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Fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) comprise several previously unrelated carbohydrates, such as fructans, fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, fructose (in excess of glucose), mannitol and sorbitol, and among others. For many patients with gastro-intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, the ingestion of FODMAP triggers symptoms and causes discomfort. Among the main contributors to the dietary FODMAP intake are baking products, in particular bread as a major global staple food. This is primarily due to the fructan content of the cereal flours, but also process induced accumulation of FODMAP is possible. To provide low-FODMAP baking products, researchers have investigated various approaches, such as bio-process reduction by yeast, lactic acid bacteria, germination of the raw material or the use of exogenous enzymes. In addition, the selection of appropriate ingredients, which are either naturally or after pretreatment suitable for low-FODMAP products, is discussed. The sensory and nutritional quality of low-FODMAP baking products is another issue, that is addressed, with particular focus on providing sufficient dietary fiber intake. Based on this information, the current state of low-FODMAP baking and future research necessities, to establish practical strategies for low-FODMAP products, are evaluated in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructans are commonly used as dietary fibre supplements for their ability to promote the growth of beneficial gut microbes. However, fructan consumption has been associated with various dosage-dependent side effects. We characterised side effects in an exploratory analysis of a randomised trial in healthy adults (n = 40) who consumed 18 g/day inulin or placebo. We found that individuals weighing more or habitually consuming higher fibre exhibited the best tolerance. Furthermore, we identified associations between gut microbiome composition and host tolerance. Specifically, higher levels of Christensenellaceae R-7 group were associated with gastrointestinal discomfort, and a machine-learning-based approach successfully predicted high levels of flatulence, with [Ruminococcus] torques group and (Oscillospiraceae) UCG-002 sp. identified as key predictive taxa. These data reveal trends that can help guide personalised recommendations for initial inulin dosage. Our results support prior ecological findings indicating that fibre supplementation has the greatest impact on individuals whose baseline fibre intake is lowest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inulin-type fructans are considered to stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms, like Bifidobacterium in the gut and support health. However, both the fructan source and chemical structure may modify these effects. A systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans consumed either in specific foods or as dietary supplements on abundance of Bifidobacterium in the gut and on health-related outcomes. Three electronic databases and two clinical trial registries were systematically searched until January 2021. Two authors independently selected randomized controlled trials that investigated with a protocol of minimum seven days supplementation the effect of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans on Bifidobacterium abundance in any population. Meta-analyses with random-effects model were conducted on Bifidobacterium abundance and bowel function parameters. We evaluated risk of bias using Cochrane RoB tool. Chicory-derived inulin-type fructans at a dose of 3–20 g/day significantly increased Bifidobacterium abundance in participants with an age range from 0 to 83 years (standardized mean difference: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.58–1.08; p < 0.01; 50 studies; 2525 participants). Significant bifidogenic effects were observed in healthy individuals and in populations with health impairments, except gastrointestinal disorders. Significant beneficial effects on bowel function parameters were observed in healthy subjects. Chicory-derived inulin-type fructans may have significant bifidogenic effects and may beneficially influence bowel function in healthy individuals. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020162892. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focussed on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) screening for sourdough type II elaboration and evaluating the effects of sourdough fermentation in bread making, focussing mainly on reducing FODMAPs. After a technological performance screening, six strains (Levilactobacillus brevis, Weissella minor, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc citreum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Companilactobacillus farciminis) were selected for sourdough preparation. Total titratable acidity, pH, specific volume, and enumeration of microorganisms were carried out on sourdoughs, doughs, and breads. Breads were subjected to texture profile and colour analysis, moulds and yeast enumeration, and total fructans (main group of FODMAPs) quantification. Breads produced with sourdough showed a significant reduction of fructans, greater acidity, volume, and better performance during storage when compared to fermentation using only baker's yeast. Including specific cultures as starters in sourdough reduced fructans content by >92%, thereby producing a low FODMAP bread suitable for Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients with improved nutritional and technological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructans are generally divided into two different types: β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-linked inulin and β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→6)-linked levan. Previously, Radix Codonopsis was found to be rich in inulin type of fructans with low molecular weight (<5000 Da). In this study, a novel macromolecular fructan with a molecular weight of 1.70 × 103 KD was isolated from Radix Codonopsis, and its homogeneity was shown to be a single peak by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), and its structure was confirmed to contain a new type of linkage, α-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→3)-β-D-fructofuranosyl linkage, by 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native agave fructans have technological applications as sweeteners and stabilizers in powder form. The effect of two stabilizing additives for