Search Results (127)

Root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) is a major source of inulin, a fiber with many dietary and medicinal uses. Chile is the only country outside Europe that produces inulin and is the third largest exporter worldwide. Root chicory cultivation has increased by 242% in Chile since 2006, highlighting its potential for expansion into new territories. In this study, land suitability (without restriction, mild restriction, moderate restriction, and unsuitable) for root chicory cultivation and its potential productivity were determined using Geographic Information System (GIS) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The regions where root chicory is currently produced (between the Maule and La Araucanía regions) showed the best suitability, as did the Valparaíso and O’Higgins regions. The potential maximum productivity ranged from 20 to 27 t DW ha⁻¹, mainly concentrated in the Los Lagos region, despite the absence of land without restriction. This could be attributed to the high water availability in this region, which is consistent with the expected displacement of crop areas due to climate change. Field studies in the Los Lagos region are recommended to evaluate the feasibility of expanding root chicory cultivation in these areas. Full article

This study investigates the effect of incorporating outer bract powder on the bioactive compound content of gluten-free (GF) rusks, in terms of undigestible carbohydrates and phenolic compound content. The production of the artichoke powder as a functional ingredient was optimized by evaluating two key processing variables: drying time and pre-treatment of artichoke bracts with food-grade citric acid. Two distinct composite GF flour blends were used to formulate the GF rusks, and the nutritional quality thereof was systematically assessed. Results demonstrated that pre-treating the artichoke outer bracts with citric acid, followed by drying at 40 °C for 20 h, allowed for the production of a powder characterized by a lighter and reddish appearance, low fat content, and high dietary fiber level. The formulated rusks were rich in dietary fiber, whose intake is generally a deficiency in the diet of coeliac subjects. Furthermore, the enrichment with artichoke powder contributed to the production of a low-fat snack, in contrast with the GF snacks available on the market. The artichoke powder also showed a high content of free phenolic compounds, suggesting an enhanced dietary intake of antioxidants for consumers. Full article

Consumer scrutiny of fat content in foods is becoming a notable trend in health concerns. This study aims to develop a novel functional low-fat goat feta cheese by utilizing polydextrose (PDX) and inulin as dietary fiber-based fat replacers to improve its overall characteristics. The physicochemical and textural properties, along with consumer acceptance, of the feta cheese were evaluated across three fat levels (full-fat [FFC], reduced-fat [RFC], low-fat [LFC]) and three fibers: PDX, inulin, and their combination. The intercorrelation of all characteristics was assessed through principal component analysis and Pearson’s correlation. Fat reduction significantly altered the cheese’s visual properties, increasing lightness and the total color difference, which inversely correlated with a* and b* values. Lower-fat cheeses exhibited decreased pH and increased lactic acid, with salinity playing a crucial role in both lactic acid development and texture. Under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), PDX yielded a cheese matrix with a finer pore structure than inulin or the combined fibers. Lower-fat cheeses exhibited greater hardness, with PDX resulting in the highest hardness among the fiber treatments. Crucially, the RFC with PDX was as well-received by consumers as the FFC. These findings not only empower goat farmers and cheese entrepreneurs to increase their product value for niche market but also contribute to sustainability by providing a healthier food option for functional benefits. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ISF:SF ratio on reproductive performance, biochemical parameters, colostrum composition, and fecal microbial composition in gestating sows. A total of 30 multiparous sows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: 8% inulin diet (ISF:SF 1.14, Inulin group), 8% cotton fiber diet (ISF:SF 6.61, Cotton group), and 4% inulin + 4% cotton fiber diet (ISF:SF 2.37, Inulin + Cotton group). The results showed that, compared to the other groups, the Inulin group had a significantly higher number of piglets born alive, as well as increased plasma concentrations of acetic acid, butyric acid, hexanoic acid, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (p < 0.05). Sows in the Inulin group had significantly lower fecal scores than those in the other groups from days 81 to 85 and from days 106 to 110 of gestation (p < 0.05). On day 90 of gestation, the serum levels of albumin, urea, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the Inulin group were significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the serum levels of triacylglycerol in the Inulin + Cotton Fiber group were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in serum concentrations of total protein, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, or LDL-cholesterol among the treatments (p > 0.05). On day 110 of gestation, the serum content of urea, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the Inulin group was significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plasma levels of uric acid, triacylglycerol, and HDL-cholesterol in the Inulin + Cotton Fiber group were significantly higher than those in the Cotton Fiber group (p < 0.05), while the creatinine levels in the Inulin group were higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the composition and immune performance of colostrum (p > 0.05). Microbial sequencing analysis showed that dietary inulin supplementation to increase the proportion of soluble fiber significantly decreased the abundance of Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Streptococcaceae, and Streptococcus (p < 0.05). The abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing microorganisms—Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, and Muribaculaceae—was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The results indicated that inulin supplementation decreased the dietary ISF:SF ratio, significantly alleviated constipation in sows, increased the number of piglets born alive, regulated intestinal microecology, and increased the plasma concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. Full article

