Patent ID: 6528498
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: A61K,A61P

Abstract:
A method of increasing the number or activity of a population of one or more microorganisms resident in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, the method comprising: determining an amount of a modified or unmodified resistant starch effective to increase the number or activity of one or more microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal; and administering orally to the animal the modified or unmodified resistant starch or mixtures thereof, the resistant starch being obtained from a starch having an amylose content of 50% w/w or more, or 27% w/w of a wheat or rice starch, in an amount effective such that the population of the one or more microorganisms utilizes the starch in a manner such that the number or activity of the population of one or more microorganisms increases in the gastrointestinal tract.