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The Effect of Arabinogalactans on the Gut Microbiome: A Randomized, Double‐blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Crossover Trial in Healthy Adults
Author(s) -
Bellamine Aouatef,
Sudakaran Sailendharan,
Blonquist Traci,
Mah Eucine,
Durkee Shane,
Chen Oliver
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.03811
Subject(s) - feces , firmicutes , crossover study , microbiome , lachnospiraceae , biology , gut flora , bifidobacterium , food science , placebo , physiology , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , lactobacillus , immunology , biochemistry , 16s ribosomal rna , bioinformatics , alternative medicine , pathology , gene , fermentation
Promising evidence suggests beneficial health effects of arabinogalactan but little is known on the effect of this non‐digestible carbohydrate on the gut microbiota, a crucial mediator of human health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of an arabinogalactan product (ResistAid®) on the fecal microbiome, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gastrointestinal tolerance in healthy adults in a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over trial. Thirty adults were randomly assigned to consume 15 g/d maltodextrin (control) or ResistAid for 6 weeks. At Week 6, and compared to placebo, ResistAid supplementation led to a significant decrease in the ratio of fecal Firmicutes to Bacteriodetes (F/B) driven by an increase in Bacteriodetes and a decrease in Firmicutes . Moreover, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium tended to increase with ResistAid supplementation. Additionally, ResistAid significantly decreased α‐diversity of fecal microbiome. Predicted functional abundances based on 16s rRNA sequences showed that ResistAid supplementation increased gene abundance of the gut microbiome for α‐l‐rhamnosidase, β‐fructosidase and levanase, as well as tricarboxylic acid and vitamin B6 biosynthesis pathways. Fecal isovaleric, valeric, and hexanoic acid contents were significantly lower following ResistAid consumption. There were no statistically significant changes in bowel habit, stool consistency, gastrointestinal tolerance symptoms, chemistry profile, metabolic panel, and vitals, suggesting that consumption of 15 g of ResistAid over 6 weeks is safe. These results demonstrate that the gut microbiome composition and predicted functions can be modulated by ResistAid consumption, suggesting perhaps a mechanistic explanation on its reported benefits in metabolic parameters and the immune system.