Abstract
PolydextroseR (PD) is a water-soluble polysaccharide resistant to hydrolysis by digestive enzymes in the human gastrointestinal system. The effects of consumption of PD at 5-10g/day on the frequency and feeling of defecation were investigated in 22 healthy adolescent female volunteers in order to study the physiological response to PD in comparison with dietary fiber. The study was conducted by the Latin square method with a cross-over design. Drinks containing PD at concentrations of 0, 5, 7 and 10g/dl were prepared so that the subjects were able to take PD easily. The subjects took a bottled drink contained PD at a prescribed concentration daily for 5 successive days every week followed by a 2-day wash-out period. Daily intake of dietary fiber except that originating from the PD drink at each period of the study ranged from 8.0 to 8.8g, indicating no significant differences among the 4 periods of the study. The total intake of daily dietary fiber increased in proportion to the increment of PD intake. As the intake of PD increased, stools became softer with significant differences (p<0.05) observed between the periods when 7 and 10g of PD were taken and the period without PD. Stool hardness showed a significantly negative correlation (r=-0.387) with PD intake. However, the frequency and feeling of defecation were unaffected by PD intake. These results suggest that PD has an effect similar to that of dietary fiber.
