermentation produced more acetate. In vivo IWG biscuits delayed gastric emptying of the next meal (P < 0.05), decreased hunger (P < 0.001) and increased satiety (P < 0.005). Therefore in vitro results substantiate the potential of IWG as a prebiotic ingredient and in vivo data suggest an effect of IWG on gastric emptying and on persistent satiety. These preliminary data tend to support the use of IWG in formulating functional prebiotic products suitable to promote satiety.
Department of Food Science and Microbiology (DISTAM), University of Milan, Via Celoria n.2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
Maria C
MC
Casiraghi
Raffaella
R
Zanchi
Enrica
E
Canzi
Maria A
MA
Pagani
Tiziana
T
Viaro
Luigi
L
Benini
Maria G
MG
D'Egidio
D000328:Adult; D001939:Bread; D002241:Carbohydrates; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000378:metabolism*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger / Q000187:drug effects; D007081:Ileostomy; D008297:Male; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D056692:Prebiotics; D012528:Satiety Response / Q000187:drug effects
D002241:Carbohydrates; D009844:Oligosaccharides; D056692:Prebiotics; C116580:fructooligosaccharide