pineapple juice was studied through calorimetry and physicochemical tests such as water activity, moisture content, solubility, bulk density, adsorption, and desorption isotherms. The samples were prepared with 10% maltodextrin concentration, added with 0%, 2%, and 4% native agave fructans. The spray-drying process was carried out with an inlet temperature of 120 °C. The treatments with the fructans presented lower moisture content with respect to the treatment solely with maltodextrin. The stabilizing power that is shown is corroborated by the sorption isotherms, which showed a higher degree of hysteresis with the addition of fructans during storage. This implies that, despite the water retention capacity of fructans, this was not enough to affect the stability of the product. The obtained thermograms showed that an increase in fructans concentration increases the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is currently a public health problem worldwide. Recently, non-reducing carbohydrates, that include β(2→1) and β(2→6) linkages in their structure, have been of particular interest in the field of obesity because they are involved in lipid metabolism. Some of these are agave fructans (AF) and oligofructose (OF). In this study, we evaluated both AF and OF on oxidative stress (OS) markers in the brain of overweight mice (OM). AF and OF decreased TBARS levels and carbonyls at different levels in hippocampus (HP), frontal cortex (FC) and cerebellum (CB) of OM. The results indicated that fructans may have anti-oxidative potential and can be used as an alternative treatment for the prevention of the consequences of this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Agave fructans against the Salmonella Typhimurium in "in vitro" experiments. The result of the antimicrobial activity was 263.89 ± 0, 414.95 ± 12.83, 494.54 ± 13.88, 522.29 ± 0, 580.41 ± 14.92 AU for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of Agave fructans (AF) respectively. In addition, there is a significant effect on the growth of the bacteria with all the percentages of AF evaluated (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.859) with respect to the control. The growth rate of Salmonella with 25% AF was statistically significant compared to the control (−0.7353 ± 0.586, 0.0079 ± 0.002 D.O./h, respectively; p > 0.01). Agave fructans could be an alternative to prevent the infections caused by Salmonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary fibre (DF) has many positive effects on human health associated with its functionality in the gastrointestinal tract. These benefits vary according to the type of DF. Vegetables can be a natural source of DF in the diet. However, to provide adequate nutritional advice, the content and profile of their various DF types must be characterised. This study aimed to determine the DF profile of 29 vegetables cultivated in Wallonia (Belgium) and the impact of steaming on these profiles. Using a combination of enzymatic, gravimetric and chromatographic methods, fructans, total dietary fibre (TDF), low- and high-molecular-weight soluble dietary fibre (SDF), and insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) were analysed. Results show that the DF content varies considerably among the 29 investigated vegetable varieties and species, but the influence of steaming is limited to a shift from IDF to high-molecular-weight SDF for 18 of the 29 tested vegetables, while fructans are preserved with not actual reduction in the DP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from traditional koumiss and kurut samples and identification of these isolates revealed the presence of Lactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus durans, and Lactobacillus helveticus species. L. fermentum and L. helveticus strains were further tested for different characteristics. All tested strains produced heteropolymeric exopolysaccharides (EPS) with the presence of glucose and galactose as sugar monomers whereas three strains produced fructan type EPS as homopolymeric EPS. Important levels of antibacterial and antifungal activities were observed in these strains. All tested strains were sensitive to the antibiotics tested except streptomycin. Half of the tested strains showed important levels of survival ability under mimicking gastrointestinal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of fructans occurs in plants, having various configuration and chain lengths from 3 up to a few hundred fructose units. The structurally simplest fructan is a linear inulin, where the fructose units are linked by β-2,1 bonds, present mostly in Asteraceae and Cichorioideae (e.g. dahlia). The pharmacological effects of fructans depend mainly on the degree of polymerization (DP). Hence, a controlled DP distribution profile is essential for the expected spectrum of pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to purify fructans from dahlia (Dahlia x hortensis Guill. cv.‘Ken’s Flame’) tubers with different inulin chain lengths profile. We developed the selective preparative approach, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses by pulsed amperometry-high performance anion-exchange chromatography. The fructans were obtained by the extraction of dahlia tubers with water, concentrated under vacuum, subsequent precipitation of carbohydrate fraction by ethanol, followed by purification using four different combinations of absorbents such as Dowex® ion-exchange resin, aluminium oxide, calcium carbonate, and activated carbon. The highest content of short-chain inulin (38%) was in the crude fraction and after the separation on Al2O3 and CaCO3. All methods selectively enriched inulin in the middle-length chains. The highest concentration of high-quality long-chain inulin (16%) was obtained by consecutive washing through CaCO3, Al2O3, Dowex, and charcoal. This complex was also the most balanced in terms of the proportion among short-, medium-, and long-chain inulin (33%, 43%, and 16%, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Constipation is a common disorder in children.Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the beneficial effects of a daily supplementation with Orafti® inulin-type fructans in 2-5 year old constipated children.Methods: Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled parallel group trial where constipated children received two doses of 2 g Orafti® inulin-type fructans (OF:IN) or placebo (maltodextrin) for 6 weeks. Primary outcome was stool consistency. Secondary outcomes were stool frequency and gastrointestinal symptoms.Results: Twenty-two children were included, 17 completed the study protocol (nine and eight for the control and the OF:IN group, respectively). Results showed that Orafti® inulin-type fructans supplemented children had softer stools (p = .003). The longitudinal analysis showed no significant changes in controls, whereas supplemented children increased their stool consistency from 2.2 to 2.6 on the modified Bristol scale for children (five items instead of seven) (p = .040).Conclusions: Prebiotic inulin-type fructans supplementation improves stool consistency in constipated 2-5-year old children. Clinicaltrials.gov, with number NCT02863848. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of vermicompost, rock phosphate,Glomus fasciculatum(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), andPenicilliumsp. (phosphate solubilizing fungi) on growth; mycorrhization percent; fructan, sucrose, glucose, and fructose contents in leaves and stem ofAgave americanaL. Experiments were done according to an orthogonal experimental design L8with four variables at two levels: vermicompost (0 or 10 g per plant), rock phosphate (0 or 1 g per plant),G. fasciculatum(0 or 1 × 106spores per plant), andPenicilliumsp. (0 or 1 × 109spores per plant). Vermicompost affected stem dry weight; the fructan, glucose, and fructose in stem; and mycorrhization percent in roots. Rock phosphate andPenicilliumsp. increased the mycorrhization percent. Co-inoculation ofPenicilliumsp. andG. fasciculatumincreasedA. americanaplant growth. The results obtained suggested a synergistic interaction between the arbuscular mycorrhizic fungi and the phosphate solubilizing fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Osmotic dehydration assisted by ultrasound (ODAU) at low temperatures reduces water activity (aw) and maintains nutrients. The influence of solution concentration (SC; 20 to 60° Brix, xylitol and sorbitol) and ultrasound application time (tus, 0 to 40 min) in ODAU of yacon was studied with the aid of a response surface method. The optimum condition with respect to mass transfer parameters, aw, and fructan retention was SC of 60° Brix for both solutions and tus of 2.67 min for xylitol samples and 0 min for sorbitol samples. The application of ultrasound improved dehydration but resulted in depolymerization of fructans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial effects of inulin-type fructans are discussed in view of studies that applied the oligosaccharides in colon cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, vaccination efficacy, and prevention of infection and allergy. In the present paper, we discuss their immunomodulating effects. It is suggested that immunomodulation is elicited through indirect and direct mechanisms. Indirect mechanisms encompass stimulation of growth and activity of lactic acid bacteria, but can also be caused by fermentation products of these bacteria, i.e., short chain fatty acids. Evidence for direct effects on the immune system generally remains to be confirmed. It is suggested that inulin-type fructans can be detected by gut dendritic cells (DCs), through receptor ligation of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors, nucleotide oligomerization domain containing proteins (NODs), C-type lectin receptors, and galectins, eventually inducing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. DCs may also exert antigen presenting capacity toward effector cells, such as B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells locally, or in the spleen. Inulin-type fructans may also ligate PRRs expressed on gut epithelium, which could influence its barrier function. Inulin-type fructans are potent immunomodulating food components that hold many promises for prevention of disease. However, more studies into the mechanisms, dose-effect relations, and structure-function studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyclofructan 6 (CF6) macrocyclic-oligosaccharide was derivatized with five different substituents able to bear positive charges: propyl imidazole, methyl benzimidazole, dimethyl aminopropyl, pyridine, and dimethyl aminophenyl. The derivatized cyclofructans were reacted with triethoxysilyl-propylisocyanate as a linker to bond them to 5 µm spherical silica gel particles and then used to prepare liquid chromatography columns. The bonded silica particles were analyzed to establish the bonding densities. A set of 34 chiral compounds including acids, neutral compounds, and bases was tested with nine different mobile phase compositions including two reverse phase (RP) acetonitrile/pH 4 buffer, three polar organic (PO) acetonitrile/methanol, and four normal phase (NP) heptane/ethanol mobile phases. No compounds could be separated in the RP mode. Eight compounds only could be enantioseparated in the PO mode and 21 compounds in the NP mode. The most effective chiral stationary phase was the propyl imidazole derivatized CF6 phase, provided no more than six imidazole substituents and two linkers are attached per CF6 unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binding ability of native, isopropylated and permethylated cyclofructan 6 (CF6) with various cations was characterised in water and hydro-organic solvents. Association constants (Kass) of 24 cations including alkali metals, transition metals and lanthanides were measured using NMR titrations and a nonlinear least square treatment of the data. Ba2+and Pb2+showed the highest binding abilities with native CF6 in both D2O and 40% methanol-d4. Metal ion binding increased with an increasing in methanol content. The weaker binding of cations with CF6 in acetonitrile-d3compared with those of methanolic solvents was noted and indicated the importance of dehydration of the host and guest to binding affinity. The effect of counteranions such as chloride, nitrate, perchlorate and acetate on binding was examined. Isopropyl-CF6 provided slightly higher binding affinities with cations than native CF6 in D2O and 40% methanol-d4, whereas permethylated CF6 only associated with K+cation in 80% methanol-d4. There are distinctly different metal ion-binding selectivities between native and derivatised CF6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resin bound cyclofructan 6 (CF6) based stationary phases were prepared by immobilizing functionalized 4-azido-β-cyclofructan 6 (or its derivatives) to chloromethyl modified styrene divinylbenzene (MCI GEL CSP50/P10 CMS) via a 1,2,3-triazole linker. The resin bound native CF6 stationary phase (CF6-CMS) appears to have potential in HILIC