Effects of Fermented Milk Whey Containing Novel Bifidogenic Growth Stimulator Produced by Propionibacterium on Fecal Bacteria, Putrefactive Metabolite, Defecation Frequency and Fecal Properties in Senile Volunteers Needed Serious Nursing-Care Taking Enteral Nutrition by Tube Feeding

Abstract

The effects of fermented milk whey containing novel bifidogenic growth stimulator (BGS) produced by Propionibacterium on fecal microflora, putrefactive metabolite, defecation frequency and fecal properties were studied in 18 senile volunteers (64-102 yr age) needed serious nursing-care taking enteral nutrition by tube feeding. The test powder food containing 0.4 g/day of freeze-dried BGS were given for 4 weeks. During BGS intake, defecation frequency and fecal quantity were increased significantly, the ratio of color of dark brown and strong odor of feces were decreased significantly. Detection rate of bifidobacteria was increased significantly and the number of Clostridium perfringens was decreased by 2log. In addition, fecal sulfide concentration and pH were decreased significantly after the intake. These results showed that BGS intake was effective to improve the intestinal environment, defecation frequency and fecal properties in senile men required serious nursing-care taking enteral nutrition by tube feeding.