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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
PubMed

Insights

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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