separations of different types of polar compounds. The isopropyl carbamate derivatized stationary phases (IP-CF6-CMS) can be used as pH stable chiral stationary phases (CSPs) in HPLC. Under the optimum mobile phase conditions, 37 different types of chiral compounds have been separated on the IP-CF6-CMS column. The optimum mobile phase containing acetonitrile/methanol/triethylamine/acetic acid 70/30/0.2/0.5 was utilized as the starting condition for enantiomeric separations on the IP-CF6-CMS column. Lowering the separation temperature also is beneficial for these separations. The selectivity for some analytes on the IP-CF6-CMS column is comparable with that on the silica gel based LARIHC-CF6 column. These results indicated that there is potential for using these less expensive, but stable, resin based cyclofructan columns for HILIC or chiral separations in process chemistry. Finally, using 1-(1-naphthyl)-ethylamine as the model analyte, the column demonstrated excellent stability and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nanofiltration of a model inulin-sucrose solution has been studied using a pilot cross-flow unit. The aim of this work was to evaluate two operation modes: total recycle nanofiltration and diafiltration. Experiments were performed at transmembrane pressures from 0.4 to 1.45 MPa and two inlet flow rates. It was found that inulin purification is feasible within the range of the process conditions set. Furthermore, the sucrose retention coefficient is highly affected by the transmembrane pressure but the inlet flow rate does not affect this parameter significantly. Experimental results were simulated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and a good agreement was observed between the predicted and the experimental values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate correlations between fermentation characteristics and end products of selected fermentable fibres (three types of fructans, citrus pectin, guar gum), incubated with faecal inocula from donor cats fed two diets, differing in fibre and protein sources and concentrations. Cumulative gas production was measured over 72 h, fermentation end products were analysed at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post-incubation, and quantification of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and bacteroides in fermentation liquids were performed at 4 and 48 h of incubation. Partial Pearson correlations, corrected for inoculum, were calculated to assess the interdependency of the fermentation characteristics of the soluble fibre substrates. Butyric and valeric acid concentrations increased with higher fermentation rates, whereas acetic acid declined. Concentrations of butyric acid (highest in fructans) and propionic acid were inversely correlated with protein fermentation end products at several time points, whereas concentrations of acetic acid (highest in citrus pectin) were positively correlated with these products at most time points. Remarkably, a lack of clear relationship between the counts of bacterial groups and their typically associated products after 4 h of incubation was observed. Data from this experiment suggest that differences in fibre fermentation rate in feline faecal inocula coincide with typical changes in the profile of bacterial fermentation products. The observed higher concentrations of propionic and butyric acid as a result of fibre fermentation could possibly have beneficial effects on intestinal health, and may be confounded with a concurrent decrease in the production of putrefactive compounds. In conclusion, supplementing guar gum or fructans to a feline diet might be more advantageous compared with citrus pectin. However,in vivoresearch is warranted to confirm these conclusions in domestic cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fructan separation from a model sugar solution and natural agave juice was studied using a stirred-cell nanofiltration unit operated in concentration mode. Hydrophilic cellulose membrane with MWCO of 1000 Da was used. The experimental conditions were varied to predict the influence of pressure (0.14–0.350 MPa) and feed concentration (0.15–0.25 g/mL) on the initial permeate flux and solute retained fraction (SRF) values of the process. Response surface plots (p < 0.05) showed that the permeate flux and SRF increased significantly with the pressure and decreased with feed concentration. The permeate flux varied from 0.5 to 4.1 L · h−1 · m−2. The fructan retained fraction in model sugar solution varied from 0.85 to 0.97 whereas fructose, glucose and sucrose presented similar SRF values ranging from 0.38 to 0.65. Promising results were obtained when natural agave juice was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructansucrase and fructan produced from Lactobacillus fermentum AKJ15 were isolated from seeds of Kodo ko jaanr, a fermented mild-alcoholic beverage prepared in North East India. The strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and biochemical characterization. The strain displayed maximum fructansucrase activity of 4.3 U/ml (1.02 U/mg) at 28°C at 180 rpm. The enzyme purified by polyethylene glycol-400 gave specific activity of 5 U/mg and showed 90 kDa band on non-denaturing Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified enzyme confirmed the presence of fructan by periodic acid Schiff's staining which showed magenta colour bands with both sucrose and raffinose. The strain produced 10.2 mg/ml fructan in broth under optimized culture conditions. The purified fructansucrase displayed Vmax of 5.42 U/mg and Km of 16.65 mM. The enzyme showed maximum activity at 30°C and at pH 5. The structure of fructan was analysed by 1H and 13C NMR spectra confirming β-(2-1) and β-(2-6) linkages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic ( Allium sativum) is known for its innumerable biological activities including immunomodulation. Aged garlic extract (AGE), an odorless garlic preparation, has been shown to have superior immunomodulatory properties over raw garlic extract. Although garlic is a very rich source of fructans (17%, fresh weight basis), AGE contains only 0.22% of raw garlic fructans. Aged garlic fructans (AGF) have recently been shown to possess immunomodulatory activities in vitro. Natural adjuvants capable of eliciting better immune response of a model antigen are important in developing newer vaccines. In the present study, the adjuvant activity of AGF has been investigated in BALB/c mice using ovalbumin (OVA, 30 µg) as an experimental antigen. The body weights