Isomaltulose Exhibits Prebiotic Activity, and Modulates Gut Microbiota, the Production of Short Chain Fatty Acids, and Secondary Bile Acids in Rats

Abstract

In vitro experiments have indicated prebiotic activity of isomaltulose, which stimulates the growth of probiotics and the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the absence of in vivo trials undermines these results. This study aims to investigate the effect of isomaltulose on composition and functionality of gut microbiota in rats. Twelve Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: the IsoMTL group was given free access to water containing 10% isomaltulose (w/w), and the control group was treated with normal water for five weeks. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that ingestion of isomaltulose increased the abundances of beneficial microbiota, such as Faecalibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium, and decreased levels of pathogens, including Shuttleworthia. Bacterial functional prediction showed that isomaltulose affected gut microbial functionalities, including secondary bile acid biosynthesis. Targeted metabolomics demonstrated that isomaltulose supplementation enhanced cholic acid concentration, and reduced levels of lithocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, dehydrocholic acid, and hyodeoxycholic acid. Moreover, the concentrations of propionate and butyrate were elevated in the rats administered with isomaltulose. This work suggests that isomaltulose modulates gut microbiota and the production of SCFAs and secondary bile acids in rats, which provides a scientific basis on the use of isomaltulose as a prebiotic.

Dietary Complex and Slow Digestive Carbohydrates Promote Bone Mass and Improve Bone Microarchitecture during Catch-Up Growth in Rats

“…In line with our results, it has been reported that the administration of FOS and FOS-enriched inulin to rats has a direct effect on bone, increasing both micro (cortical and trabecular parameters) and macrostructure (BMD and BMC) in processes of growth, development, and osteoporosis [ 54 ]. Similarly, a recent study reported that the administration of isomaltulose elevates the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, and notably increases the production of SCFA, particularly propionic acid and, to a lesser extent, butyric acid [ 55 ]. Propionate and butyrate have been shown to modulate bone homeostasis by increasing bone mass and decreasing bone resorption [ 56 , 57 , 58 ].…”

In vitro and in vivo Studies of Soybean Peptides on Milk Production, Rumen Fermentation, Ruminal Bacterial Community, and Blood Parameters in Lactating Dairy Cows

“…Hao et al ( 61 ) found that Shuttleworthia was highly positively correlated with MCP and short-chain VFA production in postweaning calves. However, Shuttleworthia is a pathogen in the gut of rats, and its level decreases when rats are fed prebiotic isomaltulose ( 62 ). Ruminal microbiota are complex and interactive, and the role of Shuttleworthia in ruminants and monogastric animals needs to be explored in the future.…”

Gut Microbiota for Esophageal Cancer: Role in Carcinogenesis and Clinical Implications

“…The composition of gut microbiota can be changed by antibiotics ( 112 ), prebiotics ( 113 ), probiotics ( 114 ), or microflora transplantation ( 115 ). The treatment of EC by regulating the microflora may become a novel treatment method.…”