Prebiotics as intestinal soothers

Agricultural Research, August, 2004 by Gregory L. Cote

Each year, about 10 million Americans require hospital care for a variety of gastrointestinal problems. In Europe and Asia, consumers are buying prebiotic products formulated to boost populations of Bifidobacterium bacteria and other microbial colonists of the human gut. Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates--oligosaccharides, such as inulin and short-chain sugars. They pass, undigested, from the lower intestine to the colon, where beneficial bacteria consume them, releasing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They may also curb the growth of food pathogens such as Salmonella by changing the colonic environment.

An enzyme-based process for making alternan--a promising potential bulking agent for low-calorie, high-fiber foods--has also yielded oligosaccharides that stimulate growth of Bifidobacterium. A patent is being sought to cover the synthesis and potential use of some of the prebiotics as food and feed additives. Gregory L. Cote, USDA-ARS Fermentation Biotechnology Research Unit, Peoria, Illinois; phone (309) 681-6319, e-mail cotegl@ncaur.usda.gov.