of animals did not change significantly indicating that the administration of garlic fructans is well-tolerated. AGF produce a significant humoral (serum IgG) response to OVA in BALB/c mice administered mucosally by either intranasal or oral route-a delayed response appearing on 50th day at a dose of 30 µg AGF by intranasal route. However, the serum IgG response was seen earlier on 35th day at a dose of 100 µg AGF by oral route. Higher concentrations of AGF (>50 µg) were inhibitory for adjuvant activity by intranasal administration. These observations indicate that AGF display immunoadjuvant activity for a test antigen though the humoral immune response is delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructans are non-digestible carbohydrates with various nutritional properties including effects on microbial metabolism, mineral absorption and satiety. They are present in a range of plant foods, with wheat being an important source. The aim of the present study was to measure the fructan content of a range of wheat, rye and gluten-free breads consumed in the United Kingdom. Fructans were measured in a range of breads using selective enzymic hydrolysis and spectrophotometry based on the AOAC 999.03 method. The breads generally contained low quantities of fructan (0.61--1.94  g/100  g), with rye bread being the richest source (1.94  g/100  g). Surprisingly, gluten-free bread contained similar quantities of fructan (1.00  g/100  g) as other breads. There was wide variation in fructan content between individual brands of granary (0.76--1.09  g/100  g) and gluten-free breads (0.36--1.79  g/100  g). Although they contain only low quantities of fructan, the widespread consumption of bread may make a significant contribution to fructan intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prebiotics such as inulin (Inu)-type fructans and alternative natural sweeteners such as stevioside (Ste) become more popular as food ingredients. Evidence is accumulating that carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing biomolecules can be considered true antioxidants, capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we report on the ROS scavenging abilities of Inu and Ste in comparison with other sugars, sugar derivatives and arbutin. It is found that Inu and Ste are superior scavengers of both hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, more effective than mannitol and sucrose. Other compounds, such as 1-kestotriose, trehalose, raffinose and l-malic acid, also showed good reactivity to at least one of the two oxygen free radicals. The strong antioxidant properties of Inu and Ste are discussed. Within the plant vacuole, these compounds could play a crucial role in antioxidant defense mechanisms to help survive stresses. Addition to food assists in natural sweetening, food stabilization and maximizes health impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate conditions for analysing fructans in the storage roots of field-grown asparagus using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) were investigated. High resolution and ionisation were achieved when lyophilised and ground storage root powders were extracted twice with 1.0 ml distilled and deionised hot water (90°C), supplemented with 1.0 ml of 100% (v/v) ethanol. concentrated to approx. 1.0 ml. and mixed with 10 g l-1 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) at 1;1 (v/v) before loading on a sample slide for MALDI-TOF MS, which was performed in the linear positive ion mode at a laser intensity of 15 kV. The mass spectral profiles showed that the degree of polymerisation (DP) of fructans ranged from three-to-21 in storage roots collected in the Winter. When different amounts of γ-cyctodextrin were added to each sample, a linear positive relationship was observed between the amount of γ-cyclodextrin and the relative positive ion intensity With γ-cyclodextrin as an internal standard, fructan profiles were compared between Summer- and Winter-collected asparagus storage root samples. Furthermore, the fructan profiles of three different types of storage root of different colours (i.e., milky-white, yellow, or dark-brown) were also examined. Fructan contents were always higher in the Winter-collected samples than in those collected in the Summer, regardless of the DP. However, samples from the different coloured roots showed variable fructan profiles, depending on the DP These results indicate that fructan analysis using MALDI-TOF MS would be useful for examining the dynamics of carbohydrate metabolism in asparagus storage roots because of its high degree of accuracy and its simplicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in non-structural carbohydrates before and during winter are one of the major plant responses to winter stress. However, the observed pattern of changes is variable, not only between grass species but also between different experiments. This study examined the effect of developmental stage on carbohydrate reserves during winter in two grass species differing in winter hardiness. Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), sown early or late in the growing season, were sampled for total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) in late October (end of main growing season), and then in late January, early March and late April. Quantitative and qualitative patterns of carbohydrate accumulation in crown segments were influenced both by plant genotype and developmental stage of the plants prior to winter. TNC increased from October to March, demonstrating considerable cell activity during winter, and declined to their lowest level in April. Sucrose proved to be the major reserve carbohydrate, followed by fructans. The highest content of TNC was found in the most winter-hardy cultivars, particularly in January and March. Early-sown plants accumulated higher levels of fructans than of sucrose, whereas late-sown plants mainly accumulated sucrose. These differences persisted during the winter. It can be concluded that the pattern of carbohydrate accumulation during winter differed between the two species studied and it was strongly affected by both cultivar and plant-developmental stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was aimed at studying the effects of easily fermentable oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds from chicory root meal (CRM) on the fermentative processes in the caecum, the antioxidative status and the lipoprotein profile of rats. Five different diets were fed ad libitum to 40 Wistar rats (eight