Prebiotic effect of fruit and vegetable shots containing Jerusalem artichoke inulin: a human intervention study

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the prebiotic effect of fruit and vegetable shots containing inulin derived from Jerusalem artichoke (JA). A three-arm parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was carried out with sixty-six healthy human volunteers (thirty-three men and thirty-three women, age range: 18-50 years). Subjects were randomised into three groups (n 22) assigned to consume either the test shots, pear-carrot-sea buckthorn (PCS) or plum-pear-beetroot (PPB), containing JA inulin (5 g/d) or the placebo. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation was used to monitor populations of total bacteria, bacteroides, bifidobacteria, Clostridium perfringens/histolyticum subgroup, Eubacterium rectale/ Clostridium coccoides group, Lactobacillus/Enterococcus spp., Atopobium spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and propionibacteria. Bifidobacteria levels were significantly higher on consumption of both the PCS and PPB shots (10·0 (SD 0·24) and 9·8 (SD 0·22) log 10 cells/g faeces, respectively) compared with placebo (9·3 (SD 0·42) log 10 cells/g faeces) (P, 0·0001). A small though significant increase in Lactobacillus/Enterococcus group was also observed for both the PCS and PPB shots (8·3 (SD 0·49) and 8·3 (SD 0·36) log 10 cells/g faeces, respectively) compared with placebo (8·1 (SD 0·37) log 10 cells/g faeces) (P¼ 0·042). Other bacterial groups and faecal SCFA concentrations remained unaffected. No extremities were seen in the adverse events, medication or bowel habits. A slight significant increase in flatulence was reported in the subjects consuming the PCS and PPB shots compared with placebo, but overall flatulence levels remained mild. A very high level of compliance (. 90 %) to the product was observed. The present study confirms the prebiotic efficacy of fruit and vegetable shots containing JA inulin.

Feeding Jerusalem artichoke reduced skatole level and changed intestinal microbiota in the gut of entire male pigs

“…They are resistant to hydrolysis by enzymes in the small intestine, but are easily fermented by certain bacteria in the hindgut (primarily bifidobacteria; Flamm et al, 2001;Kleessen et al, 2007;Kolida and Gibson, 2007). Ingestion of inulin-type fructans has been given attention in recent years due to its beneficial health effects in humans (Kleessen et al, 2007;Kolida and Gibson, 2007;Ramnani et al, 2010) and animals (Apanavicius et al, 2007;Hansen et al, 2010;Jensen et al, 2011). Inulintype fructans are found in several fruits and vegetables, but industrially, production is mainly based on chicory (Compositae family; Roberfroid, 2005).…”

“…Inulintype fructans are found in several fruits and vegetables, but industrially, production is mainly based on chicory (Compositae family; Roberfroid, 2005). Experiments investigating Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) as a source of inulin-type fructans are recently published (Kleessen et al, 2007;Ramnani et al, 2010). There is an increased interest among farmers to cultivate Jerusalem artichoke.…”

An Analysis of the Composition, Health Benefits, and Future Market Potential of the Jerusalem Artichoke in Canada

“…During this process, the inulin simultaneously stimulates the growth and development of these bacteria and thereby improves the microbial balance and overall health of the intestine (Shoaib et al, 2016). In fact, the development of these strains of bacteria is believed to have an impact on infection resistance as it can limit the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the digestive system (Boeckner, Schnepf, & Tungland, 2001;Ramnani et al, 2010;Vukov et al, 1993). In some instances, these harmful bacteria may even give rise to carcinogens (Boeckner et al, 2001).…”

“…Additionally, Tiurikova and Peresichnyi (2015) determined that Jerusalem artichoke juice could be combined with other natural juices and walnut extract to provide a nutrient-rich drink that contributes to overall health. Research suggests that Jerusalem artichoke juice, even when blended with other juices, provides prebiotic effects that benefit the gastrointestinal tract (Ramnani et al, 2010). In a recent and novel study, researchers used Jerusalem artichoke juice to create a synbiotic drink.…”

Macronutrients and type 1 diabetes (revision number 6)

“…Fifteen randomised controlled trials in adults were identified that presented evidence on non-digestible oligosaccharide or inulin supplementation in relation to faecal pH or SCFA content (Bouhnik et al, 1996;Bouhnik et al, 1999;Alles et al, 1999;Causey et al, 2000;Den Hond et al, 2000;Tuohy et al, 2001;Tahiri et al, 2001;Bouhnik et al, 2004;Bouhnik et al, 2006;Scholtens et al, 2006b;Bouhnik et al, 2007;Kleessen et al, 2007;Ramnani et al, 2010;Walton et al, 2010). No further trials were identified in the update search (Colo-rectal health review p100).…”