Bacterial, short-chain fatty acid and gas profiles of partially hydrolyzed guar gum in vitro fermentation by human fecal microbiota

Carbohydrates with different structures have metabolic differences in the human body, as well as individual differences. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of bacterial, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gas profiles of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) on the fecal microbiota of 41 Chinese individuals by simulated fermentation in vitro. Results showed that PHGG stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium, inhibited the growth of Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella, and Dorea, and induced the production of fermentation gases (CO2, and H2) and SCFAs (acetic acid, butyric acid). Furthermore, Bifidobacterium was significantly increased in the young female and the old male-originated samples, while Klebsiella was significantly decreased in the old female ones after PHGG intervention, and there were also certain differences in gases and SCFAs among different population samples. These findings indicate that PHGG can modulate gut microbiota and metabolism well, whereas its use varies in different populations.