animals per group, individually housed): a control group (C); group PCM (10% processed CRM, deprived of polyphenolic fraction); group PCMO (8% processed CRM and 1.6% oligofructose); group UCM (10% unprocessed CRM); and group FP (8.3% fructan-polyphenol concentrate from CRM). Diets PCM, PCMO, UCM and FP induced favourable metabolic changes in the caecum, blood lipid profile and the antioxidative status of the body. In the caecum, the experimental diets increased the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acidification of digesta as well as a decrease in the ammonia concentration and bacterial β-glucuronidase activity. In blood serum, the total cholesterol concentration was reduced and, simultaneously, the proportion of HDL in the total cholesterol concentration was increased. The presence of the polyphenolic fraction in the unprocessed meal (diets UCM and FP) evoked a significant increase in the total antioxidative status in blood serum. Dietary fibre and the polyphenolic fraction present in diet UCM and the FOS-polyphenol concentrate in diet FP did not exhibit an antagonistic activity regarding the physiological parameters analysed, except for in the intensity of caecal fermentation. The results of the experiment point to the benefits of dietary supplementation with chicory preparations containing both prebiotic saccharides and polyphenolic compounds, which enable us to take advantage of the physiological traits of both components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digestive and metabolic disorders in the horse were previously associated with hydrolyzable and nonhydrolyzable but rapidly fermentable components of nonstructural carbohydrates, particularly fructans. Aim of the study was to assess the contribution of the carbohydrate fractions to the composition of pastures in specific areas of Italy ordinarily designed for horses feeding. Seventy-seven samples from 11 pastures differing for floristic composition were collected across two growing seasons from April 18th 2008 to May 10th 2009 in the foothills (380 m a.s.l.) of the province of Parma (Italy). All samples were collected during the vegetative growth phase. To identify the bioclimatologic conditions of the growth, the average fortnightly thermohygrometric index (THI) was used. Slow fermentable carbohydrates mean concentration (NDF: 510.6, ADF: 274.7, ADL: 31.5 g/kg DM) reflected the typical chemical composition of high-quality grass and grass-legume mixtures. Among the nonstructual carbohydrates (NSC: 199.9 g/kg DM), hydrlolyzable carbohydrates content accounted for about the 18%. Nonhydrolyzable but rapidly fermentable carbohydrates were constituted for about the 23% by fructans (37.7 g/kg DM, range 15.5 to 138.2). The environmental conditions significantly affected the carbohydrate concentration in forages. Among NSC, fructans concentration in pastures was affected by bioclimatologic conditions (P<0.05). The floristic composition influenced the fructans content at a lesser extent. These results indicate a high variability of fructans concentration and reflect what previously observed in other areas. In any case the high levels observed for fructans in some geographic areas are not been achieved. Further interdisciplinary studies in this area between veterinarians and forage researchers are clearly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of organic acids and prebiotic fructans added to the layer's diet on balance of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. The basal experimental diet contained 3.30% Ca and 0.60% P, and was either unsupplemented or supplemented with additives as follows: 0.75% inulin, 0.75% oligofructose; 0.50% short-chain fatty acids (SCFA); 0.25% medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA); 0.30% SCFA+0.20% MCFA; and 0.75% inulin+0.50% SCFA. It was concluded that some additives used in the experiment had a positive effect on the mineral balance in hens. Inulin significantly improved retention of Ca, P, and Zn, SCFA - retention of Ca, SCFA+MCFA - retention of Zn, inulin+SCFA - retention of P and Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructosyltransferases (FTs) are key enzymes in plants and bacteria to synthesize fructans. To gain insight on the specificity of the hexose subsites in the active site of FTs, ethylene glycol fructoside (EGF) and glycerol fructoside (GF), containing fructose in the furanose configuration, were synthesized in vitro and used as substrates to study the effect on the activity of bacterial levansucrase (BsLS), chicory root sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST) and fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT). The results demonstrated that EGF and GF, at physiologically relevant concentrations, were efficient acceptor substrates for BsLS and 1-FFT, but not for 1-SST. EGF and GF cannot be used as donor substrates for BsLS, 1-SST and 1-FFT. A model is proposed to explain the subsite specificity differences between the three FTs involved in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Similar to other indigestible carbohydrates or dietary fibres, a consumption of too large quantities of inulin-type fructans may cause some digestive problems. Aim To compare the digestive tolerance of inulin-type fructans, administered during 2 weeks, at different doses. Methods Eighty-four healthy volunteers (aged 18-45 years, mean body mass index 25.1 kg/m2 and mean total fibre consumption 12 g) were included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study comparing Fibrulose F97 (5 and 20 g/day), Fibruline Instant (5, 10 and 20 g/day) and Fibruline XL (10 g/day) (degrees of polymerization respectively equal to 2-20, 2-60 with an average of 10, and 2-60 with an average >20) to placebo. The study was decomposed into five 2-week periods: placebo run-in, treatment 1, placebo washout, treatment 2, placebo run-out. The following symptoms were assessed using visual analogue scales: flatulence, rumbling, bloating, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, nausea, stool frequency and stool consistency. The primary variable was the mean difference between treatment and placebo in terms of tolerance (sum of the eight visual analogue scales). Results The three products tended to increase digestive symptoms whatever the dose but the change was mild (maximum, +19 mm on the 800-mm scale) and significant (P<0.001) for Fibruline Instant at 20 g/day only. At 20 g/day, a statistically significant difference between Fibruline Instant and Fibrulose F97 was demonstrated (P=0.011). There was