Background Inulin-type fructans (ITFs) are a type of fermentable dietary fiber that can confer beneficial health effects through changes in the gut microbiota. However, their effect on gut sensitivity and nutritional behavior is a matter of debate. Objective We evaluated the impact of consuming ITF-rich vegetables daily on gut microbiota, gastro-intestinal symptoms, and food-related behavior in healthy individuals. Methods A single group-design trial was conducted in 26 healthy individuals. During 2 wk, the participants were instructed to adhere to a controlled diet based on ITF-rich vegetables (providing a mean intake of 15 g ITF/d). Three test days were organized: before and after the nutritional intervention and 3 wk after returning to their usual diet. We assessed nutrient intake, food-related behavior, fecal microbiota composition, microbial fermentation, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Results The major microbial modifications during the intervention were an increased proportion of the Bifidobacterium genus, a decreased level of unclassified Clostridiales, and a tendency to decrease Oxalobacteraceae . These changes were reversed 3 wk after the intervention. The volunteers showed greater satiety, a reduced desire to eat sweet, salty, and fatty food, and a trend to increase hedonic attitudes towards some inulin-rich vegetables. Only flatulence episodes were reported during the dietary intervention, whereas intestinal discomfort, inversely associated with Clostridium cluster IV and Ruminococcus callidus , was improved at the end of the intervention. Conclusions A higher consumption of ITF-rich vegetables allows a substantial increase in well-tolerated dietary fiber, which may in turn improve food-related behavior. Moreover, it leads to beneficial modifications of the gut microbiota composition and function. This trial is registered at clinicaltrial.gov as NCT03540550.

13The nutritive value of 20 forage plants commonly used for feeding pigs in the Democratic 14Republic of the Congo was studied to determine chemical composition, protein amino acid 15 profiles, mineral content, and in vitro digestibility using a two-steps method combining an 16 enzymatic pepsin and pancreatin hydrolysis followed by a 72h gas-test fermentation. nutrients. Gas production during fermentation of the pepsin and pancreatin-indigestible 29 fraction of the plants varied from 42 ml/g DM for A. mangium to 202 ml/g DM for I. batatas 30 (P<0.001). Short-chain fatty acid production during fermentation varied from 157 to 405 mg/g 31 of the pepsin and pancreatin indigestible fraction. It is concluded that some of these species 32 are interesting sources of proteins and minerals with a good digestibility that might be used 33 more economically than concentrate, especially in smallholder production systems, to 34 improve pig feeding, mineral intake and intestinal health in pigs reared in the tropics. 35 36