The behavior of dietary fiber in the gastrointestinal tract determines its physiological effect

Combined effects of host genetics and diet on porcine intestinal fungi and their pathogenic genes

As research on gut microbes progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that a small family of microbiota--fungi, plays a crucial role in animal health. However, little is known about the fungal composition in the pig intestine, especially after a dietary fiber diet and hybrid genetics, and the changes in host pathogenicity-associated genes they carry. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of diet and genetics on the diversity and structure of porcine intestinal fungi and to describe, for the first time, the host pathogenicity-related genes carried by porcine intestinal fungi. Samples of colonic contents were collected for metagenomic analysis using a 3 × 2 parsing design, where three pig breeds (Taoyuan, Duroc, and crossbred Xiangcun) were fed high or low fiber diets (n = 10). In all samples, we identified a total of 281 identifiable fungal genera, with Ascomycota and Microsporidia being the most abundant fungi. Compared to Duroc pigs, Taoyuan and Xiangcun pigs had higher fungal richness. Interestingly, the fiber diet significantly reduced the abundance of the pathogenic fungus Mucor and significantly increased the abundance of the fiber digestion-associated fungus Neocallimastix. Pathogenic fungi exert their pathogenicity through the genes they carry that are associated with host pathogenicity. Therefore, we obtained 839 pathogenicity genes carried by the spectrum of fungi in the pig intestine by comparing the PHI-base database. Our results showed that fungi in the colon of Taoyuan pigs carried the highest abundance of different classes of host pathogenicity-related genes, and the lowest in Duroc pigs. Specifically, Taoyuan pigs carried high abundance of animal pathogenicity-related genes (CaTUP1, CPAR2_106400, CaCDC35, Tfp1, CaMNT2), and CaTUP1 was the key gene for Candida pathogenicity. The intestinal fungal composition of crossbred Xiangcun pigs and the abundance of host pathogenicity-associated genes they carried exhibited a mixture of characteristics of Taoyuan and Duroc pigs. In conclusion, our results provide the first comprehensive report on the effects of dietary fiber and genetics on the composition of intestinal fungi and the host-associated pathogenicity genes they carry in pigs. These findings provide a reference for subsequent pig breeding and development of anti-pathogenic fungal drugs.

Cooking, Digestion, and In Vitro Colonic Fermentation of Nigerian Wholegrains Affect Phenolic Acid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota Composition

Wholegrains contain both fibre and phenolic acids (PAs), and their gastrointestinal modifications are critical for their bioavailability and bioactivity. We evaluated the modifications on the PA profile and gut microbiota composition of selected Nigerian wholegrains, following cooking and gastrointestinal digestion. Red fonio, red millet, red sorghum, and white corn were cooked, digested, and fermented using an in vitro colonic model. A total of 26 PA derivatives were quantified in soluble and bound fractions using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis. DNA samples were analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to profile the microbiota composition. The results show that cooking and digestion significantly affected the levels of PAs in all grains (p ≤ 0.05) compared to raw grains. Colonic fermentation resulted in a peak of total soluble PAs at 4-6 h for red sorghum and white corn and at 24 h for red millet and red fonio. Enterobacteriaceae genera were the most abundant at 24 h in all grains studied. 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde correlated positively with the relative abundance of Dorea and the mucus-degrader bacteria Akkermansia (p ≤ 0.05), whereas hydroferulic acid and isoferulic acid levels correlated negatively with Oscillospira and Ruminococcus (p ≤ 0.05), respectively. Our data indicate that cooking, digestion, and colonic fermentation affect the release of bound PAs from wholegrains and, consequently, their metabolic conversion. Furthermore, PA fermentation in the gut is associated with potentially relevant changes in the microbiota. This in vitro study provides the basis for the design of an in vivo human intervention study that can confirm the trends herein observed but also assess the impact on health outcomes.

Genetic Approaches to Increase Arabinoxylan and β-Glucan Content in Wheat

Wheat is one of the three staple crops feeding the world. The demand for wheat is ever increasing as a relatively good source of protein, energy, nutrients, and dietary fiber (DF) when consumed as wholemeal. Arabinoxylan and β-glucan are the major hemicelluloses in the cell walls and dietary fiber in wheat grains. The amount and structure of DF varies between grain tissues. Reducing post-prandial glycemic response as well as intestinal transit time and contribution to increased fecal bulk are only a few benefits of DF consumption. Dietary fiber is fermented in the colon and stimulates growth of beneficial bacteria producing SCFA, considered responsible for a wide range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and colon cancer. The recommended daily intake of 25-30 g is met by only few individuals. Cereals cover nearly 40% of fiber in the Western diet. Therefore, wheat is a good target for improving dietary fiber content, as it would increase the fiber intake and simultaneously impact the health of many people. This review reflects the current status of the research on genetics of the two major dietary fiber components, as well as breeding approaches used to improve their quantity and quality in wheat grain.

Biotransformation of Rutin in In Vitro Porcine Ileal and Colonic Fermentation Models

Quercetin, a polyphenol antioxidant, is widely distributed in food in the form of glycoside rutin, which is not readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The microbiota of the colon is known to biotransform rutin, generating quercetin aglycones that can be absorbed. We investigated the role of the ileal and colonic microbiota in rutin biotransformation using established in vitro fermentation models. Overall, a higher rate of rutin biotransformation was observed during colonic fermentation compared with ileal fermentation. The colonic microbiome showed higher potential for rutin conversion to quercetin through an increased abundance of α-rhamnosidase- and β-glucosidase-encoding genes compared to the ileal microbiome. Nonetheless, rutin metabolism occurred rapidly during ileal fermentation (∼20% rutin disappearance after 1 h). The appearance of quercetin varied depending on the ileal inoculum and correlated with an increased abundance of Firmicutes, suggesting that quercetin absorption could be improved via modulation of the ileal microbiota.

