Galacto-oligosaccharides and Intestinal Activity

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Healthy Adults

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Galacto-oligosaccharides

During this period subjects will receive 7.2 grams of Vivinal GOS supplements three times daily for four weeks

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Maltodextrin

During this period subjects will receive 7.2 grams of maltodextrin supplements three times daily for four weeks

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Maastricht University Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• D. Keszthelyi, MD, PhD · Maastricht University Medical Center

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2019-09-17

Primary Completion

2024-08-15

Completion

2024-09-15

Countries

• Netherlands

Study Locations