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Effect of human faecal donor on in vitro fermentation variables
1Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Human fecal inoculum source influences in vitro fermentation variables like fiber digestibility and short-chain fatty acid production. However, substrate fermentability rankings remain consistent across donors after 24 hours of incubation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- In vitro fermentation models are crucial for understanding colonic digestion.
- Human fecal microbiota composition varies between individuals, potentially affecting fermentation outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of human fecal inoculum source on in vitro fermentation parameters.
- To determine if donor variability affects substrate fermentability rankings.
Main Methods:
- Human fecal samples from six donors were used to inoculate four standard substrates (oat bran, wheat bran, kidney beans, guar gum).
- Incubation periods of 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours were employed.
- Measurements included Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) digestibility, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and gas production.
Main Results:
- Donor, substrate, and donor x substrate interactions significantly affected NDF digestibility, SCFA, and gas production within specific incubation times.
- Substrate differences in NDF digestibility were observed at all time points.
- SCFA and gas production differences became significant at 8, 12, and 24 hours.
- Despite donor variability, substrate fermentability rankings were consistent across all donors at 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Inoculum source can influence in vitro fermentation variables.
- Substrate fermentability ranking at 24 hours is robust to donor variability.
- Using multiple donors (at least three) is recommended to enhance the accuracy of in vitro colonic fermentation estimates.