Dietary fiber extraction from citrus peel pomace: Yield optimization and evaluation of its functionality, rheological behavior, and microstructure properties

Citrus fruits were widely used in processing and production, generating a large amount of peel pomace and a low utilization rate, resulting in substantial economic losses and environmental risks. It was important to extract compounds from citrus peel pomaces and find suitable preparation methods to improve their yield and physicochemical properties. Grapefruit peel pomace (GP) and navel orange peel pomace (OP) were used as raw materials in this study to prepare green and edible soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Analysis was done on the effects of solid-liquid ratio, cellulase hydrolysis time, cellulase dosage, and ultrasonic time on dietary fiber (DF) yield. To obtain the best DF preparation conditions, we used range analysis, variance analysis, and orthogonal experimental design. We also analyzed the structural, physicochemical, and rheological characteristics of SDF and IDF. According to the study's findings, SDF and IDF showed a loose and expansive structure with reduced particle size, higher specific surface area, and noticeably better physical and chemical properties after treating GP and OP with ultrasound-assisted composite enzyme method. Both SDF solution and IDF suspension were discovered through rheological analysis to be non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluids, which was advantageous for expanding their applications in the field of food packaging. In conclusion, DF prepared using the ultrasound-assisted composite enzyme method was an excellent source of edible packaging materials, offering a benchmark for the recycling of other citrus peel wastes and ultimately paving the way for new methods of recycling citrus waste.

The fate of mamaku gum in the gut: effect on in vitro gastrointestinal function and colon fermentation by human faecal microbiota

Mamaku is a fern indigenous to the Pacific Islands with a long history of use for therapeutic benefits such as to combat skin conditions and manage gastrointestinal discomfort; however, the scientific understanding is limited. In this study, we examined the effect of mamaku gum, extracted from different age fronds of the New Zealand Black tree fern (Cyathea medullaris, Mamaku) (stage 1: young, stage 2: fully grown and stage 3: old), on gut function using in vitro models of static digestion, enzyme activity and static colonic fermentation. Under simulated gastric and small intestinal conditions, mamaku polysaccharide (MP) was indigestible as there was no decrease in the molecular weight (Mw) of the polymer. Mamaku gum could reduce the activity of digestive enzymes (α-amylase, pepsin and lipase) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the stage 1 sample showing the highest inhibition and stage 3 the lowest. All three mamaku gum samples could also equally bind bile acids during intestinal digestion. During fermentation, human faecal microbiota utilised the mamaku gum and significantly increased the production of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and reduced the pH when compared with the blank. However, changes in SCFAs and pH for mamaku groups were less prominent than for inulin and guar gum control groups, suggesting lower fermentability of mamaku gum compared to the latter two. Furthermore, mamaku gum altered the composition of colonic microbiota, specifically reducing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Enterococcus, Paraprevotella and Parabacteroides genera. No obvious difference between mamaku gum samples from stage 1, 2 and 3 was observed during fermentation. Collectively, these results suggest that mamaku gum may modulate the functionality of the host gut by reducing enzyme activity, binding bile acids, altering the colonic microbial composition and producing SCFAs.

Functional and Nutritional Characteristics of Natural or Modified Wheat Bran Non-Starch Polysaccharides: A Literature Review

Wheat bran (WB) consists mainly of different histological cell layers (pericarp, testa, hyaline layer and aleurone). WB contains large quantities of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), including arabinoxylans (AX) and β-glucans. These dietary fibres have long been studied for their health effects on management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. NSP benefits depend on their dose and molecular characteristics, including concentration, viscosity, molecular weight, and linked-polyphenols bioavailability. Given the positive health effects of WB, its incorporation in different food products is steadily increasing. However, the rheological, organoleptic and other problems associated with WB integration are numerous. Biological, physical, chemical and combined methods have been developed to optimise and modify NSP molecular characteristics. Most of these techniques aimed to potentially improve food processing, nutritional and health benefits. In this review, the physicochemical, molecular and functional properties of modified and unmodified WB are highlighted and explored. Up-to-date research findings from the clinical trials on mechanisms that WB have and their effects on health markers are critically reviewed. The review points out the lack of research using WB or purified WB fibre components in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Ultraprocessed Foods and Obesity Risk: A Critical Review of Reported Mechanisms

Epidemiologic evidence supports a positive association between ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption and body mass index. This has led to recommendations to avoid UPFs despite very limited evidence establishing causality. Many mechanisms have been proposed, and this review critically aimed to evaluate selected possibilities for specificity, clarity, and consistency related to food choice (i.e., low cost, shelf-life, food packaging, hyperpalatability, and stimulation of hunger/suppression of fullness); food composition (i.e., macronutrients, food texture, added sugar, fat and salt, energy density, low-calorie sweeteners, and additives); and digestive processes (i.e., oral processing/eating rate, gastric emptying time, gastrointestinal transit time, and microbiome). For some purported mechanisms (e.g., fiber content, texture, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit time), data directly contrasting the effects of UPF and non-UPF intake on the indices of appetite, food intake, and adiposity are available and do not support a unique contribution of UPFs. In other instances, data are not available (e.g., microbiome and food additives) or are insufficient (e.g., packaging, food cost, shelf-life, macronutrient intake, and appetite stimulation) to judge the benefits versus the risks of UPF avoidance. There are yet other evoked mechanisms in which the preponderance of evidence indicates ingredients in UPFs actually moderate body weight (e.g., low-calorie sweetener use for weight management; beverage consumption as it dilutes energy density; and higher fat content because it reduces glycemic responses). Because avoidance of UPFs holds potential adverse effects (e.g., reduced diet quality, increased risk of food poisoning, and food wastage), it is imprudent to make recommendations regarding their role in diets before causality and plausible mechanisms have been verified.

Fermented Bamboo Fiber Improves Productive Performance by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Inhibiting Chronic Inflammation of Sows and Piglets during Late Gestation and Lactation

