Symbiosis between host and gut bacteria can be optimized by prebiotics. Inulin-type fructans have been shown to improve the microbial balance of the intestinal ecosystem by stimulating the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. These changes have been associated with several health benefits, including the prevention of gastrointestinal and systemic infections in animal models and human stud...

1. The reliability of [3H]inulin as a reference substance for the measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in river lampreys was investigated. 2. Simultaneously measured renal clearances of [3H]inulin and [14C]-polyethylene glycol (PEG) were not significantly different. 3. Recoveries of [3H]inulin in the urine following its injection into the proximal tubule and urinary duct averaged 83....

BACKGROUND We have shown recently that rapid fermentable fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) decreased resistance of rats towards salmonella. It is not known whether inulin (which is fermented more gradually) has similar effects or whether buffering nutrients can counteract the adverse effects of rapid fermentation. AIMS To compare the effects of dietary inulin and FOS on resistance of rats to Salm...

OBJECTIVE Contrary to the long-standing prerequisite of inducing selective (ie, bifidogenic) effects, recent findings suggest that prebiotic interventions lead to ecosystem-wide microbiota shifts. Yet, a comprehensive characterisation of this process is still lacking. Here, we apply 16S rDNA microbiota profiling and matching (gas chromatography mass spectrometry) metabolomics to assess the cons...

New strategies to improve Ca absorption and bone health are needed to address the current state of osteoporosis prevention and management. Inulin-type fructans have shown great promise as a dietary intervention strategy, but have not yet been tested in a young female model. Our objective was to investigate the effect of long chain (LC) inulin on bone mineralization and density in growing, femal...

Metabolism of acetate from colonic fermentation was investigated in dogs. Beagle dogs (n = 9) were fed a control diet for 17 d followed by a 3% inulin-enriched diet (from chicory) for 4 and 21 d. On 3 occasions, the dogs were administered simultaneously infusions of [1-(13)C]acetate i.v. and [1,2-(13)C(2)]acetate intrarectally. Peripheral acetate concentration and turnover did not change over t...

BACKGROUND Constipation is an intestinal dysfunction. Prebiotics, such as inulin, can improve bowel function by positively influencing intestinal biota. AIM To analyze the scientific evidence for the role of inulin in improving bowel function in patients with chronic constipation. METHODS A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials was conducted, grounded on a literature search...

Prebiotics modulate microbial composition and ensure a healthy gastrointestinal tract environment that can prevent colon cancer development. These natural dietary compounds are therefore potential chemopreventive agents. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats (4 months old) were experimentally treated with procarcinogen dimethylhydrazine to induce colon cancer development. The rats were randomly assigned t...