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Stability of human fecal flora
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Dietary fiber intake does not change fecal bacteria counts but significantly impacts fecal mass. Increased fiber doubles fecal mass, while its absence halves it, affecting total bacterial output.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The relationship between dietary fiber and gut microbiota composition is complex and not fully understood.
- Previous research has yielded conflicting results regarding fiber's impact on fecal bacterial populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of dietary fiber intake on the quantity and diversity of fecal bacteria.
- To determine how changes in dietary fiber influence fecal mass and bacterial output.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of dietary fiber intake in subjects.
- Quantification of total fecal bacteria and major bacterial groups.
- Measurement of daily fecal mass.
Main Results:
- Neither increased nor absent dietary fiber altered the total number or major groups of fecal bacteria per gram of feces.
- Increased dietary fiber intake doubled the daily fecal mass.
- Absence of dietary fiber halved the daily fecal mass.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fiber does not affect the concentration of fecal bacteria but significantly influences the total amount of feces produced daily.
- The total output of fecal bacteria is directly related to the daily fecal mass, which is modulated by dietary fiber intake.