The objective of this study is to determine the tolerance and utilization of polydextrose and soluble corn fiber through analyses of fecal samples of fermentative end-products (short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, phenol, and indole) and shifts in microbial populations.
Soluble fibers have been shown to have many positive effects in humans, including laxation and maintaining gastrointestinal health. It is expected that feeding soluble fibers will decrease protein fermentative end=products while increasing carbohydrate fermenative end-products, and lead to a more beneficial microbial profile. Determination of the effects of nutriose and polydextrose when included as supplemental fiber in a human diet will give insights to its potential to maintain or improve gut health and highlight its use in the food industry. The object of this study are first to determine the tolerance of soluble fibers polydextrose, inulin and nutriose when provided as supplemental fiber to an existing diet. The second objective is to determine the utilization of polydextrose and nutriose through analyses of fecal samples of fermentative end-products and shifts in microbial populations.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
25
polydextrose- 7, 14, or 21 grams/day 3X3 latin square with 3 periods
nutirose- 7, 14, or 21 grams/day
Fecal bacteria
Fecal samples will be collected on days 16-21 of each treatment period. Participants were provided fecal collection materials (fecal hats, packs, and Ziploc bags). Within 15 minutes of defecation, participants will bring their fecal sample to the designated collection site then be processed by a team. Fecal specimens will be aliquoted into containers for analysis of bacterial species present.
Time frame: Days 16-21 of each treatment period
Fecal fermentation end products
Fecal samples will be collected on days 16-21 of each treatment period. Participants were provided fecal collection materials (fecal hats, packs, and Ziploc bags). Within 15 minutes of defecation, participants will bring their fecal sample to the designated collection site then be processed by a team. Fecal specimens will be aliquoted into containers for fermentation end product analysis (short-chain fatty indoles, ammonia) and dry matter.
Time frame: Days 16-21 of each treatment period
Gastrointestinal Tolerance
Gastrointestinal tolerance was scored using the following scale: 1=absent, 2=mild, 3=moderate, 4=severe. All study participants booklets with daily tolerance questionnaires in them. The participants will complete the questionnaires on their own each day.
Time frame: Daily during each 21 day treatment period
Daily Stool Characteristics
Participants are provided a journal to complete on their own each day, a questionnaire about their stool characteristics. Participants were score the ease of stool passage using the following scale: 1=very easy, 2=easy, 3=neither easy nor difficult, 4=difficult, 5=very difficult. Stool consistency was scored using the Bristol stool scale: 1=separate hard lumps, like nuts; 2=sausage-shaped but lumpy; 3=like a sausage cracks on surface; 4=Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft; 5=soft blobs with clear-cut edges; 6=fluffy pieces with ragged edges, 7=watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Daily during each 21 day treatment period