title: Gastrointestinal tolerance and utilization of agave inulin by healthy adults.
abstract: Little clinical research exists on agave inulin as a fiber source. Due to differences in botanical origin and chemical structure compared to other inulin-type fibers, research is needed to assess gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance following consumption. This study aimed to evaluate GI tolerance and utilization of 5.0 and 7.5 g per day of agave inulin in healthy adults (n = 29) using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial consisting of three 21 day periods with 1 week washouts among periods. GI tolerance was assessed via daily and weekly questionnaires, three fecal samples were collected on days 16-20 of each period, and breath hydrogen testing was completed on the final day of each treatment period. Survey data were compared using a generalized linear mixed model. All other outcomes were analyzed using a mixed linear model with a repeated measures procedure. Composite GI intolerance scores for 5.0 and 7.5 g treatments were both greater (P < 0.05) than control, however, scores were low, with means of 0.4, 1.9, and 2.3 on a 0-12 point composite scale for 0, 5.0, and 7.5 g treatments, respectively. There were slight increases (P < 0.05) in bloating, flatulence, and rumbling frequency with 5.0 and 7.5 g agave inulin. Abdominal pain and rumbling intensity were marginally greater (P < 0.05) with 7.5 g. Bloating and flatulence intensity increased (P < 0.05) with 5.0 g and 7.5 g. Agave inulin did not affect diarrhea (P > 0.05). Number of bowel movements per day increased, stools were softer, and stool dry matter percentage was lower with 7.5 g (P < 0.05). Breath hydrogen concentrations increased (P < 0.001) from 5-8 hour postprandial when participants consumed agave inulin compared to control. These data demonstrate that doses up to 7.5 g per day of agave inulin led to minimal GI upset, do not increase diarrhea, and improve laxation in healthy young adults.
authors.affiliation: University of Illinois, Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. ksswanso@illinois.edu.
authors.forename: Hannah D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Holscher
authors.forename: Jamie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Doligale
authors.forename: Laura L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: Vishnupriya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gourineni
authors.forename: Christine L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Pelkman
authors.forename: George C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Fahey
authors.forename: Kelly S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Swanson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D027882:Agave / Q000737:chemistry*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003672:Defecation / Q000187:drug effects; D015930:Diet Records; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005414:Flatulence / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000187:drug effects*; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D007444:Inulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D007444:Inulin