Polydextrose-driven gut microbiota modulation from synbiotic yogurt intake simulated in the <i>in vitro</i> dynamic multivessel colonic xGI<i>biomics</i> 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
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
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 | Improved Gut Microbiota Composition | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 | Increased Bifidobacterium Abundance | Beneficial | Small |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 | Increased Butyrate Production | Beneficial | Small |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 | Increased Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production | Beneficial | Moderate |