A Mixture of trans-Galactooligosaccharides Reduces Markers of Metabolic Syndrome and Modulates the Fecal Microbiota and Immune Function of Overweight Adults

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a set of disorders that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The gut microbiota is altered toward a less beneficial composition in overweight adults and this change can be accompanied by inflammation. Prebiotics such as galactooligosaccharides can positively modify the gut microbiota and immune system; some may also reduce blood lipids. We assessed the effect of a galactooligosaccharide mixture [Bi2muno (B-GOS)] on markers of metabolic syndrome, gut microbiota, and immune function in 45 overweight adults with ≥3 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in a double-blind, randomized, placebo (maltodextrin)-controlled, crossover study (with a 4-wk wash-out period between interventions). Whole blood, saliva, feces, and anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning, wk 6, and end of each 12-wk intervention period. Predominant groups of fecal bacteria were quantified and full blood count, markers of inflammation and lipid metabolism, insulin, and glucose were measured. B-GOS increased the number of fecal bifidobacteria at the expense of less desirable groups of bacteria. Increases in fecal secretory IgA and decreases in fecal calprotectin, plasma C-reactive protein, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), TG, and the TC:HDL cholesterol ratio were also observed. Administration of B-GOS to overweight adults resulted in positive effects on the composition of the gut microbiota, the immune response, and insulin, TC, and TG concentrations. B-GOS may be a useful candidate for the enhancement of gastrointestinal health, immune function, and the reduction of metabolic syndrome risk factors in overweight adults.

Follow-up Formula Consumption in 3- to 4-Year-Olds and Respiratory Infections: An RCT

“…7 Dietary components, such as prebiotic oligosaccharides, can also influence host immune responses. 11,12 Prebiotics may promote an increase in beneficial gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria 13,14 and support respiratory and intestinal health. [15][16][17] Another nutrient with immunomodulatory properties is yeast b-glucan, a polysaccharide isolated from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.…”

Potential anti-obesogenic properties of non-digestible carbohydrates: specific focus on resistant dextrin

“…In another recent study, the intake of trans-galacto-oligosaccharides was also found to increase the abundance of faecal Bifidobacterium spp. and had a beneficial effect on fasted blood measures of insulin and cholesterol (106) . In mice, the intake of wheat arabonixylans was shown to decrease serum measures of serum and hepatic cholesterol accumulation and insulin resistance (64) .…”

Effect of a prebiotic galactooligosaccharide mixture (B‐GOS®) on gastrointestinal symptoms in adults selected from a general population who suffer with bloating, abdominal pain, or flatulence

“…23 A selective increase in bifidobacteria was also confirmed in other populations such as IBS patients, 28 elderly, 24 and overweight. 25 Bifidobacteria lack a number of key enzymes involved in the Emden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway, so instead they metabolize carbohydrates through a metabolic pathway named the "bifid shunt" which does not involve generation of gas. 36 Thus, substrates such as B-GOS® that are highly selective toward bifidobacteria, are unlikely to contribute to increase in gas production when used at an appropriate dose.…”

“…[18][19][20][21][22] B-GOS (Bimuno®) is composed of galactose chains and it has been shown to have a potent prebiotic effect with high selectivity toward bifidobacteria and a variety of other beneficial effects in humans. [23][24][25][26][27] In IBS sufferers, it reduced bloating and abdominal pain without changes to their diets, 28 and in healthy adults, it was shown not to result in GI symptoms. 29,30 The aim of the current study was to understand the effect of B-GOS® administration to adults selected from the general population who often suffer with bloating, abdominal pain, or flatulence but who are not formally diagnosed with IBS or other forms of FBD, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.…”