Kankona Dey
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India
Title: GOS consumption optimizes gut health and Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) profile of sedentary constipated adults: A double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial
Biography
Biography: Kankona Dey
Abstract
Galactooligosaccharide are prebiotics that changes the composition of gastrointestinal microbiota conferring bifidogenic effect on the gut. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Galacto-Oligo-Saccharide (GOS) gummies’ supplementation on gut health and constipation profile of sedentary adults. University teaching faculty who were constipated (n=35) were screened using validated pre-tested questionnaires. Eight parameters were studied including Rome IV criteria, WHO definition and Bristol Stool Chart. They were subjected to a double blind placebo controlled clinical trial (Figure 1). The participants were split into two groups; the experimental group (n=17) received 100% GOS gummies, while the placebo group (n=18) received sugar gummies for 30 days. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and Day 30. The relative abundance of genera including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Bacteroides and phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were examined using Real-Time PCR. Normalization of gene expression was done using 16s rRNA. SCFA profile was studied using gas chromatography technique with respect to Acetic acid, Butyric acid and Propionic acid as SCFA is linked with increased colonization of beneficial bacteria. The experimental group experienced a significant increase in stool frequency by 40% (p<0.01) and significant reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms. In contrast to the placebo group, the results showed a significant increase in the genera Bifidobacterium (p<0.001), Lactobacillus (p<0.001) in the GOS supplemented subjects. However, genus Clostridium (p<0.01), phyla Firmicutes (p<0.001) and Bacteroidetes (p<0.001) were found to be reduced significantly, particularly in the GOS supplemented group. In comparison to the placebo group (1.29), it was observed that the GOS supplemented group had a higher F/B ratio (2.57) which correlates to an improved gut health. Significant increase in Acetic acid (p<0.001) and butyric acid (0.01) was observed among the experimental group making it evident that short-term GOS consumption can relieve constipation status and result in improved gut health profile of constipated subjects.