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

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Fermented milk prepared withLactobacillus acidophilusSBT2062, Streptococcus salivariussubsp.thermophilus SBT1035 andBifidobacterium longumSBT2928 was administered at 250g/day for 20 days to ten demented senile patients with diarrhea (1 man, 9 women, average age 82.4 years) who are habitually using a purgative. By the fermented-milk feeding, stool frequency was decreased and improvement of diarrhea was observed. In addition, the number of bifidobacteria in their feces was significantly increased and fecal pH was decreased. However, fecal ammonia content was increased by the administration. Key words: fermented milk, demented senile patient, diarrhea, fecal microflora, bifidobacteria

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Fermented milk prepared withLactobacillus acidophilusSBT2062, Streptococcus salivariussubsp.thermophilusSBT1035 andafidobacterium longumSBT2928 was administered at 250g/day for 20 days to nine constipated female volunteers, ranging from 20 to 54 years (average 30.9 years). By the administration of fermented milk, stool frequencies were significantly increased and improvement of constipation was observed. In addition, a significant increase in the number of fecal bifidobacteria was noted for the fermented- milk feeding. The populations of fecal bifidobacteria to total bacteria for the feeding were also increased, whereas that of fecal bacteroides to total bacteria was significantly decreased. The rate of occurrence ofClostridium perfringensfor the feeding was decreased. Fecal lactate content was significantly increased. However, fecal acetate content and pH were not changed by the administration.

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Effects ofLactobacillusGG yoghurt administration on the composition of fecal bacteria and properties was tested in eight healthy Japanese volunteers. The volumes of intake of the yoghurt were 90g/day for 10 days and then 300g/day for 10 days continuously. During the intake of the yoghurt, the numbers of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the feces of all volunteers were significantly increased, whereas the number of lecithinase-negative clostridia was significantly decreased. The fecal ammonia concentration during the yoghurt feeding was lower than those before and after the intake.

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This study was carried out to evaluate the utilization of gluconic acid by various intestinal bacteriain vitroand the effect of ingestion on human fecal flora. In the in vitro experiment, gluconate was utilized selectively by theB. adolescentisgroup in the genusBifidobacteriumand some species includingClostridium clostridioforme, C. innocuum, Propionibacterium acnes, Megasphaera elsdenii, Enterococcus faeciumandKlebsiella pneumoniae, but not utilized by most of other bacteria includingBacteroidaceae. Tests were performed in ten healthy adult male volunteers. They ingested 9g/day or 3g/day of glucono-σA-lactone (anhydride of gluconic acid). With the 9g/day ingestion, the number ofBifidobacteriumsignificantly increased (p<0.001) andC. perfringensdecreased, butEnterobacteriaceaedid not increase. With the 3g/day ingestion also, the number ofBifidobacteriumincreased (p<0.05).

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