Sows exhibit metabolic syndrome and significant changes in intestinal microbiota during late gestation and lactation, affecting sow performance and piglet health. Dietary fiber (DF) is widely applied to improve sow performance by modulating gut microbiota and their by-products. Here, 60 sows were randomly allocated to groups, including CON (8% wheat bran), FBF-1 (1% fermented bamboo fiber), FBF-2 (2.5% fermented bamboo fiber), and FBF-3 (4% fermented bamboo fiber) from day 80 of gestation (G80d) to the end of lactation (L21d). Compared with CON, the FBF-3 diet decreased lactation backfat loss, increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) during lactation, and the weight gain of piglets, while supplementation of FBF increased fecal water content and reduced the rate of constipation in sows. Further, the yield and quality of milk of sows in FBF groups were improved. The FBF-3 diet significantly reduced markers of intestinal permeability (diamine oxidase and endotoxin) and systemic inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor alpha) in sow serum during lactation, while it increased the anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10). Similarly, the piglets in the FBF-2 and FBF-3 groups had lower levels of IL-6 and higher levels of IgG, IgM, and insulin-like growth factor in serum. In addition, sows fed the 4% FBF diet had higher levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces than CON, and total SCFAs were promoted in piglets from the FBF-3 group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that immunity, inflammation, and intestinal microbiota are closely related to sow performance, which can affect piglet growth. The potential mechanism could be that FBF promoted the enrichment of beneficial genera such as Lachnospira, Lachnospiracea_XPB1014_Group, and Roseburia and the production of SCFAs in the sow's intestine, and reduced the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Fusobacterium, Sutterellaceae, and Sutterella. Meanwhile, the intake of FBF by sows affected the gut microbial composition of their offspring piglets, significantly increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria Alistipes and Lachnoclostridium and decreasing the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria Trueperella among colonic microorganisms. IMPORTANCE Dietary fiber is widely applied in the nutrition of sows due to its potential value in improving performance and intestinal health. Fermented bamboo fiber, rich in dietary fiber, has not been fully evaluated to be used in sow diets. Sows mobilize body reserves during gestation and lactation due to nutrients being prioritized for lactation purposes while feeding piglets, which generally leads to metabolism and immunity undergoing drastic changes. The main manifestations are increased inflammation and intestinal permeability and disturbed intestinal flora, which ultimately reduces the ADFI and milk quality, thus affecting the growth of piglets. The study described here is the first attempt to provide FBF for sows in late gestation and lactation can reverse this process. The 4% FBF was initially explored to have the most significantly beneficial effect. It provides a potentially effective method for dietary modification to control the gut microbiota and its metabolites to improve sow and piglet health. Moreover, the sow-piglet model offers a reference for investigating the impact of dietary fiber on the intestinal health of human mothers and infants.

Early feeding leads to molecular maturation of the gut mucosal immune system in suckling piglets

Introduction

Diet-microbiota-host interactions are increasingly studied to comprehend their implications in host metabolism and overall health. Keeping in mind the importance of early life programming in shaping intestinal mucosal development, the pre-weaning period can be utilised to understand these interactions in suckling piglets. The objective of this study was to investigate the consequences of early life feeding on the time-resolved mucosal transcriptional program as well as mucosal morphology.

Methods

A customised fibrous feed was provided to piglets (early-fed or EF group; 7 litters) from five days of age until weaning (29 days of age) in addition to sow's milk, whereas control piglets (CON; 6 litters) suckled mother's milk only. Rectal swabs, intestinal content, and mucosal tissues (jejunum, colon) were obtained pre- and post-weaning for microbiota analysis (16S amplicon sequencing) and host transcriptome analysis (RNA sequencing).

Results

Early feeding accelerated both microbiota colonisation as well as host transcriptome, towards a more "mature state", with a more pronounced response in colon compared to jejunum. Early feeding elicited the largest impact on the colon transcriptome just before weaning (compared to post-weaning time-points), exemplified by the modulation of genes involved in cholesterol and energy metabolism and immune response. The transcriptional impact of early feeding persisted during the first days post-weaning and was highlighted by a stronger mucosal response to the weaning stress, via pronounced activation of barrier repair reactions, which is a combination of immune activation, epithelial migration and "wound-repair" like processes, compared to the CON piglets.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates the potential of early life nutrition in neonatal piglets as a means to support their intestinal development during the suckling period, and to improve adaptation during the weaning transition.

Underutilized legumes: nutrient status and advanced breeding approaches for qualitative and quantitative enhancement

Underutilized/orphan legumes provide food and nutritional security to resource-poor rural populations during periods of drought and extreme hunger, thus, saving millions of lives. The Leguminaceae, which is the third largest flowering plant family, has approximately 650 genera and 20,000 species and are distributed globally. There are various protein-rich accessible and edible legumes, such as soybean, cowpea, and others; nevertheless, their consumption rate is far higher than production, owing to ever-increasing demand. The growing global urge to switch from an animal-based protein diet to a vegetarian-based protein diet has also accelerated their demand. In this context, underutilized legumes offer significant potential for food security, nutritional requirements, and agricultural development. Many of the known legumes like Mucuna spp., Canavalia spp., Sesbania spp., Phaseolus spp., and others are reported to contain comparable amounts of protein, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), dietary fiber, essential minerals and vitamins along with other bioactive compounds. Keeping this in mind, the current review focuses on the potential of discovering underutilized legumes as a source of food, feed and pharmaceutically valuable chemicals, in order to provide baseline data for addressing malnutrition-related problems and sustaining pulse needs across the globe. There is a scarcity of information about underutilized legumes and is restricted to specific geographical zones with local or traditional significance. Around 700 genera and 20,000 species remain for domestication, improvement, and mainstreaming. Significant efforts in research, breeding, and development are required to transform existing local landraces of carefully selected, promising crops into types with broad adaptability and economic viability. Different breeding efforts and the use of biotechnological methods such as micro-propagation, molecular markers research and genetic transformation for the development of underutilized crops are offered to popularize lesser-known legume crops and help farmers diversify their agricultural systems and boost their profitability.

Phytochemicals, Bioactive Properties and Commercial Potential of Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Fruits: A Review

The calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a hybrid citrus fruit resulting from the crossing of a mandarin orange with a kumquat. It is a small, round-shaped fruit with thin, smooth skin ranging from orange to dark red. The aroma of the fruit is distinctive and unique. Calamondin is an excellent source of Vitamin C, D-Limonene, and essential oils, providing benefits to the immune system, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer properties, and it exhibits various therapeutic effects. It also contains a good amount of dietary fiber from pectin. Its distinctive flavor and high juice content make calamondin juice a popular ingredient in many international cuisines. The juice also contains bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, which are a potential source of antioxidant properties. All parts of the calamondin fruit, including the juice, pulp, seeds, and peel, can be used in various applications, from food products like juices, powders, and candies to non-food uses in herbal medicine and cosmetics, showcasing their versatility and unique properties. This review will examine various bioactive components of calamondin and their related medicinal effects, and provide guidelines for their utilization, processing, and value addition on a commercial scale.

