Research

20 pages, 3764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Theaflavins on the Gut Microbiome and Metabolites in Diabetic Mice

by Jun Wang, Yixin Qin, Jingjing Jiang, Hongyan Shan, Changyu Zhao and Songnan Li

Foods 2023, 12(20), 3865; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203865 - 22 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1340

With the development of diabetes, the gut microbiome falls into a state of dysbiosis, further affecting its progression. Theaflavins (TFs), a type of tea polyphenol derivative, show anti-diabetic properties, but their effect on the gut microbiome in diabetic mice is unclear. It is [...] Read more.

With the development of diabetes, the gut microbiome falls into a state of dysbiosis, further affecting its progression. Theaflavins (TFs), a type of tea polyphenol derivative, show anti-diabetic properties, but their effect on the gut microbiome in diabetic mice is unclear. It is unknown whether the improvement of TFs on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic mice is related to gut microbiota. Therefore, in this study, different concentrations of TFs were intragastrically administered to mice with diabetes induced by a high-fat-diet to investigate their effects on blood glucose, blood lipid, and the gut microbiome in diabetic mice, and the plausible mechanism underlying improvement in diabetes was explored from the perspective of the gut microbiome. The results showed that the TFs intervention significantly improved the hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia of diabetic mice and affected the structure of the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of bacteria positively related to diabetes and inhibiting those negatively related to diabetes. The changes in short-chain fatty acids in mice with diabetes and functional prediction analysis suggested that TFs may affect carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism by regulating the gut microbiome. These findings emphasize the ability of TFs to shape the diversity and structure of the gut microbiome in mice with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin and have practical implications for the development of functional foods with TFs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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20 pages, 8627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibition of IEC-6 Cell Proliferation and the Mechanism of Ulcerative Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice by Dandelion Root Polysaccharides

by Shengkun Yan, Lijun Yin and Rong Dong

Foods 2023, 12(20), 3800; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203800 - 17 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1381

Abstract

An exploration was conducted on the potential therapeutic properties of dandelion polysaccharide (DP) in addressing 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in murine models. Subsequent assessments focused on DP’s influence on inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in IEC-6 cells damaged by [...] Read more.

An exploration was conducted on the potential therapeutic properties of dandelion polysaccharide (DP) in addressing 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in murine models. Subsequent assessments focused on DP’s influence on inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in IEC-6 cells damaged by H₂O₂. Results highlighted the efficacy of DP in mitigating weight loss, improving disease activity index scores, normalizing colon length, and alleviating histological abnormalities in the affected mice. DP repaired colonic mitochondrial damage by enhancing iron transport and inhibited iron death in colonic cells. Moreover, DP played a pivotal role in enhancing the antioxidant potential. This was evident from the increased expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, and GSH, coupled with a decrease in MDA and 4-HNE markers in the UC-afflicted mice. Concurrently, DP manifested inhibitory effects on MPO activation and transcription levels of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS. An upsurge in the expression of occludin and ZO-1 was also observed. Restoration of intestinal tightness resulted in decreased serum LPS and LDH levels. Thereafter, administration of DP by gavage increased fecal flora diversity and relative abundance of probiotics in UC mice. Analysis of metabolites indicated that DP counteracted metabolic disturbances and augmented the levels of short-chain fatty acids in ulcerative colitis-affected mice. In vitro studies underscored the role of DP in triggering Nrf2 activation, which in turn exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ferroptotic properties. Summarily, DP’s capacity to activate Nrf2 contributes to the suppression of ferroptotic processes in intestinal epithelial cells of UC-affected mice, enhancing the intestinal barrier’s integrity. Beyond that, DP possesses the ability to modulate the gut microbiome, rectify metabolic imbalances, rejuvenate short-chain fatty acid levels, and bolster the intestinal barrier as a therapeutic approach to UC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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12 pages, 861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Citrus Extract High in Flavonoids Beneficially Alters Intestinal Metabolic Responses in Subjects with Features of Metabolic Syndrome

by Mônica Maurer Sost, Yala Stevens, Bouke Salden, Freddy Troost, Ad Masclee and Koen Venema

Foods 2023, 12(18), 3413; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12183413 - 13 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1115

