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Effect of Prebiotic Intake on Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Healthy
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Control
Dietary Supplement: Prebiotic
Registration Number
NCT03042494
Lead Sponsor
University of Calgary
Brief Summary

In recent years, the importance of the gut microbiota to human health has been demonstrated. In adulthood, the microbial profile is relatively stable, yet can be transiently altered by factors such as diet or antibiotic treatment. Such changes may be beneficial, as gut microbiota has been shown to differ in normal versus disease states including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Given this relationship, there is intense interest in designing interventions that positively influence the gut microbial profile. Prebiotics are non-digestible, fermentable oligo- and polysaccharides that alter the colonic environment in favour of health-promoting bacterial species, such as bifidobacteria which selectively ferment prebiotics. Given the ability of prebiotics to beneficially alter the microbial profile, there is a need to identify the dosing requirements to positively modulate the gut microbiota. This study will test the effect of two doses of prebiotic on gut microbiota taxonomy and diversity.

Detailed Description

The primary objective is to determine the effect of 4 week intake of a moderate dose (7 g/d) or low dose (2.5-3 g/d) of prebiotic on gut microbiota profiles in healthy adults compared to a non-prebiotic containing control.

The primary outcome is change in microbial composition (measured via 16S rRNA sequencing).

The secondary outcomes are change in gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance (measured via questionnaire); change in fecal short chain fatty acids; and change in quality of life.

This study will consist of two separate trials of 12 week duration. Each trial will be performed in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover manner with a 4 week intervention period followed by a 4 week wash-out period and final 4 week cross over.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
50
Inclusion Criteria
  • Healthy male and female subjects who are regular snack consumers
  • Not obese (BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 and ≤ 29.9 kg/m2)
  • 18 and 65 years of age
  • Stable bodyweight for at least 3-months prior to the study.
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Exclusion Criteria
  • Chronic disease including but not limited to type 1 or 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver or pancreas disease.
  • Major gastrointestinal surgery
  • Pregnant or lactating
  • Antibiotic use in the preceding 3 months
  • Currently consume probiotic or prebiotics supplements
  • Currently consume more than 15 g/d of fiber in women and 18 g/d in men
  • Are following a diet or exercise regime designed for weight loss
  • Have a BMI greater than 29.9 kg/m2.
  • Subjects who are required to start an antibiotic regime during the study will be withdrawn.
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ControlControlIsocaloric food without the test prebiotic.
PrebioticPrebioticPrebiotic consumed as one daily serving of 7 g in Group 1 and consumed as one daily serving of 2.5-3 g in Group 2.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in baseline fecal bifidobacteria at 4 weeks4 weeks in cross-over design

Assessed with 16S rRNA sequencing.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in baseline fecal short chain fatty acid concentrations at 4 weeks4 weeks in cross-over design

Analyzed with gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry

Change in baseline gastrointestinal tolerance at 4 weeks4 weeks in cross-over design

Analyzed with questionnaire

Change in baseline quality of life rating at 4 weeks4 weeks in cross-over design

Measured with SF-36 questionnaire

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Calgary

🇨🇦

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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