Antioxidant Properties of Protein-Rich Plant Foods in Gastrointestinal Digestion—Peanuts as Our Antioxidant Friend or Foe in Allergies

Thermally processed peanuts are ideal plant models for studying the relationship between allergenicity and antioxidant capacity of protein-rich foods, besides lipids, carbohydrates and phytochemicals. Peanut is highly praised in the human diet; however, it is rich in allergens (>75% of total proteins). One-third of peanut allergens belong to the products of genes responsible for the defence of plants against stress conditions. The proximate composition of major peanut macromolecules and polyphenols is reviewed, focusing on the identity and relative abundance of all peanut proteins derived from recent proteomic studies. The importance of thermal processing, gastrointestinal digestion (performed by INFOGEST protocol) and their influence on allergenicity and antioxidant properties of protein-rich plant food matrices is elaborated. Antioxidant properties of bioactive peptides from nuts were also considered. Moreover, there are no studies dealing simultaneously with the antioxidant and allergenic properties of protein- and polyphenol-rich foods, considering all the molecules that can significantly contribute to the antioxidant capacity during and after gastrointestinal digestion. In summary, proteins and carbohydrates are underappreciated sources of antioxidant power released during the gastrointestinal digestion of protein-rich plant foods, and it is crucial to decipher their antioxidant contribution in addition to polyphenols and vitamins before and after gastrointestinal digestion.

Benefits of Biotics for Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in many countries, and the better prevention and prediction of these diseases would be of great importance for individuals and society. Nutrition, the gut microbiota, and metabolism have raised much interest in the field of cardiovascular disease research in the search for the main mechanisms that promote cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the interactions between dietary nutrient intake and the gut microbiota-mediated metabolism may provide clinical insight in order to identify individuals at risk of cardiometabolic disease progression, as well as other potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the risk of cardiometabolic disease progression. The development of cardiometabolic diseases can be modulated by specific beneficial metabolites derived from bacteria. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the impact of these metabolites on human health and the possibilities of modulating their production with dietary supplements called biotics.

Coffee by-products: An underexplored source of prebiotic ingredients

Consumers' demand for foods with high nutritional value and health benefits has fueled the development of prebiotic foods. In coffee industry, cherries transformation into roasted beans generates a large amount of waste/by-products (pulp/husks, mucilage, parchment, defective beans, silverskin and spent coffee grounds) that usually end up in landfills. The possibility to use coffee by-products as relevant sources of prebiotic ingredients is herein ascertained. As a prelude to this discussion, an overview of pertinent literature on prebiotic action was conducted, including on biotransformation of prebiotics, gut microbiota, and metabolites. Existing research indicates that coffee by-products contain significant levels of dietary fiber and other components that can improve gut health by stimulating beneficial bacteria in the colon, making them excellent candidates for prebiotic ingredients. Oligosaccharides from coffee by-products have lower digestibility than inulin and can be fermented by gut microbiota into functional metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids. Depending on the concentration, melanoidins and chlorogenic acids may also have prebiotic action. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of in vivo studies to validate such findings in vitro. This review shows how coffee by-products can be interesting for the development of functional foods, contributing to sustainability, circular economy, food security, and health.

Soluble dietary fiber and cellulose from Saccharina japonica by-product ameliorate Loperamide-induced constipation via modulating enteric neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids and gut microbiota

The effects of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and cellulose (IDF) from Saccharina japonica by-product and their differences in improving constipation were further clarified in the present study. We demonstrated that SDF was mainly made up of d-mannuronic acid and d-mannose while IDF consisted of d-glucose , which is different from other reported dietary fibers of terrestrial plants. In this research, both SDF and IDF improved fecal-related indicators, gastrointestinal transit rate and histological morphology in Lop-induced mice. Moreover, they could increase the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH-Px), restore the expression of enteric neurotransmitters, and maintain the function of ZO-1, JAM-1 as well as Occludin. Interestingly, SDF and IDF had a significant up-regulated effect on the proportion of Muribaculacea, Prevotellaceaen and Lachnospiraceae, which are critical to preserving intestinal immune homeostasis. Besides, they promoted the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The overall index showed that SDF is more effective for constipation due to its better water retention capacity. Thus, they can be used as a safe dietary supplement for the treatment of chronic or occasional constipation in humans.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, and application of the polysaccharides from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus): A review

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Almost all parts of the lotus can be used as foodstuff and nourishment, or as an herb. It is noteworthy that the polysaccharides obtained from lotus exhibit surprisingly and satisfying biological activities, which explains the various benefits of lotus to human health, including anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, etc. Here, we systematically review the recent major studies on extraction and purification methods of polysaccharides from different parts (rhizome, seed, leaf, plumule, receptacle and stamen) of lotus, as well as the characterization of their chemical structure, biological activity and structure-activity relationship, and the applications of lotus polysaccharides in different fields. This article will give an updated and deeper understanding of lotus polysaccharides and provide theoretical basis for their further research and application in human health and manufacture development.

Highland Barley Starch: Structures, Properties, and Applications

Highland barley (HB) is a nutritious crop with excellent health benefits, and shows promise as an economically important crop with diverse applications. Starch is the main component of HB and has great application potential owing to its unique structural and functional properties. This review details the latest status of research on the isolation, chemical composition, structure, properties, and applications of highland barley starch (HBS). Suggestions regarding how to better comprehend and utilize starches are proposed. The amylopectin content of HBS ranged from 74% to 78%, and can reach 100% in some varieties. Milling and air classification of barley, followed by wet extraction, can yield high-purity HBS. The surface of HBS granules is smooth, and most are oval and disc-shaped. Normal, waxy, and high-amylose HBS have an A-type crystalline. Due to its superb freeze-thaw stability, outstanding stability, and high solubility, HBS is widely used in the food and non-food industries. The digestibility of starch in different HB whole grain products varies widely. Therefore, the suitable HB variety can be selected to achieve the desired glycemic index. Further physicochemical modifications can be applied to expand the variability in starch structures and properties. The findings provide a thorough reference for future research on the utilization of HBS.

Potential Role of ROS in Butyrate- and Dietary Fiber-Mediated Growth Inhibition and Modulation of Cell Cycle-, Apoptosis- and Antioxidant-Relevant Proteins in LT97 Colon Adenoma and HT29 Colon Carcinoma Cells

The aim of the present study was to examine whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to chemopreventive effects of fermentation supernatants (FS) of different dietary fibers (Synergy1^®, oat-, barley-, yeast β-glucan, Curdlan) and butyrate as a fermentation metabolite. LT97 and HT29 cells were treated with butyrate and FS alone or with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and their impact on ROS formation, cell growth, and protein expression (Cyclin D2, p21, PARP, Bid, GPx2) was investigated. Butyrate and FS significantly decreased cell growth. ROS levels were significantly increased, particularly in LT97 cells, while co-treatment with NAC decreased ROS formation and growth inhibitory effects in both cell lines. After treatment with butyrate and FS, Cyclin D2 expression was reduced in LT97 cells and p21 expression was increased in both cell lines. Levels of full-length PARP and Bid were decreased, while levels of cleaved PARP were enhanced. GPx2 expression was significantly reduced by fiber FS in HT29 cells. A notable effect of NAC on butyrate- and FS-modulated protein expression was observed exclusively for PARP and Bid in HT29 cells. From the present results, a contribution of ROS to growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of butyrate and FS on LT97 and HT29 cells cannot be excluded.

