Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#biomarkers #colon #constipation #cross-over-studies #double-blind-method

Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota

Vandeputte et al., 2017 | Gut | Rct

Citation

Vandeputte Doris, Falony Gwen, ... Raes Jeroen. Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota. Gut. 2017-Nov;66(11):1968-1974. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313271

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Contrary to the long-standing prerequisite of inducing selective (ie, bifidogenic) effects, recent findings suggest that prebiotic interventions lead to ecosystem-wide microbiota shifts. Yet, a comprehensive characterisation of this process is still lacking. Here, we apply 16S rDNA microbiota profiling and matching (gas chromatography mass spectrometry) metabolomics to assess the consequences of inulin fermentation both on the composition of the colon bacterial ecosystem and faecal metabolites profiles. DESIGN: Faecal samples collected during a double-blind, randomised, cross-over intervention study set up to assess the effect of inulin consumption on stool frequency in healthy adults with mild constipation were analysed. Faecal microbiota composition and metabolite profiles were linked to the study's clinical outcome as well as to quality-of-life measurements recorded. RESULTS: While faecal metabolite profiles were not significantly altered by inulin consumption, our analyses did detect a modest effect on global microbiota composition and specific inulin-induced changes in relative abundances of Anaerostipes, Bilophila and Bifidobacterium were identified. The observed decrease in Bilophila abundances following inulin consumption was associated with both softer stools and a favourable change in constipation-specific quality-of-life measures. CONCLUSIONS: Ecosystem-wide analysis of the effect of a dietary intervention with prebiotic inulin-type fructans on the colon microbiota revealed that this effect is specifically associated with three genera, one of which (Bilophila) representing a promising novel target for mechanistic research. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02548247.

Key Findings

While faecal metabolite profiles were not significantly altered by inulin consumption, our analyses did detect a modest effect on global microbiota composition and specific inulin-induced changes in relative abundances of Anaerostipes, Bilophila and Bifidobacterium were identified. The observed decrease in Bilophila abundances following inulin consumption was associated with both softer stools and a favourable change in constipation-specific quality-of-life measures.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy adults
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Colon
  • Constipation
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Feces
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Humans
  • Inulin
  • Male
  • Metabolome
  • Prebiotics
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: prebiotic-digestive

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09