Galacto-oligosaccharides and Intestinal Activity

Dietary intake of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) may have beneficial effects on host health by affecting the microbiota composition and -activity. So far studies focused on analyses in fecal samples, while the primary site of carbohydrate fermentation is the proximal colon. To date, no studies have been performed in humans on the more proximal microbiota and the impact of fermentable carbohydrates. Further insights on the more proximal colonic microbiota would aid to targeted approaches to improve intestinal health. Therefore, we aim to study the effect of GOS on the intestinal microbiota composition and -activity in healthy adults, by sampling the more proximal human colon in a physiological condition. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of four weeks GOS supplementation on intestinal microbiota composition and -activity, by sampling the proximal part of the human colon in a physiological condition. Furthermore, this study has four secondary objectives: First, to compare the intestinal microbiota composition and -activity of the proximal colon vs. distal colon at baseline and after four weeks GOS supplementation. Second, compare the luminal microbiota composition vs. mucosa adherent microbiota composition of the proximal vs. distal colon at baseline and after four weeks GOS supplementation. Third, monitor the effects of four weeks GOS supplementation on gastrointestinal symptoms. The study conforms to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design. Study population includes healthy human volunteers (male and female), 18-50 years of age. One intervention arm will include 7.2 grams of Vivinal® GOS Powder three times daily for four weeks. The other intervention arm subjects will receive placebo product (7.2 grams maltodextrin) three times daily for four weeks. At the start and end of the intervention period, several measurements will take place. The main study parameter is the change in microbial composition and -activity induced by GOS intervention.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Based on medical history no gastrointestinal complaints can be defined.
2. Regular stool frequency ranging from 3 times/day - 3 times/week.
3. Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 20 and \< 30 kg/m2.
4. Weight-stable for at least 90 days prior to participation (no change in bodyweight, i.e. \< 3kg).
5. Willing to be informed in case of unexpected findings.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of any disease or surgery interfering with the study aims, limiting participating or completing the study protocol.
2. Self-admitted human immunodeficiency virus-positive state.
3. Disease with a life expectancy shorter than 5 years.
4. Abdominal surgery interfering with gastrointestinal function, upon judgment of the medical doctor, who will decide on in- or exclusion based on the surgery applied.
5. Use of antibiotics within 90 days prior to the study.
6. Use of anticoagulation medication (except Ascal).
7. Use of proton pump inhibitors.
8. Use of other medication will be reviewed by a medical doctor, who will decide on in- or exclusion based on the drug(s) used.
9. Last colonoscopy within 90 days prior to the study.
10. Inadequate or painful (self-reported) colonoscopy undergone in the past.
11. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification \> 2.
12. Smoking.
13. Pregnancy or lactation.
14. Plan to lose weight or follow a specific diet within the study period.
15. Alcohol intake \>14 units/week.
16. Use of laxatives within 14 days prior to the study.
17. Drug use.
18. Administration of probiotic or prebiotic supplements, investigational drugs or participation in any scientific intervention study, which may interfere with this study (to be decided by the principle investigator), in the 14 days prior to the study.
19. History of side effects towards intake of prebiotic supplements.
20. Self-admitted lactose intolerance.