Dietary intake of xylooligosaccharides improves the intestinal microbiota, fecal moisture, and pH value in the elderly

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) on the intestinal microbiota, gastrointestinal (GI) function, and nutritional parameters of the elderly. Subjects 65 years and older who did not have recent history of GI disease were included and randomly divided as either a control (n = 9) or XOS group (n = 13). The treatment group was supplemented with 4 g of XOS per day for 3 weeks, whereas the control group was given a placebo. The anthropometric and nutrient parameters, fecal moisture content, pH, Bifidobacterium species count, and Clostridium perfringens count of the subjects were determined. The results showed that XOS supplementation significantly increased the population of bifidobacteria and the fecal moisture content, and decreased the fecal pH value. The nutrient intakes, GI function, and blood parameters were not significantly different between the XOS and control groups after 3 weeks of administration. In conclusion, XOS supplementation was effective in promoting the intestinal health and did not show adverse effects on nutritional status in the elderly.