Glucooligosaccharides and Fructooligosaccharides Alter Microbial Populations and Fermentation Characteristics in Animal Models and Human Subjects
Flickinger, Elizabeth Anne
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/84991
Description
Title
Glucooligosaccharides and Fructooligosaccharides Alter Microbial Populations and Fermentation Characteristics in Animal Models and Human Subjects
Author(s)
Flickinger, Elizabeth Anne
Issue Date
2000
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Fahey, George C., Jr.
Department of Study
Nutritional Sciences
Discipline
Nutritional Sciences
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Agriculture, Animal Culture and Nutrition
Language
eng
Abstract
Certain nondigestible oligosaccharides have been shown to elicit prebiotic effects in the large intestine of healthy nonruminants. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the prebiotic effects of two novel oligosaccharides, alpha-glucooliogsaccharide (GOS) and maltodextrin-like oligosaccharide (MD), using a dog model. Experiments also were conducted to evaluate the prebiotic effects of a well-characterized oligosaccharide, fructooligosaccharide (FOS), using dogs, human infants, and human toddlers. The first experiment measured in vitro fermentation of GOS and MD and also evaluated their effects on nutrient digestibility, gut microbial populations, and fecal characteristics in vivo. The second experiment evaluated FOS supplementation of dogs consuming either plant-based diets or meat-based premium type diets to determine its effects on nutrient digestibility, microbial populations, and fecal quality and odor components. The third study tested vegetable sources of FOS supplemented to human infants and toddlers and measured their effects on fecal characteristics and bacterial concentrations. The fourth and final experiment further evaluated FOS-containing vegetables by characterizing their in vitro fermentation profile using fecal inoculum from human infants who were fed varying diets. Overall, these experiments demonstrated that low levels of supplemental GOS, MD, and FOS act as prebiotics in dogs and human infants and toddlers. These prebiotics act by positively influencing gastrointestinal characteristics, including microbial populations and fermentative end-products. These effects can be demonstrated with both synthetic and natural sources of FOS and are maintained even when a variety of diets is consumed (i.e., plant-based vs. meat-based). In contrast to traditional dietary fiber sources, FOS does not negatively affect nutrient digestibility or fecal quality of dogs or human infants or toddlers. Therefore, dietary supplementation of the oligosaccharides GOS, MD, and FOS positively affect colonic fermentation and microbial balance and may benefit the gastrointestinal tract health of dogs and human infants and toddlers.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
