Polydextrose-driven gut microbiota modulation from synbiotic yogurt intake simulated in the in vitro dynamic multivessel colonic xGIbiomics system.

2025-09-04
Frontiers in nutrition 12
- Rita de Cassia Pessotti
- Mateus Salgaço
- Laira Lorraine Agostinho
- Miller Nunes de Freitas
- Cristina Stewart Bittencourt Bogsan
- Cristiano Ruch Werneck Guimaraes
- Katia Sivieri

PubMed: 40977968
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1654738

Study Design

Methods: Using the in vitro dynamic multivessel colonic xGIBiomics® system, we simulated human gut conditions and assessed changes in microbial composition and metabolite production.

Introduction

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health and dietary strategies, such as synbiotic interventions, have emerged as promising tools to modulate its composition and metabolic activity. Inulin is a well established prebiotic, but alternative fibers like polydextrose have gained interest due to their distinct fermentation profiles and functional benefits. This study aimed at evaluating whether polydextrose could exert prebiotic effects comparable to inulin when incorporated into a synbiotic yogurt containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12^®.

Methods

Using the in vitro dynamic multivessel colonic xGIbiomics^® system, we simulated human gut conditions and assessed changes in microbial composition and metabolite production.

Results

Both synbiotic yogurts increased levels of beneficial organic acids, such as propionate and lactate, and decreased ammonium ion concentrations, indicating a shift toward saccharolytic fermentation. The synbiotic formulation incorporating polydextrose also led to increased butyrate production when compared to the yogurt containing only the BB-12^® probiotic, and a greater relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. when compared to the synbiotic formulation incorporating inulin. Additionally, both synbiotic treatments reduced Klebsiella spp., a potentially pathogenic genus.

Discussion

These findings highlight polydextrose as a viable and effective alternative to inulin in synbiotic formulations, reinforcing its potential as a functional dietary fiber for gut health modulation.

Research Insights

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12→Improved Gut Microbiota Composition
both synbiotic treatments reduced Klebsiella spp., a potentially pathogenic genus
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12→Increased Butyrate Production
The synbiotic formulation incorporating polydextrose also led to increased butyrate production when compared to the yogurt containing only the BB-12® probiotic
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12→Increased Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production
Both synbiotic yogurts increased levels of beneficial organic acids, such as propionate and lactate, and decreased ammonium ion concentrations
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 15954→Improved Gut Microbiota Composition
both synbiotic treatments reduced Klebsiella spp., a potentially pathogenic genus
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 15954→Increased Butyrate Production
The synbiotic formulation incorporating polydextrose also led to increased butyrate production when compared to the yogurt containing only the BB-12® probiotic
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 15954→Reduced Potential Pathogens
Additionally, both synbiotic treatments reduced Klebsiella spp., a potentially pathogenic genus.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small