Abstract/Summary

Combining the fibres wheat dextrin (WD), partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG) and inulin with probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (NCFM) or Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (HN019) may enhance bacterial metabolites leading to a healthier gut community. The aim of this study was to determine whether WD, PHGG and inulin or NCFM and HN019 alone generate a more favourable gut bacterial community than when combined. A secondary aim was to assess organic acid production following prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotic fermentation. An in vitro gut model batch culture fermentation was run for 72 h. Samples were collected for bacterial enumeration (fluorescent in situ hybridisation combined with flow cytometry) and organic acid production (gas chromatography). Inulin and HN019 combination significantly increased bifidobacteria compared to inulin alone. Additionally, a significant increase in lactic acid bacteria, Bacteroides and Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale was found in the inulin containing probiotic vessels. The WD and PHGG vessels combined with the probiotic did not show any alteration in bacterial metabolism compared to the dietary fibres alone. In conclusion, synbiotic inulin combined with either HN019 or NCFM may help to enhance bacterial metabolites and cross-feeding to lead to a prolonged elevation in Bifidobacterium spp., and lactic acid bacteria.