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a citrus extract rich in citrus flavonoids on intestinal metabolic responses in subjects with features of metabolic syndrome, in an in vitro colon fermentation system (TIM-2) and fecal samples obtained from human [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a citrus extract rich in citrus flavonoids on intestinal metabolic responses in subjects with features of metabolic syndrome, in an in vitro colon fermentation system (TIM-2) and fecal samples obtained from human subjects in an in vivo trial. In the TIM-2 system inoculated with fecal samples of volunteers with features of metabolic syndrome, continuous citrus extract supplementation (500 mg/day) resulted in increased cumulative short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels compared to the control condition, which was mainly due to increased production of butyrate, acetate, and valerate. In human volunteers, 12 weeks of daily supplementation with 500 mg citrus extract resulted in a significant shift in the SCFA profile towards more butyrate (p = 0.022) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, there was a trend towards a reduction in fecal calprotectin levels, a marker for intestinal inflammation, compared to the placebo (p = 0.058). Together, these results suggest that citrus extract intake may have a positive effect on intestinal metabolic responses and through this, on host health in subjects with features of metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to provide more insight into the potential underlying mechanisms and to study effects on clinical parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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22 pages, 14540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metallothionein–Kidney Bean Polyphenol Complexes Showed Antidiabetic Activity in Type 2 Diabetic Rats by Improving Insulin Resistance and Regulating Gut Microbiota

by Zhaohang Zuo, Weiqiao Pang, Wei Sun, Baoxin Lu, Liang Zou, Dongjie Zhang and Ying Wang

Foods 2023, 12(16), 3139; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12163139 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1535

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that interaction between polyphenols and proteins can benefit health, but the mechanism of its antidiabetic effect has not been thoroughly elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the metallothionein (MT)–kidney bean polyphenol complex on the blood [...] Read more.

Previous studies have shown that interaction between polyphenols and proteins can benefit health, but the mechanism of its antidiabetic effect has not been thoroughly elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the metallothionein (MT)–kidney bean polyphenol complex on the blood glucose levels and gut microbiota of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ). After 7 weeks of intervention, the MT–kidney bean polyphenol complex can significantly improve the loss of body weight, the increase in blood glucose and blood lipids, and insulin resistance caused by T2DM in rats. In addition, it can effectively alleviate the damage to the pancreas and liver in rats. The MT–kidney bean polyphenol complex also significantly increased the concentrations of six short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestinal contents of rats, especially acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid (296.03%, 223.86%, and 148.97%, respectively). More importantly, the MT–kidney bean polyphenol complex can significantly reverse intestinal microflora dysbiosis in rats caused by T2DM, increase intestinal microorganism diversity, improve the abundance of various beneficial bacteria, and reshape the gut microbiota. In summary, the hypoglycemic effect of the MT–kidney bean polyphenol complex and its possible mechanism was expounded in terms of blood glucose level, blood lipid level, and gut microbiota, providing a new perspective on the development of the MT–kidney bean polyphenol complex as functional hypoglycemic food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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18 pages, 3212 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharide Prevents Diabetes via the Regulation of Gut Microbiota in Prediabetic Mice

by Haodong Liu, Yan Xing, Yinbo Wang, Xinxiu Ren, Danyang Zhang, Jianying Dai, Zhilong Xiu, Shiqiang Yu and Yuesheng Dong

Foods 2023, 12(12), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122310 - 08 Jun 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1640

Abstract

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), which serves as a prebiotic, exhibits a variety of biological activities, including hypoglycemic activities. However, the effects of DOP on diabetes prevention and its hypoglycemic mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the effects of DOP treatment on the [...] Read more.

