Effect of galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation on human faecal microflora and on survival and persistence of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 in the gastrointestinal tract
M. Alander et al., Effect of galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation on human faecal microflora and on survival and persistence of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 in the gastrointestinal tract, INT DAIRY J, 11(10), 2001, pp. 817-825
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are considered. to have bifidogenic properti
es in humans. To study the effect of GOS-containing syrup (60% GOS) alone o
r together with the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 on select
ed components of the faecal flora, and the effect of GOS supplementation on
colonisation of B. lactis Bb-12, a feeding trial on 30 healthy volunteers
was performed. Mean numbers of bifidobacteria increased slightly in all stu
dy groups during the feeding period. Isolates having the identical RAPD gen
otype with B. lactis Bb-12 were detected in high numbers in the Bb-12 group
and in the GOS-containing syrup + Bb-12 group indicating a good survival o
f B. lactis Bb-12 through the gastrointestinal tract. No differences in the
prevalence or numbers of isolates with B. lactis Bb-12 genotype could be o
bserved between groups suggesting that GOS-containing syrup did not enhance
the survival or persistence of B. lactis Bb-12 in the gut. (C) 2001 Elsevi
er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.