Abstract
In order to investigate the physiological action of Polydextrose as a dietary fiber, we fed rats 3% Polydextrose diet containing either pectin or cellulose for 15 days. The effects of Polydextrose on fecal weight and gastrointestinal transit time were observed, and digestibility and the inhibitory effect of the fiber on intestinal digestive enzymes were examined. Polydextrose was partially hydrolyzed by rat intestinal mucosal homogenate, and liberated glucose increased depending on incubation time. However, Polydextrose had no inhibitory effect on the activity of disaccharidases. The combination of Polydextrose and either pectin or cellulose significantly increased fecal weight and evidently shortened transit time. The effect of Polydextrose supplementation on tissue weight was found in the cecum only, and not in other tissues. The concentration of serum constituents such as total and free cholesterol, triacylglycerol, phospholipid, and glucose was not affected by Polydextrose ingestion. These results suggest that Polydextrose partially demonstrates the dietary fiber actions such as increase in fecal volume and weight, shortening of transit time, and softening of feces.