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), which serves as a prebiotic, exhibits a variety of biological activities, including hypoglycemic activities. However, the effects of DOP on diabetes prevention and its hypoglycemic mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the effects of DOP treatment on the prediabetic mice model were studied and the mechanism was investigated. The results showed that 200 mg/kg/d of DOP reduced the relative risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from prediabetes by 63.7%. Meanwhile, DOP decreased the level of LPS and inhibited the expression of TLR4 by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota, consequently relieving the inflammation and alleviating insulin resistance. In addition, DOP increased the abundance of SCFA (short chain fatty acid)-producing bacteria in the intestine, increased the levels of intestinal SCFAs, promoted the expression of short-chain fatty acid receptors FFAR2/FFAR3, and increased the secretion of the intestinal hormones GLP-1 and PYY, which helped to repair islet damage, suppress appetite, and improve insulin resistance. Our results suggested that DOP is a promising functional food supplement for the prevention of T2DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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18 pages, 3717 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effects of Synbiotics on Dextran-Sodium-Sulfate-Induced Acute Colitis: The Impact of Chitosan Oligosaccharides on Endogenous/Exogenous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

by Yunjiao Zhao, Liangyu Xue, Shunqin Li, Tao Wu, Rui Liu, Wenjie Sui and Min Zhang

Foods 2023, 12(11), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112251 - 02 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1372

Abstract

In this work, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) isolated from mice feces (LP-M) and pickles (LP-P) were chosen as the endogenous and exogenous L. plantarum, respectively, which were separately combined with chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) to be synbiotics. The anti-inflammatory activity of [...] Read more.

In this work, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) isolated from mice feces (LP-M) and pickles (LP-P) were chosen as the endogenous and exogenous L. plantarum, respectively, which were separately combined with chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) to be synbiotics. The anti-inflammatory activity of LP-M, LP-P, COS, and the synbiotics was explored using dextran-sodium-sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis mice, as well as by comparing the synergistic effects of COS with LP-M or LP-P. The results revealed that L. plantarum, COS, and the synbiotics alleviated the symptoms of mice colitis and inhibited the changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) caused by DSS. In addition, the intervention of L. plantarum, COS, and the synbiotics increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus and suppressed the pathogenic bacteria Turicibacter and Escherichia-Shigella. There was no statistically difference between LP-M and the endogenous synbiotics on intestinal immunity and metabolism. However, the exogenous synbiotics improved SCFAs, inhibited the changes in cytokines and MPO activity, and restored the gut microbiota more effectively than exogenous L. plantarum LP-P. This indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity of exogenous LP-P can be increased by combining it with COS as a synbiotic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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18 pages, 5809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quinoa Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Regulates the Gut Microbiota in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats

by Lingyue Zhong, Wei Lyu, Zihan Lin, Jun Lu, Yanlou Geng, Lihua Song and Heng Zhang

Foods 2023, 12(9), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091780 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4671

Abstract

A long-term high-fat diet causes hepatic steatosis, which further leads to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we firstly investigated the regulation effects of different amounts of quinoa on hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation of rats fed a high-fat diet, then [...] Read more.

A long-term high-fat diet causes hepatic steatosis, which further leads to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we firstly investigated the regulation effects of different amounts of quinoa on hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation of rats fed a high-fat diet, then the gut microbiota was dynamically determined. Sprague–Dawley (SD, male) rats were randomized into four groups: normal controls (NC, fed standard chow), model groups (HF, fed a high-fat diet), low quinoa intake (HF + LQ), and high quinoa intake (HF + HQ) groups, which were supplemented with 9% and 27% quinoa in the high-fat feed (equivalent to 100 g/day and 300 g/day human intake, respectively). The results showed that quinoa intake significantly inhibited the hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, ameliorated hepatic steatosis pathologically; effectively rescued the decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and leptin in rats of two quinoa groups were close to those of the NC group. Besides, high quinoa intake significantly increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia, and low quinoa intake significantly increased the relative abundance of Blautia at the genus level. The relative abundances of Blautia and Dorea in rats in the HF + HQ group were lower than those in rats in the HF + LQ group. In addition, the relative abundances of Clostridium and Turicibacter of rats in the two quinoa intervention groups were lower than those of rats in the HF group after 12 weeks of intervention. In summary, quinoa exhibits a series of beneficial effects in the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is suggested to be a component of a daily diet for the prevention of NAFLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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13 pages, 3674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Diversity and Correlation between Breast Milk and the Infant Gut

by Kaili Wang, Xiufang Xia, Lina Sun, Hui Wang, Qiu Li, Zhuo Yang and Jing Ren

Foods 2023, 12(9), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091740 - 22 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2052

Abstract

The gut microbiota is significant for infants to grow and develop in the early stages of life. The breast milk microbiota directly or indirectly influences colonizing and the development of early infant intestinal microbiota. Therefore, we wanted to study the microbial diversity and [...] Read more.