Insoluble fibers affect digesta transit behavior in the upper gastrointestinal tract of growing pigs, regardless of particle size

Physicochemical characteristics of dietary fibers may modulate digesta transit behavior. The present study was conducted to clarify the effect of level and particle size (PS) of insoluble fibers on digesta mean retention time (MRT) in the proximal gastrointestinal tract (mouth-ileocecal junction). Six ileal-cannulated pigs (26.8 ± 2.08 kg) were assigned to 3 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin-square design. Finely ground (1 mm screen) or coarse (intact) oat husks (OH) and soybean hulls (SBH) were added (50:50, w/w) to a maize-whey protein-wheat-based diet at 50 (low) or 250 g/kg (high) inclusion levels to obtain a low-fine fiber (LF), high-fine fiber (HF), and high-coarse fiber (HC) diet. Markers to follow liquids (Co-EDTA), fine solids (Y3O2), or fibrous particles (Yb-mordanted OH and Cr-mordanted SBH) were given as a single pulse dose and marker concentrations were subsequently measured hourly in digesta for 13 h after administration. Mean retention time values were obtained from the concentration of markers in digesta observed over time by fitting a generalized Michaelis-Menten equation and calculating the time of peak. Fiber addition and fiber particle size neither affected the MRT of liquid nor solid digesta phases (P = 0.903). Segregation between solid and liquid digesta phases was observed for all diets (P < 0.0001), although the extent of segregation was greater for LF compared with HF and HC (P = 0.0220). The MRT of SBH particles, but not of OH-particles was longer for coarse vs fine PS (96 min, P < 0.05). In conclusion, digesta MRT was influenced by the dietary concentration but not by PS of insoluble fibers. The addition of insoluble fibers reduces digesta phase segregation from mouth to distal ileum in growing pigs.

Asinine milk mitigates stress-mediated immune, cortisol and behavioral responses of piglets to weaning: A study to foster future interventions in humans

Introduction

The present study assessed whether asinine milk supplementation improved the immune and behavioral responses of piglets during an early life weaning stress event as a model for its future use in humans.

Methods

For this, 48 piglets from 4 different litters were used. At 20 days of age, piglets were weighed and allocated with their litter and dam into group pens until 28 days of age. Four piglets from each litter were then randomly assigned to either (1) asinine milk supplementation (n = 16) (2), skimmed cow milk supplementation (n = 16) or (3) no supplementation (n = 16; control group). The supplementations were voluntarily administered for 3 days preweaning and 3 days postweaning using a baby bottle. The effects on the weaning stress response were assessed through salivary cortisol measurements; behavioral tests such as the open field, novel object end elevated plus maze tests; and gene expression of HSD11B1, NR3C1 and IL1B in PBMCs, which was determined by RT-qPCR and normalized to GAPDH and UBB. To test the effect of the supplementations on weight, milk intake, gene expression, and behavior, a randomized block design was used with repeated measurements over time by the PROC MIXED procedure.

Results and discussion

The effects on salivary cortisol were determined using the ratio between the morning and afternoon concentrations, considering the time before and after the weaning event. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Fisher's test were performed to evaluate the behavior test data. When comparing salivary cortisol concentrations between the pre- and postweaning periods, there was a difference (p < 0.05) between the supplementation groups in the afternoon period, suggesting that piglets fed asinine milk had lower afternoon cortisol concentrations postweaning than their counterparts. For the behavioral tests, the supplementations had no measurable effects. No difference was between groups pre- and postweaning for the expression of HSD11B2, which codes for an enzyme that breaks down cortisol. However, the expression of NR3C1, which encodes the glucocorticoid receptor, was significantly upregulated in piglets supplemented with cow milk (mean 1.245; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Asinine milk downregulated 1L1B gene expression, which codes for an inflammatory cytokine. In conclusion, these results suggest that supplementation with asinine milk may represent a strategy to diminish the damage associated with an early life event by modulating IL1B expression and reducing salivary cortisol levels in piglets undergoing weaning stress. Further transcriptomic and metabolomic studies may improve our understanding of the molecular pathways that mediate this systemic immune-mediated response.

Inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides-their role within the food industry as fat and sugar replacers and texture modifiers-what needs to be considered!

Inulin and oligofructose are classes of prebiotics belonging to a group of nondigestible carbohydrates referred to as inulin-type fructans. While short-chain fructooligosaccharides are enzymatically synthesized from the hydrolysis and transglycosylation of sucrose. Inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides act as carbon sources for selective pathways supporting digestive health including altering the composition of the gut microbiota along with improving transit time. Due to their physicochemical properties, inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides have been widely used in the food industry as partial replacements for both fat and sugar. Yet, levels of replacement need to be carefully considered as it may result in changes to physical and sensory properties that could be detected by consumers. Furthermore, it has been reported depending on the processing parameters used during production that inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides may or may not undergo structural alterations. Therefore, this paper reviews the role of inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides within the food industry as fat and sugar replacers and texture modifiers, their impact on final sensory properties, and to what degree processing parameters are likely to impact their functional properties.

Medical Nutrition Therapy and Other Approaches to Management of Post-bariatric Hypoglycemia: A Team-Based Approach

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This manuscript provides a review of post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) with a special focus on the role of the registered dietitian-nutritionist (RDN) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) recommendations as foundational for management.

RECENT FINDINGS

As the number of bariatric surgeries rises yearly, with 256,000 performed in 2019, PBH is an increasingly encountered late complication. Following Roux-en-Y (RYGB) or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), about 1/3 of patients report symptoms suggestive of at least mild postprandial hypoglycemia, with severe and/or medically confirmed hypoglycemia in 1-10%. Anatomical alterations, changes in GLP1 and other intestinally derived hormones, excessive insulin response, reduced insulin clearance, impaired counterregulatory hormone response to hypoglycemia, and other factors contribute to PBH. MNT is the cornerstone of multidisciplinary treatment, with utilization of personal continuous glucose monitoring to improve safety when possible. While many individuals require pharmacotherapy, there are no currently approved medications for PBH. Increasing awareness and identification of individuals at risk for or with PBH is critical given the potential impact on safety, nutrition, and quality of life. A team-based approach involving the individual, the RDN, and other clinicians is essential in providing ongoing assessment and individualization of MNT in the long-term management of PBH.

