A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to establish the bifidogenic effect of a very-long-chain inulin extracted from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) in healthy human subjects

• Published in: British journal of nutrition Vol. 104; no. 7; pp. 1007 - 1017
• Main Authors: Costabile, Adele, Kolida, Sofia, Klinder, Annett, Gietl, Eva, Bäuerlein, Michael, Frohberg, Claus, Landschütze, Volker, Gibson, Glenn R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 14.10.2010
• Subjects: Adult; adults; Bifidobacterium - drug effects; Bifidobacterium - growth & development; Bifidogenic effect; Biological and medical sciences; Colon - microbiology; Cross-Over Studies; cross-sectional studies; Cynara cardunculus; Cynara scolymus; Cynara scolymus - chemistry; Dietary fiber; Dietary Fiber - administration & dosage; Digestive system; Double-Blind Method; feces; Feces - chemistry; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gas production; Gases; Humans; Inflorescence; Ingestion; Intestinal microflora; intestinal microorganisms; Inulin - adverse effects; Inulin - pharmacology; Lactobacillus; Lactobacillus - drug effects; Lactobacillus - growth & development; Male; maltodextrins; Microbiology; Oil and gas production; Plant Extracts - adverse effects; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Polysaccharides; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Reference Values; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; very-long-chain inulin; Young Adult; Gas production; Bifidogenic effect; Intestinal microflora; Prebiotics; Human; Healthy subject; Digestive system; Long chain; Gut; Microflora; Extract; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Inulin; Double blind study; Prebiotic
• ISSN: 0007-1145; 1475-2662; 1475-2662
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007114510001571

There is growing interest in the use of inulins as substrates for the selective growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli because recent studies have established that their prebiotic effect is linked to several health benefits. In the present study, the impact of a very-long-chain inulin (VLCI), derived from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus), on the human intestinal microbiota compared with maltodextrin was determined. A double-blind, cross-over study was carried out in thirty-two healthy adults who were randomised into two groups and consumed 10 g/d of either VLCI or maltodextrin, for two 3-week study periods, separated by a 3-week washout period. Numbers of faecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were significantly higher upon VLCI ingestion compared with the placebo. Additionally, levels of Atopobium group significantly increased, while Bacteroides–Prevotella numbers were significantly reduced. No significant changes in faecal SCFA concentrations were observed. There were no adverse gastrointestinal symptoms apart from a significant increase in mild and moderate bloating upon VLCI ingestion. These observations were also confirmed by in vitro gas production measurements. In conclusion, daily consumption of VLCI extracted from globe artichoke exerted a pronounced prebiotic effect on the human faecal microbiota composition and was well tolerated by all volunteers.