Abstract
To assess the effect of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the intestinal bacterial flora, lipid metabolism and constipation in hemodialysis patients, we conducted clinical studies on 18 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Eighteen patients were divided into two groups: nine of the patients were administered 6 g of FOS daily for three months (FOS group), and the other 9 patients were given no FOS (control group). Analyses were made on peripheral blood counts, blood chemistries, intestinal bacterial flora and bowel habits. In the FOS group, 8 of the patients showed an increase in the amount of Bifidobacterium, lactobacilli and streptococci in their feces. In this group, a significant decrease in the amount of putrefactive products such as indole, skatole, and p-cresol was observed (p<0.05). The mean serum triglyceride concentration decreased from 281.0±207.4 mg/dl (mean±SD) to 232.5±133.4 mg/dl after three months of FOS administration. The degree of this reduction showed a strong inverse correlation to the initial value (r=-0.8376). The mean serum cholesterol concentration decreased from 192.1±27.3 mg/dl to 185.4±30.2 mg/dl at the end of the third month of the study without any reduction in serum HDL-C. In 7 patients out of 9 (77.8%), defecation became regular and smooth. As a result, laxatives could be withdrawn for 2 of the patients. No adverse effects were observed. In the control group, these parameters remained unchanged throughout this study. These results indicate the outstanding clinical advantages of the administration of fructooligosaccharide in hemodialysis patients.