Effects of Dietary Fiber on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Intestinal Health in Different Pig Breeds

To explore the effect of dietary fiber on growth performance and intestinal health in different pig breeds, forty Taoyuan and Duroc pigs (pure breeds) of 60 days of age were randomly divided into a 2 (diet) × 2 (breed) factorial experiment (n = 10), and fed with a basal diet (BD) or high-fiber diet (HFD). The trial lasted for 28 d, and results showed that the Taoyuan pigs had a higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) than the Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) and digestibilities of gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) were higher in Taoyuan pigs than in the Duroc pigs under HFD feeding (p < 0.05). The HFD increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in Taoyuan pigs (p < 0.05). Interestingly, Taoyuan pigs had a higher jejunal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) than the Duroc pigs. The HFD significantly improved the villus height and V/C ratio in duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). The HFD also increased the jejunal maltase and ileal sucrase activities in Duroc and Taoyuan pigs, respectively (p < 0.05). Taoyuan pigs had a higher expression level of duodenal fatty acid transport protein-1 (FATP-1) than the Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HFD acutely improved the expression levels of ileal SGLT-1 and GLUT-2, and the expression levels of jejunal occludin and claudin-1 in Taoyuan pigs (p < 0.05). Importantly, Taoyuan pigs had a higher colonic Bifidobacterium abundance than the Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). The HFD not only elevated the colonic Lactobacillus abundance and butyrate acid content in Taoyuan pigs, but also increased the acetic and propionic acid contents in both the pig breeds (p < 0.05). These results indicated a difference in dietary fiber (DF) utilization by the two pig breeds, and results may also suggest a beneficial character of DF in regulating intestinal health.

Dietary-Fibre-Rich Fractions Isolated from Broccoli Stalks as a Potential Functional Ingredient with Phenolic Compounds and Glucosinolates

The Brassica oleracea industry generates large amounts of by-products to which value could be added because of the characteristics of their composition. The aim was to extract different fibre fractions from broccoli stalks to obtain potential new added-value ingredients. Using an ethanol and water extraction procedure, two fibre-rich fractions (total fibre fraction, TF_B, and insoluble fibre fraction, IF_B) were obtained. These fractions were analysed to determine the nutritional, (poly)phenols and glucosinolates composition and physicochemical properties, comparing the results with those of freeze-dried broccoli stalks (DBS). Although TF_B showed a higher content of total dietary fibre, IF_B had the same content of insoluble dietary fibre as TF_B (54%), better hydration properties, higher content of glucosinolates (100 mg/100 g d.w.) and (poly)phenols (74.7 mg/100 g d.w.). The prebiotic effect was evaluated in IF_B and compared with DBS by in vitro fermentation with human faecal slurries. After 48 h, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was higher with IF_B than with DBS because of the greater presence of both uronic acids, the main component of pectin, and (poly)phenols. These results reveal that novel fibre-rich ingredients—with antioxidant, technological and physiological effects—could be obtained from broccoli stalks by using green extraction methods.

An Overview of the Potential of Medicinal Plants Used in the Development of Nutraceuticals for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: Proposed Biological Mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use it. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing steadily, making it a global public health problem. Several serious complications are associated with this disease. There are a number of different classes of antidiabetic medications. Interestingly, traditional medicine can also be used for the development of novel classes of hypoglycemic therapeutics. This article summarizes an update of the potential of various important medicinal plants used in the development of nutraceuticals for the management of diabetes mellitus, and a proposal of their biological mechanisms.

Dietary Polysaccharides as Modulators of the Gut Microbiota Ecosystem: An Update on Their Impact on Health

A polysaccharide is a macromolecule composed of more than ten monosaccharides with a wide distribution and high structural diversity and complexity in nature. Certain polysaccharides are immunomodulators and play key roles in the regulation of immune responses during the progression of some diseases. In addition to stimulating the growth of certain intestinal bacteria, polysaccharides may also promote health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. In the last years, studies about the triad gut microbiota-polysaccharides-health have increased exponentially. In consequence, in the present review, we aim to summarize recent knowledge about the function of dietary polysaccharides on gut microbiota composition and how these effects affect host health.

Kinkan orange protects hypercholesterolemic rats against dyslipidemia and oxidative stress

We investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with kinkan orange on growth, adiposity, metabolic parameters, and oxidative stress in rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Female Wistar rats (6-8 weeks) were fed a AIN-93M diet (Control); AIN-93M diet containing 5% kinkan orange (CTkinkan); Hypercholesterolemic diet, containing 1% cholesterol and 25% fat (Hyper); or Hypercholesterolemic diet containing 5% kinkan orange (Hyperkinkan). Hypercholesterolemic diet increased body weight, adiposity, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides, hepatic total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and hepatic oxidative stress. Supplementation with kinkan reduced the serum and hepatic lipid content, decreased serum ALT, besides improving the antioxidant status in liver tissue of hypercholesterolemic animals. Moreover, HDL-cholesterol increased in both groups supplemented with kinkan orange (CTkinkan and Hyperkinkan). Our data suggest that diet supplementation with kinkan orange may consist of a valid strategy to prevent or reduce dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Intrinsic dietary fibers and the gut microbiome: Rediscovering the benefits of the plant cell matrix for human health

Dietary fibers contribute to structure and storage reserves of plant foods and fundamentally impact human health, partly by involving the intestinal microbiota, notably in the colon. Considerable attention has been given to unraveling the interaction between fiber type and gut microbiota utilization, focusing mainly on single, purified fibers. Studying these fibers in isolation might give us insights into specific fiber effects, but neglects how dietary fibers are consumed daily and impact our digestive tract: as intrinsic structures that include the cell matrix and content of plant tissues. Like our ancestors we consume fibers that are entangled in a complex network of plants cell walls that further encapsulate and shield intra-cellular fibers, such as fructans and other components from immediate breakdown. Hence, the physiological behavior and consequent microbial breakdown of these intrinsic fibers differs from that of single, purified fibers, potentially entailing unexplored health effects. In this mini-review we explain the difference between intrinsic and isolated fibers and discuss their differential impact on digestion. Subsequently, we elaborate on how food processing influences intrinsic fiber structure and summarize available human intervention studies that used intrinsic fibers to assess gut microbiota modulation and related health outcomes. Finally, we explore current research gaps and consequences of the intrinsic plant tissue structure for future research. We postulate that instead of further processing our already (extensively) processed foods to create new products, we should minimize this processing and exploit the intrinsic health benefits that are associated with the original cell matrix of plant tissues.