a dose-effect relationship both for Fibrulose F97 (P>0.05) and Fibruline Instant (P=0.042). All the other tendencies were non-significant. Conclusions The three different inulin-type fructans were very well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementation of milk and oat hydrolysate containing medium with Jerusalem artichoke concentrate (JAC) and subsequent fermentation with probiotic dairy starters resulted in substantial stimulation of probiotics Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus as well as yogurt starter culture Lactobacillus bulgaricus development and acidification rate. The strain-specific responses of the general yogurt cultures, as well as probiotics to the addition of JAC, should be considered to achieve optimal composition of probiotic strains and conformable fermentation conditions. JAC is suggested to be perspective prebiotic additive for fermented synbiotic milks or oat-hydrolysate-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different kinds of inulin-type fructans on caecal microbiota were evaluated in rats. Four groups of male Wistar rats were fed either a control diet, or diets containing 5% inulin, 5% fructooligosaccharides (FOS), or 5% difructose anhydride III (DFAIII) for two weeks. In the DFAIII group, caecal propionate, butyrate, counts of bifidobacteria, and total anaerobes were lower than in the inulin group, while caecal propionate, succinate, counts of bifidobacteria, and total anaerobes were lower than in the FOS group. Compared to controls, in the DFAIII group the counts of clostridia in caecum were increased by 3 log units. However, this change was statistically not significant. There were no differences between inulin and FOS groups for the pool of short chain fatty acids in caecum and bacterial counts. Results indicate that DFAIII has different effects on caecal microbiota compared to inulin and FOS and that these differences are most likely due to the α(3→2) bonds in DFAIII. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of carbohydrate structure and digestibility on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis. Five groups of male Fischer 344 rats each comprising 30 animals were injected with AOM and fed a high-fat diet with 15% of various carbohydrates. The carbohydrate sources used were sucrose, cornstarch (a linear starch, reference group), potato starch (a branched starch), a short-chained oligofructose (Raftilose®), and a long-chained inulin-type fructan (Raftiline®). An interim sacrifice was performed after 9 wk to investigate markers of carbohydrate digestibility, including caecal fermentation (caecum weight and pH) and glucose and lipid metabolism [glucose, fructoseamine, HbA1c, triglycerides, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1]. In addition potential early predictors of carcinogenicity [cell proliferation and aberrant crypt foci (ACF)] at 9 wk and their correlation to colon cancer risk after 32 wk were investigated. Tumor incidence was significantly reduced in animals fed oligofructose, and the number of tumors per animal was significantly reduced in animals fed inulin and oligofructose at 32 wk after AOM induction compared to the reference group fed sucrose. Increased caecum weight and decreased caecal pH were seen in groups fed oligofructose, inulin, and potato starch. Plasma triglyceride was decreased in rats fed oligofructose and inulin. Cell proliferation was increased in the proximal colon of rats fed sucrose, oligofructose, and inulin, and the number of cells per crypt decreased in rats fed oligofructose and inulin. The total number of ACF's was unaffected by treatment, and the size and multiplicity of ACF was unrelated to tumor development. It was concluded that less digestible carbohydrates with an early effect on caecum fermentation and plasma triglyceride decreased subsequent tumor incidence and multiplicity. This was unrelated to ACF, cell proliferation, and other markers of glucose and lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey was aimed at comparing the CO2 gas exchange rate of transgenic potato lines and of the isogenic line Désirée in order to establish if genetic modification has resulted in ecologically relevant changes. In examining two transgenic potato lines and one isogenic line, a modular whole-plant cuvette system was implemented for the first time. Furthermore, suitability of such a cuvette system for comparative examination was to be tested in the survey at hand. The lowest CO2 exchange rate was observed in the SST/FFT line. The SST line achieved the highest CO2 exchange rate of all genotypes tested. Measurement of CO2 exchange rate, and additionally collected data on morphologic and characteristics of yield physiology, resulted in distinctly correlating data. The phenotypical changes observed could be classified within the growth and yield profile specified by the German Federal Office of Plant Varieties (Bundessortenamt) for potato varieties permitted for cultivation in Germany. A changed growth rate of crop in the transgenic lines could not be established. A modular whole-plant cuvette system can be implemented in comparative gas exchange measurements in a partly air-conditioned cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helianthus tuberosus and Cichorium intybus tubers accumulate fructans, non-digestible fiber, which has attracted great interest recently as a functional food. In this work a mathematical model for describing the tray drying of the tubers is proposed. It was found that the drying rate in the constant drying rate period was a function of the drying air temperature. Calculated values of the effective di5usivity coefficient are of the magnitude order of 10[SUP-9]m[SUP2]/s; for both tubers the value of this parameter depends on the drying temperature. Drying affects the fructan molecular weight distribution and fructose content in H. tuberosus and C. intybus tubers. These changes are dependent on the drying air temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inulin and oligofructose are prebiotic oligosaccharides fermented in the large intestine. This article provides an extensive review of the effects of these oligosaccharides on gastrointestinal characteristics (microflora, pathogen control, epithelial cell proliferation, putrefactive compound production, fecal characteristics, and nutrient digestibility) and systemic metabolism of carbohydrates, nitrogen, lipids, and minerals in dogs, cats, horses, calves, pigs, poultry, and rabbits. In addition, intake of inulin and oligofructose and considerations