薬理と治療

Abstract

Inulin-type-fructan has been known to have various functions as a prebiotic. Especially, the intestine regulating function has been many reported with a focus on bifidogenic effect and bowel habit. However, since previous studies have been conducted with high inulin intake, it was a factor in obstacles to the development of functional foods using inulin. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo -controlled, cross-over trial was to determine the effect of low inulin intake on gut microbiota and bowel habit in thirty healthy Japanese adults. As a result of intake of green tea containing Fuji FF（5 g╱day）for 4 weeks, fecal bifidobacteria significantly increased（P＜0.05）. In addition, in the subject with constipation, the change in stool frequency and stool amount significantly increased（P＜0.05）. The present study revealed that relatively low inulin intake improved gut microbiota and bowel habit.