A comprehensive review of food gels: formation mechanisms, functions, applications, and challenges

Gels refer to the soft and flexible macromolecular polymeric materials retaining a large amount of water or biofluids in their three-dimensional network structure. Gels have attracted increasing interest in the food discipline, especially proteins and polysaccharides, due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, nutritional properties, and edibility. With the advancement of living standards, people's demand for nutritious, safe, reliable, and functionally diverse food and even personalized food has increased. As a result, gels exhibiting unique advantages in food application will be of great significance. However, a comprehensive review of functional hydrogels as food gels is still lacking. Here, we comprehensively review the gel-forming mechanisms of food gels and systematically classify them. Moreover, the potential of hydrogels as functional foods in different types of food areas is summarized, with a special focus on their applications in food packaging, satiating gels, nutrient delivery systems, food coloring adsorption, and food safety monitoring. Additionally, the key scientific issues for future food gel research, with specific reference to future novel food designs, mechanisms between food components and matrices, food gel-human interactions, and food gel safety, are discussed. Finally, the future directions of hydrogels for food science and technology are summarized.

Identification of Independent and Shared Metabolic Responses to High-Fiber and Antibiotic Treatments in Fecal Metabolome of Grow-Finish Pigs

Feeding high-fiber (HF) coproducts to grow–finish pigs as a cost-saving practice could compromise growth performance, while the inclusion of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) may improve it. The hindgut is a shared site of actions between fiber and AGPs. However, whether the metabolic interactions between them could occur in the digestive tract of pigs and then become detectable in feces have not been well-examined. In this study, wheat middling (WM), a HF coproduct, and bacitracin, a peptide antibiotic (AB), were fed to 128 grow–finish pigs for 98 days following a 2 × 2 factorial design, including antibiotic-free (AF) + low fiber (LF); AF + HF; AB + LF, and AB + HF, for growth and metabolic responses. The growth performance of the pigs was compromised by HF feedings but not by AB. A metabolomic analysis of fecal samples collected on day 28 of feeding showed that WM elicited comprehensive metabolic changes, especially in amino acids, fatty acids, and their microbial metabolites, while bacitracin caused selective metabolic changes, including in secondary bile acids. Limited metabolic interactions occurred between fiber and AB treatments. Moreover, the correlations between individual fecal metabolites and growth support the usage of fecal metabolome as a source of biomarkers for monitoring and predicting the metabolic performance of grow–finish pigs.

Microbial liberation of N-methylserotonin from orange fiber in gnotobiotic mice and humans

Plant fibers in byproduct streams produced by non-harsh food processing methods represent biorepositories of diverse, naturally occurring, and physiologically active biomolecules. To demonstrate one approach for their characterization, mass spectrometry of intestinal contents from gnotobiotic mice, plus in vitro studies, revealed liberation of N-methylserotonin from orange fibers by human gut microbiota members including Bacteroides ovatus. Functional genomic analyses of B. ovatus strains grown under permissive and non-permissive N-methylserotonin "mining" conditions revealed polysaccharide utilization loci that target pectins whose expression correlate with strain-specific liberation of this compound. N-methylserotonin, orally administered to germ-free mice, reduced adiposity, altered liver glycogenesis, shortened gut transit time, and changed expression of genes that regulate circadian rhythm in the liver and colon. In human studies, dose-dependent, orange-fiber-specific fecal accumulation of N-methylserotonin positively correlated with levels of microbiome genes encoding enzymes that digest pectic glycans. Identifying this type of microbial mining activity has potential therapeutic implications.

Effects of Dietary Fiber, Crude Protein Level, and Gestation Stage on the Nitrogen Utilization of Multiparous Gestating Sows

To investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF), crude protein (CP) level, and gestation stage on nitrogen utilization, 28 Landrace-Yorkshire cross gestating sows at parity two were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with seven duplicates of one pig with a repeated-measures design. The diets comprised one with normal crude protein (CP) of 13.3%, one with a low CP diet of 10.1%, and two diets, one with dietary fiber (DF) supplementation of inulin and cellulose at the ratio of 1:1 and one without DF. The total litter size, litter size alive, and newborn birthweight of piglets did not differ between treatment groups. Sows that received high DF levels had greater nitrogen output in feces, lower urinary nitrogen, and increased nitrogen retention. Sows that received a low CP diet had reduced nitrogen excretion in feces and urine, lower nitrogen retention, and an unchanged nitrogen retention ratio. Sows at the late stage of gestation on days 95 to 98 had lower nitrogen excretion in urine and greater nitrogen retention than in the early stage of gestation on days 35 to 38, associated with a significant decrease in serum amino acids in late gestation. Maternal protein deposition was increased by high DF, decreased by low CP, and lower in late gestation compared with early gestation. Collectively, DF improved nitrogen utilization by decreasing urine nitrogen output, and nitrogen utilization increased as gestation advanced.

Edible Flowers as a Source of Dietary Fibre (Total, Insoluble and Soluble) as a Potential Athlete's Dietary Supplement

Edible flowers have been gaining popularity among researchers, nutritionists and chefs all around the world. Nowadays, flowers are used to make food look and/or taste better; however, they are also a very good source of valuable nutrients (antioxidants, vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, macro and microelements). The aim of our study was to determine the content of dietary fibre and total protein in selected edible flowers; we also compared the nutritional content of petals, differentiating between the representatives of the Oleaceae and Asteraceae families, as well as herbaceous vs. woody plants. The study material consisted of petals of 12 edible flower species (Magnolia × soulangeana, Sambucus nigra L., Syringa vulgaris L. (white and violet flowers), Robinia pseudoacacia, Forsythia × intermedia, Cichorium intybus L., Bellis perennis, Tussilago farfara L., Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wiggers coll., Centaurea cyanus L., Calendula officinalis). Dietary fibre content was determined by the enzymatic-gravimetric method and ranged from 13.22 (Magnolia × soulangeana) to 62.33 (Calendula officinalis L.) g/100 g. For insoluble dietary fibre (IDF), the values ranged from 8.69 (Magnolia × soulangeana) to 57.54 (Calendula officinalis L.) g/100 g, and the content of soluble dietary fibre (SDF) was between 1.35 (Syringa vulgaris L.-white flowers) and 7.46 (Centaurea cyanus L) g/100 g. Flowers were also shown to be a good, though underappreciated, source of plant protein, with content ranging from 8.70 (Calendula officinalis L.) to 21.61 (Magnolia × soulangeana) g/100 g dry matter (Kjeldahl method). Considerable amounts of protein were found in the flowers of the olive family (Oleaceae) and woody plants, which can enrich the daily diet, especially vegan and vegetarian. Edible flowers of the Asteraceae family, especially the herbaceous representatives, contained high levels of both total dietary fibre and its insoluble fraction; therefore, they can be a rich source of these nutrients in the daily diet of athletes, which would perform a prebiotic function for gut bacteria.

