Abstract
O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-Β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-D-glucopyranose (hereinafter designated as 4'GL) is produced from lactose with Cryptococcus laurentii. The ratio of cecal microflora to the total bacteria during 4'GL intake was studied in rats. Male rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain at seven weeks of age (weighing about 250g) were given experimental diets supplemented with 10% 4'GL for 20 days. The percentage of Lactobacillus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were decreased during the 4'GL intake, whereas the percentage of Bifidobacterium spp. was increased by Day 10 of the feeding. The pH values of cecal contents during feeding were lower than those of the control group.
