Combinational effects of prebiotic oligosaccharides on bifidobacterial growth and host gene expression in a simplified mixed culture model and neonatal mice

Abstract

It is important to provide formula-fed infants with a bifidobacteria-enriched gut microbiota similar to those of breastfed infants to ensure intestinal health. Prebiotics, such as certain oligosaccharides, are a useful solution to this problem, but the combinational benefits of these oligosaccharides have not been evaluated. This study investigated the benefits of oligosaccharide combinations and screened for an optimal combination of oligosaccharides to promote healthy gut microbiota of formula-fed infants. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to assess the bifidogenic effects of lactulose (LAC) alone and LAC combined with raffinose (RAF) and/or galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), using a mixed culture model and neonatal mice orally administered with these oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium breve. In the in vitro culture model, the combination of the three oligosaccharides (LAC-RAF-GOS) significantly increased cell numbers of B. breve and Bifidobacterium longum (P < 0·05) compared with either LAC alone or the combination of two oligosaccharides, and resulted in the production of SCFA under anaerobic conditions. In the in vivo experiment, the LAC-RAF-GOS combination significantly increased cell numbers of B. breve and Bacteroidetes in the large intestinal content (P < 0·05) and increased acetate concentrations in the caecal content and serum of neonatal mice. Genes related to metabolism and immune responses were differentially expressed in the liver and large intestine of mice administered with LAC-RAF-GOS. These results indicate a synergistic effect of the LAC-RAF-GOS combination on the growth of bifidobacteria and reveal possible benefits of this combination to the gut microbiota and health of infants.

Evolution of gut Bifidobacterium population in healthy Japanese infants over the first three years of life: a quantitative assessment

“…Regarding other babies, we could not retrieve detailed information of formula milk consumed. Nevertheless, our data concurs with recent reports 40 , 48 , 49 suggesting that prebiotic-enriched formula may shift the microbiota of breast-fed babies towards a bifidobacteria-enriched configuration.…”

“…As mentioned previously, most infant-formula supplements presently prevalent in Japan contain prebiotic compounds such as galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, etc. (concentration varying from 0.3 to 2.3% depending on the brand) that are known to augment the growth of bifidobacteria 47 , 48 . In our study, about 77% of mixed-fed infants were confirmed to be taking formula-feed fortified with galacto- or fructo-oligosaccharides, lactulose, or raffinose.…”

Rapid changes in Atlantic grey seal milk from birth to weaning – immune factors and indicators of metabolic strain

“…They are generally not digested to provide a neonate’s energy metabolism but are instead thought to control colonisation by pathogens through interfering with their sugar-based adhesion mechanisms required for binding to mucus layers or cell surfaces 7 , 61 . Milk oligosaccharides also play a crucial role in establishing an appropriate microbiome by, for instance, acting as a selective nutrient supply for species of Bifidobacterium 7 , 62 , 63 .…”

Potential for enriching next-generation health-promoting gut bacteria through prebiotics and other dietary components

“…Combinatorial benefits of various oligosaccharides are also beginning to be assessed, which may lead to the identification of optimal levels and combinations of prebiotics for the promotion of healthassociated bacteria in the gut. 93…”