GERMINATED BARLEY FOODSTUFF INCREASES FECAL VOLUME AND BUTYRATE PRODUCTION IN HUMANS

Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF), derived from the aleurone layer, sc utellum and germ of germinated barley, contains a large quantity of fe rmentable dietary fibers, especially hemicellulose. Ten grams of GBF w ere given to 10 healthy volunteers 3 times a day (30 g/day/person) for 28 consecutive days. Fecal weight, water contents and short chain fat ty acid content were measured before GBF administration and from days 25 to 28 after initiation of CBF administration. GBF intake significan tly increased fecal butyrate content as well as fecal weight and water content. No significant change in body weight resulted from consumpti on of GBF for 28 days. No major laboratory abnormalities were found in hematologic and urinary analysis. These findings indicate that GBF pr omotes defecation, produces bacterial short chain fatty acids, especia lly butyrate, without adverse effects, and is a safe foodstuff for hum ans.