The Effects of Raffinose Administration on the Fecal Flora, Organic Acids and Putrefactive Products in Humans

Abstract

The effects of raffinose administration (3, 4, or 5g/day) on the fecal flora, water content, organic acids, and putrefactive products were studied in 10 healthy volunteers. The counts of bifidobacteria were significantly increased at any administration level. The fecal concentration of organic acids and putrefactive products were remarkably not changed. However, the decrease of branched-chain fatty acids and putrefactive products were observed in the volunteers whose fecal water content was low (72-76%). Key words: raffinose, bifidobacteria, organic acid, putrefactive products