in their supplementation to animal diets are discussed. Growth performance and meat production in livestock in response to inulin and oligofructose supplementation are addressed. Finally, the possible substitution of antibiotics with fructans in animal diets and directions for future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular imprinting technology is becoming a versatile tool in constructing tailor-made molecular recognition elements. However, no oxidoreductase mimics which can be utilized for the amperometric sensor has ever been developed using molecularly imprinting technology. Glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c, is an important indicator for diabetic control. In order to develop a novel diagnostic system for the measurement of HbA1c, we developed molecularly imprinting technology based artificial enzyme which can catalyze the oxidative cleavage of fructosyl valine, a model compound for HbA1c. Based on our previous report, that polyvinylimidazole functioned as the catalyst for this reaction, we developed the molecularly imprinted catalyst (MIC). Molecularly imprinted catalyst was synthesized by imprinting polyvinylimidazole based polymer using fructosyl valine (Fru-val) that is the model compound for HbA1c as template molecules, based on both typical principles for molecular imprinting, noncovalent and covalent approaches. Fructosyl valine bound to the imprinted polymer more than two times higher than the control polymer, which was prepared in the same way but without the template molecule. The MIC-employing sensor showed high current response to Fru-val compared with the sensor employing the control polymer, due to the increase in the affinity toward cis-diol harboring compound. The amperometric sensor employing MIC showed the selectivity toward Fru-val compared with the sensor signal toward fructosyl-ε-lysine (Fru-ε-lys), while the sensor employing the control polymer showed almost identical responses to Fru-val as that to Fru-ε-lys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was focused on the effects of administration of Lactobacillus paracasei and the fructooligosaccharide (FOS) Raftilose P95 upon the immune system of piglets 10 days after birth and 10 days after weaning under standard farming conditions. The piglets were divided into three groups of 30 animals: F – combined application of Lc. paracasei and Raftilose P95; L – application of Lc. paracasei only; C – control group without treatment. In the first phase of the experiment, group L revealed a significantly higher value in total absolute leukocyte (Le) counts (P < 0.01) as well as in neutrophil counts (Ne), CD2[sup +] , CD4[sup +] T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte counts (P < 0.05) compared to group F. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were obtained in phagocyte activity of leukocytes (%PA Le) and in phagocyte activity of neutrophils (%PA Ne) when groups C and F were compared. At the time of weaning in comparison with newborn piglets a tendency to increase the parameters under observation was seen in group F with a simultaneous decrease of most indices in group L and in the control group. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in favour of the combined treatment compared to simple lactobacilli application was observed in absolute numbers of CD4[sup +] T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. In the second phase of the experiment – application after weaning – the counts of total anaerobes (TAn) and total aerobes (TA) in the faeces of animals receiving the combined treatment (F) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) when compared to the lactobacillus-only treated piglets (L) and to untreated piglets (C). In the case of total lactobacilli (TLc), the value in group F was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to group L (P < 0.01) and compared to the control group. Application of FOS Raftilose P95 seems to be a suitable method for fortification of the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria especially during changes of the intestinal microflora composition, e.g. during weaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inulin-type fructans, which are nondigestible carbohydrates, have been shown to modulate the number of induced preneoplastic lesions in the colon as well as the colonic microflora in laboratory animals. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of a short- and long-chained inulin-type fructan on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the rat colon. In addition, the present study investigated the influence of chain length, dietary level (5% or 15%), and duration of feeding (5 or 10 wk) on the following intestinal parameters supposed to be involved in the development of ACF: microflora, short-chain fatty acids, pH, and cell proliferation. A 3-wk pretreatment period with both fructans was included. Feeding the long-chained fructan (5% or 15%) significantly inhibited the numbers of small and total ACF after 5 and 10 wk. The short-chained fructan (15%) inhibited the number of small and total ACF after 5 and 10 wk but significantly increased the numbers of medium and large ACF after 10 wk. In conclusion, the effect on ACF outcome was influenced by the chain length of the fructans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previously published results indicated that dietary treatment with oligofructose or inulin inhibited malignant tumor growth in experimental animals. Thus it appeared to be interesting to investigate whether the same treatment could have a positive influence on tumor chemotherapy. The chemotherapy-potentiating effect of 15% oligofructose or inulin incorporated into the basal diet for experimental animals was investigated on a transplantable mouse liver tumor. This dietary adjuvant therapy was started seven days before intraperitoneal transplantation of transplantable liver tumor and was continued until the end of experiments. A single, subtherapeutic dose of six different cytotoxic drugs commonly utilized in treatment of human cancer was intraperitoneally injected 48 hours after tumor transplantation. In all experiments, dietary oligofructose or inulin significantly potentiated the therapeutic effects of six different cytotoxic drugs. Such dietary treatment potentiating cancer chemotherapy could be introduced into classical protocols of human cancer treatment as a new, nontoxic, and easily applicable adjuvant cancer therapy without any supplementary risk for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]