EFFECTS OF LACTITOL-OLIGOSACCHARIDES ON THE INTESTINAL MICROFLORA IN RATS

Lactitol-oligosaccharide (LO) was prepared from lactitol by a transgal actosylation reaction catalyzed by Aspergillus oryzae beta-galactosida se. The utilization of LO by human intestinal bacteria, the digestion of LO by rat jejunum mucosal homogenates and the effects of LO on the intestinal microflora in rats were compared with those of lactitol. 1) LO was utilized in vitro by Bifidobacterium, but lactitol was not uti lized. 2) Neither LO nor lactitol were digested by rat jejunum mucosal homogenates. 3) A significant increase in the fecal counts of Bifidob acterium was observed in the LO diets. 4) The concentration of organic acids in feces and cecal contents significantly increased in the LO d iets. 5) The concentration of fecal putrefactive products significantl y decreased in the LO and lactitol diets. These findings suggest that LO is effective for improving intestinal conditions.