Utilization of [U-¹⁴C]FructooIigosaccharides in Man as Energy Resources

Abstract

Utilization of fructooligosaccharides, 1 F α-fructofura-nosyl) w n-1 -sucrose, which are not digestible in the small intestine but are fermentable by intestinal microorganisms in man, was investigated by a radiorespirometric study and an anaerobic incubation of [U- 14 C]fructooligosaccharides with feces. About 49% and 55% of the administered radioactivity were detected in expired 14 CO a after 24 and 48 h, respectively. In the anaerobic incubation, the saccharides were catabolized to 14 C0 2 (9.6%), microbial cell constituents (10.4%), and 14 C-volatile fatty acid (acetic acid, 24.1%; propionic acid, 20.2%; butyric acid, 11.4% and valeric acid, 2.2%). Complemental interpretation of the two studies allowed quantitation of the catabolic pathway of fructooligosaccharides in man, and utilization of the oligosaccharides was estimated to be 1.5 kcal/g. © 1988, SOCIETY FOR FREE RADICAL RESEARCH JAPAN. All rights reserved.