Fermented milk prepared with Lactobacillus acidophilus SBT2062, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus SBT1035 and Bifidobacterium longum SBT2928 was administrated at 250 g/day for 20 days to 10 healthy adults (eight men, two women, average age 36.1 years) and 11 healthy elderly persons (two men, nine women, average age 78.5 years). Although numbers of predominant bacteria of the fecal microflora (Bifidobacterium, bacteroidaceae, Eubacterium, etc.) were not changed by the administration of fermented milk, the number of Clostridium perfringens and the content of fecal-putrefactive metabolites such as p-cresol, indole and ammonia were decreased in both subject groups. However, stool frequency and fecal pH were not changed by the administration.

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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 As a result, laxatives could be withdrawn for 2 of the patients.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.

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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.

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The effects of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) intake on human intestinal flora and bacterial metabolism in the intestine were studied in 8 healthy volunteers (4 women and 4 men, ranging in age from 22 to 54 yr), who ingested 80-100 g/day for 2 weeks. In 5 out of 8 samples, fecal water content increased during jute intake, whereas fecal concentrations of short chain fatty acids and fecal pH values did not change. There were no remarkable changes on the composition of intestinal flora by jute intake. Fecal concentration of indole decreased significantly (p<0.05) during jute intake, especially in women. The results indicate that jute intake changes the floral composition and bacterial metabolism.

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