Abstract
Effects of ingestion of raffinose-rich soup (Raf) on the fecal flora and fecal metabolic products were determined in seven healthy humans (age, 33.6±6.5; M/F, 7/0) and compared with that of placebo soup (Pla). Raf contained 5 g of raffinose per daily intake. After ingestion of Pla for two weeks, subjects were given Raf for two weeks. The number of fecal bifidobacteria and the percentage of that to total bacteria significantly increased during ingestion of Raf, and the concentrations of fecal ammonia and indole also significantly decreased. While effects of Raf on the daily defecation were determined in 32 healthy humans (age, 35.2±9.7; M/F, 2/30). The subjects ingested Raf or Pla for two weeks in a cross-over manner. The number of days with defecation and total times of defecation significantly increased during Raf in the group (n=26) with slight constipation. These results indicate that the ingestion of Raf is effective to improve the intestinal flora and the daily defecation.
