Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 26, 2025
An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions
Published on: June 30, 2021
Fructan-sensitive children with irritable bowel syndrome have distinct gut microbiome signatures
Bruno P Chumpitazi1,2, Kristi L Hoffman3,4, Daniel P Smith3,4
1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Insights
Fructan-sensitive children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) exhibit unique gut microbiome profiles at baseline and after fructan consumption. These differences highlight potential targets for managing IBS symptoms in children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Dietary fructans can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues in children diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Understanding the gut microbiome's role is crucial for managing fructan-induced symptoms in pediatric IBS.
- Previous research suggests a link between diet and IBS symptoms, but specific microbiome alterations remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gut microbiome composition and function and fructan-induced symptoms in children with IBS.
- To identify specific microbial signatures that differentiate fructan-sensitive from fructan-tolerant children with pediatric IBS.
- To explore how fructan consumption impacts the gut microbiome in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 38 children (aged 7-17) with Rome III IBS participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial comparing fructan and maltodextrin diets.
- Fructan sensitivity was defined by a ≥30% increase in abdominal pain frequency during the fructan diet.
- Gut microbial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with taxonomic differences assessed by LEfSe and functional pathways predicted by Tax4Fun2.
Main Results:
- Fructan-sensitive children showed lower gut microbial alpha diversity and enrichment in the genus Holdermania at baseline compared to fructan-tolerant children.
- During fructan intake, fructan-sensitive subjects exhibited increased abundance of Agathobacter and Cyanobacteria, while fructan-tolerant subjects showed enrichment in Clostridia.
- Fructan-sensitive children had a significant increase in Bifidobacterium abundance during fructan consumption, alongside a trend for increased predicted β-fructofuranosidase activity.
Conclusions:
- Children with IBS who are sensitive to fructans possess distinct gut microbiome compositions.
- These microbiome differences are evident both before and after a fructan challenge, indicating a fundamental variation in gut microbial ecology.
- The findings suggest that gut microbiome profiling could aid in understanding and potentially treating fructan-exacerbated IBS in pediatric patients.
Background:
Dietary fructans may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Aim:
To determine whether gut microbiome composition and function are associated with childhood IBS fructan-induced symptoms.
Methods:
Faecal samples were collected from 38 children aged 7-17 years with paediatric Rome III IBS, who previously completied a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover (fructan vs maltodextrin) trial. Fructan sensitivity was defined as an increase of ≥30% in abdominal pain frequency during the fructan diet. Gut microbial composition was determined via 16Sv4 rDNA sequencing. LEfSe evaluated taxonomic composition differences. Tax4Fun2 predicted microbial fructan metabolic pathways.
Results:
At baseline, 17 fructan-sensitive (vs 21 fructan-tolerant) subjects had lower alpha diversity (q < 0.05) and were enriched in the genus Holdermania. In contrast, fructan-tolerant subjects were enriched in 14 genera from the class Clostridia. During the fructan diet, fructan-sensitive (vs tolerant) subjects were enriched in both Agathobacter (P = 0.02) and Cyanobacteria (P = 0.0001). In contrast, fructan-tolerant subjects were enriched in three genera from the Clostridia class. Comparing the fructan vs maltodextrin diet, fructan-sensitive subjects had a significantly increased relative abundance of Bifidobacterium (P = 0.02) while fructan-tolerant subjects had increased Anaerostipes (P = 0.03) during the fructan diet. Only fructan-sensitive subjects had a trend towards increased predicted β-fructofuranosidase during the fructan vs maltodextrin diet.
Conclusions:
Fructan-sensitive children with IBS have distinct gut microbiome signatures. These microbiome signatures differ both at baseline and in response to a fructan challenge.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...