The gut microbiota is significant for infants to grow and develop in the early stages of life. The breast milk microbiota directly or indirectly influences colonizing and the development of early infant intestinal microbiota. Therefore, we wanted to study the microbial diversity and correlation between breast milk and the infant gut. By sequencing the 16S rRNA V3–V4 regions of microbiome in infant feces 1, 14, 20, 30, and 90 days after delivery as well as those in breast milk using Illumina NovaSeq, we studied the component of microbiome in both human milk and infant stools, analyzed the diversity of microbiota, and explored the relationship between them. We found that the richest bacteria in breast milk were Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Sphingopyxis, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus, with a small amount of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Klebsiella. The infant feces were abundant in Bifidobacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Serratia, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus, with a small number of Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. Acinetobacter, Bifidobacterium, Klebsiella, and Lactobacillus appeared in the breast milk and infant feces, suggesting that they were transferred from the breast milk to the infant’s gut. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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13 pages, 2211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Characteristics of Cecum Contents in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice Intervened with Different Fibers

by Qian Zhang, Jinhua Cheng, Xiaole Jiang, Junni Tang, Chenglin Zhu, Hong Chen and Luca Laghi

Foods 2023, 12(7), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071403 - 26 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1555

Abstract

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of single or mixed fibers (arabinoxylan, β-glucan, xyloglucan, and inulin) on the metabolome of cecum content in mice with obesity caused by a high-fat diet. Twenty-eight six-week-old male mice were divided randomly into [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of single or mixed fibers (arabinoxylan, β-glucan, xyloglucan, and inulin) on the metabolome of cecum content in mice with obesity caused by a high-fat diet. Twenty-eight six-week-old male mice were divided randomly into seven groups (n = 4/group), including a normal-diet group (CON), a high-fat-diet group (HFD), and groups with the same high-fat diet but supplemented with arabinoxylan (HFAX), arabinoxylan + β-glucan (HFAβ), arabinoxylan + xyloglucan (HFAG), xyloglucan (HFXG), and xyloglucan + inulin (HFXI). A total of 66 molecules were identified and quantified in cecum content by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹ H-NMR). The metabolomic profiles combined with statistical analysis revealed compounds distinguishing the control group from those supplemented with fibers. In detail, a high-fat diet could significantly elevate the concentrations of acetone and methionine (p < 0.05) while decreasing the levels of methanol, arabinose, acetate, and 3-hydroxyphenylacetate (p < 0.05) in the cecum contents of mice. Compared to HFD, the supplementation caused higher levels of fumarate and hypoxanthine (p < 0.05) and lower levels of phenylacetate, acetate, fucose, formate, proline, betaine, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) (p < 0.05). An enrichment analysis highlighted that the pathways mainly altered were amino sugar metabolism, aspartate metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. In conclusion, non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) supplementation could change the metabolomic profiles of cecum contents in obese mice as a result of a high-fat diet. Moreover, mixed NSPs exhibited more beneficial effects than singular form on gut metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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10 pages, 1198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Digestion and Fecal Fermentation of Low-Gluten Rice and Its Effect on the Gut Microbiota

by Zhi-Tao Li, Shuang-Xin Han, Jia-Yang Pu, Yu-Ying Wang, Yun Jiang, Min-Jie Gao, Xiao-Bei Zhan and Song Xu

Foods 2023, 12(4), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12040855 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

Low-gluten rice is part of a special diet for chronic kidney disease patients, but its digestive mechanism in the gastrointestinal tract is unclear. In this study, low-gluten rice (LGR), common rice (CR), and rice starch (RS) were used as experimental samples, and their [...] Read more.

