Effect of Melibiose on the Fecal Flora, with Special Reference to Bifidobacterium spp. and Fecal Properties in Healthy Volunteer

Abstract

The effect of melibiose intake (2, 4, 8 g/day) on the fecal flora and properties was studied in healthy human volunteers. The number of Bifidobacterium spp. was significantly increased during the intake of 4 and 8 g melibiose (p<0.01). Before the intake the B. adolescentis group and B. longum were detected predominately, and B. breve was isolated from the feces of one person. The number of the B. adolescentis group was significantly increased during 8 g intake (p<0.01), and that of B. longum and B. breve showed a tendency to increase. High number of B. bifidum was noted in the feces of one person during 8 g intake. Melibiose intake maintained the fecal water content within normal range, and decreased fecal putrefactive products such as p-cresol and indole.