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An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
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Prebiotic Oligosaccharides: Comparative Evaluation Using In Vitro Cultures of Infants' Fecal Microbiomes
J Stiverson1, T Williams2, J Chen1
1Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|September 21, 2014
Summary
Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) supplementation in infant formula significantly boosted beneficial Bifidobacterium growth, including Bifidobacterium longum. This prebiotic effect also led to higher acetic acid levels and a potential reduction in E. coli, suggesting improved infant gut health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The infant gut microbiome plays a crucial role in health and development.
- Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate beneficial bacteria.
- Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are commonly used prebiotics in infant nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the bifidogenic effects of commonly used prebiotic products in infant fecal cultures.
- To compare the efficacy of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), inulin (IN), and oligofructose-inulin (OF-IN) on gut microbiota composition.
- To assess the impact of prebiotics on specific bacterial groups like Bifidobacterium and Escherichia coli.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of infant fecal samples (from breast milk and formula-fed infants) with different prebiotic products.
- Quantification of bacterial populations (total bacteria, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium longum, Escherichia coli) using quantitative PCR (qPCR).
- Enumeration of Bifidobacterium on selective agar, identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and measurement of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and pH.
Main Results:
- Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) products, alone or combined with inulin, significantly increased total Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium longum abundance.
- Oligofructose-inulin (OF-IN) also enhanced Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium longum levels.
- Increased acetic acid concentrations and a trend towards lower Escherichia coli levels and pH were observed with GOS supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) demonstrated a potent bifidogenic effect and inhibited Escherichia coli growth at studied concentrations.
- Supplementation of infant formula with GOS may promote a healthier gut microbiota in infants.
- These findings support the potential benefits of GOS for infant gut health.
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