Effects of Pullulan, Polydextrose and Pectin on Cecal Microflora

Abstract

The cecal contents were taken under anaerobic conditions from the rats fed on a diet containing 10% pullulan, 10% polydextrose or 10% pectin, and cultured to count the total number of microflora. Also, the short chain fatty acid concentration, soluble sugar content, pH and weight of cecal contents were determined . 1) The proportions of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in cecal microflora increased in rats fed on the pullulan diet. The proportions of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium decreased in the rats fed 10% polydextrose and 10% pectin diets . Bifidobacterium increased only in rats fed on the 10% pullulan diet. 2) The concentration of total short chain fatty acids increased in the cecal contents of rats fed on the pullulan diet. From these results, we concluded that pulluan is more fermentable than polydextrose and pectin in the rat cecum.