Habitual dietary fibre intake influences gut microbiota response to an inulin-type fructan prebiotic: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, human intervention studyOriginal paper
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease, four years before the first published case study.
Read MoreWhat was studied?
This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial tested whether habitual dietary fibre intake (low, LDF, versus high, HDF) changes how the gut microbiota responds to an inulin-type fructan prebiotic.
How was it studied?
Thirty-four healthy adults were classified as LDF or HDF consumers, then each received 3 weeks of prebiotic (Orafti Synergy 1, 16 g/d) and 3 weeks of placebo (Glucidex 29 Premium, 16 g/d), separated by a 3-week washout. Gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing alongside faecal SCFA concentrations.
What did they find?
In LDF consumers the prebiotic increased only Bifidobacterium (P=0.001). In HDF consumers it increased Bifidobacterium (P<0.001) and Faecalibacterium (P=0.010), and decreased Coprococcus (P=0.010), Dorea (P=0.043) and Lachnospiraceae-family Ruminococcus (P=0.032).
Why it matters
HDF consumers showed a larger and more varied microbiota response, suggesting they may benefit more from inulin-type fructan prebiotics than LDF consumers. The authors conclude habitual fibre intake should be considered when designing prebiotic interventions.