Quantitative visualization study on the physical movement and gastric emptying of diced carrot particle in a transparent rat stomach-duodenum model

In this study, a transparent soft-elastic silicone rat stomach model was prepared to visualize the gastric movement and emptying of one individual diced carrot in a dynamic in vitro rat stomach system. The influences of the viscosity of solution medium, the pattern of gastric peristalsis and the extraction rate of the emptying pump on the location and gastric residence time of the carrot particle were examined. A proper medium viscosity could promote the emptying of the carrot particle. Compared to the combined actions of plate and roller, gastric residence time of the carrot particle was reduced from 32.3 to 19.8 min under the single plate compression. This time was also shortened from 34.8 to 12.3 min when the extraction rate of emptying pump was changed from 100 mL/min to 400 mL/min. Knowledge gained from this work is unique and may provide new insights for optimizing biomimic gastrointestinal models.

Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber for the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), two components of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are painful conditions that affect children and adults. Despite substantial research, there is no permanent cure for IBD, and patients face an increased risk of colon cancer. Dietary fiber's health advantages have been thoroughly investigated, and it is recommended for its enormous health benefits. This review article discusses the importance of appropriate fiber intake in managing IBD, emphasizing how optimal fiber consumption can significantly help IBD patients.

Short-term intestinal effects of water intake in fibre supplementation in healthy, low-habitual fibre consumers: a phase 2 clinical trial

A randomised clinical trial was conducted on 20 healthy, low-habitual fibre consumers to assess the short-term effects of water intake (2 l/day) on fibre supplementation with wheat bran, pectin, and green banana flour. During the 14-days trial, fibre intake doubled in both fibre (n = 10) and fibre/water (n = 10) interventions (p < 0.001), whereas daily water intake increased from 538 to 1990 ml in the fibre/water group (p < 0.001). Weekly bowel movements increased similarly in both interventions (fibre: 6.8-8.8; fibre/water: 8.6-10; p < 0.01), while faecal weight (71-126 g; p = 0.009) increased in the fibre/water group. This group showed higher counts of faecal Bacteroides and Prevotella, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Bifidobacterium, whereas both interventions decreased the count of Desulfovibrio. Transient abdominal symptoms occurred less frequently in the fibre/water than in the fibre group (3 vs. 9 participants; p = 0.020). In healthy, low-habitual fibre consumers, short-term water intake helps the intestinal adaptation to fibre supplementation.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02838849.

Engineering Emulsion Gels as Functional Colloids Emphasizing Food Applications: A Review

Gels are functional materials with well-defined structures (three-dimensional networks) assembled from the dispersed colloids, and capable of containing a large amount of water, oil, or air (by replacing the liquid within the gel pores), known as a hydrogel, oleogel, and aerogel, respectively. An emulsion gel is a gelled matrix filled with emulsion dispersion in which at least one phase, either continuous phase or dispersed phase forms spatial networks leading to the formation of a semisolid texture. Recently, the interest in the application of gels as functional colloids has attracted great attention in the food industry due to their tunable morphology and microstructure, promising physicochemical, mechanical, and functional properties, and superior stability, as well as controlled release, features for the encapsulated bioactive compounds. This article covers recent research progress on functional colloids (emulsion gels), including their fabrication, classification (protein-, polysaccharide-, and mixed emulsion gels), and properties specifically those related to the gel-body interactions (texture perception, digestion, and absorption), and industrial applications. The emerging applications, including encapsulation and controlled release, texture design and modification, fat replacement, and probiotics delivery are summarized. A summary of future perspectives to promote emulsion gels' use as functional colloids and delivery systems for scouting potential new applications in the food industry is also proposed. Emulsion gels are promising colloids being used to tailor breakdown behavior and sensory perception of food, as well as for the processing, transportation, and targeted release of food additives, functional ingredients, and bioactive substances with flexibility in designing structural and functional parameters.

Elucidating the role of the gut microbiota in the physiological effects of dietary fiber

BACKGROUND

Dietary fiber is an integral part of a healthy diet, but questions remain about the mechanisms that underlie effects and the causal contributions of the gut microbiota. Here, we performed a 6-week exploratory trial in adults with excess weight (BMI: 25-35 kg/m2) to compare the effects of a high-dose (females: 25 g/day; males: 35 g/day) supplement of fermentable corn bran arabinoxylan (AX; n = 15) with that of microbiota-non-accessible microcrystalline cellulose (MCC; n = 16). Obesity-related surrogate endpoints and biomarkers of host-microbiome interactions implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity (trimethylamine N-oxide, gut hormones, cytokines, and measures of intestinal barrier integrity) were assessed. We then determined whether clinical outcomes could be predicted by fecal microbiota features or mechanistic biomarkers.

RESULTS

AX enhanced satiety after a meal and decreased homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), while MCC reduced tumor necrosis factor-α and fecal calprotectin. Machine learning models determined that effects on satiety could be predicted by fecal bacterial taxa that utilized AX, as identified by bioorthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging. Reductions in HOMA-IR and calprotectin were associated with shifts in fecal bile acids, but correlations were negative, suggesting that the benefits of fiber may not be mediated by their effects on bile acid pools. Biomarkers of host-microbiome interactions often linked to bacterial metabolites derived from fiber fermentation (short-chain fatty acids) were not affected by AX supplementation when compared to non-accessible MCC.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the efficacy of purified dietary fibers when used as supplements and suggests that satietogenic effects of AX may be linked to bacterial taxa that ferment the fiber or utilize breakdown products. Other effects are likely microbiome independent. The findings provide a basis for fiber-type specific therapeutic applications and their personalization.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02322112 , registered on July 3, 2015. Video Abstract.