Low-gluten rice is part of a special diet for chronic kidney disease patients, but its digestive mechanism in the gastrointestinal tract is unclear. In this study, low-gluten rice (LGR), common rice (CR), and rice starch (RS) were used as experimental samples, and their digestion and bacterial fermentation were simulated using an in vitro gastrointestinal reactor to investigate the mechanism of the effect of LGR on human health. The starch digestibility of CR was higher than that of LGR, with statistically significant differences. LGR has growth-promoting and metabolic effects on Akkermansia muciniphila. Among the beneficial metabolites, the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from LGR reached 104.85 mmol/L, an increase of 44.94% (versus RS) and 25.33% (versus CR). Moreover, the concentration of lactic acid reached 18.19 mmol/L, an increase of 60.55% (versus RS) and 25.28% (versus CR). Among the harmful metabolites, the concentration of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) in LGR was 0.29 mmol/L and the concentration of ammonia was 2.60 mmol/L, which was 79.31% and 16.15% lower than CR, respectively. A significant increase in the concentration of the beneficial intestinal bacteria Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium occurred from LGR. The 16s rDNA sequencing showed that the abundance of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes increased and the abundance of the Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria decreased. Thus, LGR has positive effects on digestion and gut microbiota structure and metabolism in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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11 pages, 1868 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effect of Enyzmes on the Quality and Predicting Glycaemic Response of Chinese Steamed Bread

by Wenjun Liu, Margaret Brennan, Charles Brennan, Linfeng You and Dawei Tu

Foods 2023, 12(2), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12020273 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1339

Abstract

The present study investigates the individual and interactional effects of α-amylase (6 and 10 ppm), xylanase (70 and 120 ppm) and cellulase (35 and 60 ppm) on the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional quality of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) incorporated with 15% oat bran. [...] Read more.

The present study investigates the individual and interactional effects of α-amylase (6 and 10 ppm), xylanase (70 and 120 ppm) and cellulase (35 and 60 ppm) on the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional quality of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) incorporated with 15% oat bran. As a result, the single enzyme can significantly improve the specific volume and texture of CSB. Compared to the single enzyme, the combined enzymes improved the specific volume of CSB up to the highest value (2.51 mL/g) and decreased the hardness to the minimum value (233.61 g) when the concentration was 6, 70 and 35 ppm. With respect to chemical and nutritional properties, the addition of single enzyme had no great changes, while the combined enzymes (6, 70 and 35 ppm) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the total starch from 37.52 to 34.11% and hence increased the area under the reducing sugar release curve during 2 h in vitro digestion (AUC) from 344.61 to 371.26. Consequently, enzymes combination can significantly improve the quality of oat bran CSB whereas reduce the nutritional value of oat bran CSB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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10 pages, 1597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Therapeutic of Natural Origin (NTN) in Adult Patients with Lactose Intolerance: A Multicenter, Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Corina Pop, Ioan Sporea, Javier Santos, Nicolae Tudor and Nicoleta Tiuca

Foods 2022, 11(17), 2600; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11172600 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1714

Abstract

Background: Film-forming substances, such as natural polysaccharides (NP) and pea proteins (PP), act as a protective barrier for treating various gastrointestinal conditions. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a novel therapeutic of natural origin (NTN) containing NP and PP for symptomatic treatment [...] Read more.

Background: Film-forming substances, such as natural polysaccharides (NP) and pea proteins (PP), act as a protective barrier for treating various gastrointestinal conditions. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a novel therapeutic of natural origin (NTN) containing NP and PP for symptomatic treatment of lactose intolerance. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study, patients with lactose intolerance received NTN (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 7 days, then the alternate treatment for 7 days. Patients rated their gastrointestinal symptoms using a 7-point Likert scale. The lactose hydrogen breath test was used to assess exhaled hydrogen. Results: NTN as primary or crossover treatment significantly improved patient-reported symptoms of bloating, distension, and abdominal pain. Abdominal pain also improved under primary treatment with placebo. Primary treatment with NTN, but not placebo, normalized mean exhaled hydrogen levels. In the group allocated initially to placebo, crossover to NTN attenuated the increase in hydrogen production. No treatment-related adverse effects were reported in either group. Conclusions: Subjective improvements in bloating, distension, and abdominal pain with NTN were supported by objective evidence of hydrogen production normalization. NTN appears to be a useful alternative to lactose avoidance or enzyme replacement in patients with lactose intolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods or Bioactive Food Compounds on Intestinal Microflora-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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