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. It has been estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Various BC risk factors, such as age, physical inactivity, and smoking, play a substantial role in BC occurrence and development. Early life dietary intervention with plant-based bioactive compounds has been studied for its potential role in BC prevention. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate, is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent extracted from broccoli sprouts (BSp) and other plants. Dietary supplementation of SFN suppresses tumor growth by inducing protective epigenetic changes and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Inulin, as a dietary fiber, has been studied for alleviating GI discomfort and weight loss by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Objective: Early-life combinatorial treatment with both phytochemical SFN and potential prebiotic agent inulin at lower and safer dosages may confer more efficacious and beneficial effects in BC prevention. Methods: Transgenic mice representing estrogen receptor-negative BC were fed 26% (w/w) BSp and 2% (w/v) inulin supplemented in food and water, respectively. Results: The combinatorial treatment inhibited tumor growth, increased tumor onset latency, and synergistically reduced tumor weight. Gut microbial composition was analyzed between groups, where Ruminococcus, Muribaculaceae, and Faecalibaculum significantly increased, while Blautia, Turicibacter, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 significantly decreased in the combinatorial group compared with the control group. Furthermore, combinatorial treatment induced a protective epigenetic effect by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Intermediates in the AKT/PI3K/MTOR pathway were significantly suppressed by the combinatorial treatment, including PI3K p85, p-AKT, p-PI3K p55, MTOR, and NF-κB. Cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death were induced by the combinatorial treatment via elevating the expression of cleaved-caspase 3 and 7 and inhibiting the expressions of CDK2 and CDK4, respectively. Orally administering F. rodentium attenuated tumor growth and induced apoptosis in a syngeneic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) mouse model. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that early-life dietary combinatorial treatment contributed to BC prevention and may be a potential epigenetic therapy that serves as an adjunct to other traditional neoadjuvant therapies. Full article

The growing demand for healthier meat products has driven the reformulation of processed meats to reduce saturated fat while preserving sensory and technological attributes. Buffalo meat (Bubalus bubalis), with its high protein content, low intramuscular fat, and favorable fatty acid profile, offers a promising base for healthier formulations. However, its fat content may compromise texture, juiciness, and flavor, necessitating strategies to optimize product quality. This study investigated the effects of replacing pork fat with inulin and pumpkin seed oil in a cooked buffalo meat product, focusing on compositional, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory parameters. Two plant-based ingredients were selected: inulin from chicory, used as a fat mimic due to its gel-forming ability, and pumpkin seed oil, a structural analog with antimicrobial activity. Preliminary trials identified optimal concentrations for balancing technological and functional performance. A 2% inclusion of pumpkin seed oil, exceeding its in vitro MIC (0.4–1.5%), ensured effectiveness in the food matrix. Reformulated products exhibited significantly reduced fat (p < 0.05), enhanced fiber, and a lipid profile rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (>45%), qualifying for European Union health claims. Oxidative stability improved (p < 0.01), and sensory analysis revealed enhanced aroma complexity, with nutty and roasted notes. Microbiological assessments confirmed a protective effect against spoilage bacteria. These results support the development of a nutritionally improved, microbiologically safer cooked product, such as mortadella-style sausage, while also offering strategies for broader innovation in reformulating functional meat products. Full article

This study investigated whether the supplementation of prebiotic inulin to gestating sows programmatically affects offspring growth performance and meat quality while exploring its epigenetic effects through histone acetylation modulation. After mating, sixty multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; parity 2–3) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with inulin (0% vs. 1.5%) and fat (0% or 5%) supplementation until farrowing. Post-weaning, five litters (10 piglets per litter) per treatment were selected and maintained in their original litter for fattening under standardized feeding. The results demonstrated that maternal inulin supplementation during gestation accomplished the following: (1) Increased offspring liver index by 13.4% at weaning and 6.8% at finishing (p < 0.05) while reducing the finishing-phase backfat thickness by 11.6% (p < 0.01), with a significant inulin × fat interaction attenuating fat-induced abdominal lipid accumulation at weaning (p = 0.05). (2) Decreased longissimus dorsi muscle lightness (L*) by 4.5% in finishing pigs (p = 0.02) without altering the other meat quality parameters. (3) Suppressed offspring liver lipid deposition at birth and finishing (p < 0.05), concomitant with upregulated hepatic PGC-1α and CPT1A expression (p < 0.05). (4) Elevated neonatal serum butyrate by 15.6% (p = 0.06) while inhibiting hepatic histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and enhancing histone H3/H4 acetylation (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that maternal inulin supplementation during gestation mitigates offspring hepatic lipid deposition through butyrate-mediated epigenetic regulation, where microbial-derived butyrate from inulin fermentation inhibits HDAC activity, enhances histone acetylation levels, and upregulates fatty acid β-oxidation gene expression. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into how maternal dietary fiber nutrition programs offspring development through epigenetic reprogramming. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have shown varying efficacy of high-fiber diets containing different ingredients in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This study aimed to identify which high-fiber diet protects against AAA in mice and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: This study compared inulin, cellulose, and chow diets in terms of their impact on aneurysm enlargement, elastin degradation, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 expressions, CD3+ T cell and CD68+ macrophage infiltration, and macrophage differentiation. It also examined gut microbiota composition, focusing on Akkermansia, and evaluated intestinal barrier function and systemic inflammatory response. Results: The inulin diet, but not the cellulose diet, compared with the chow diet, reduced aneurysm enlargement, elastin degradation, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 expressions, CD3+ T cell and CD68+ macrophage infiltration, and skewed macrophage towards M2 differentiation. The inulin diet enriched Akkermansia in both the small and large intestine. The inulin diet also enhanced the intestinal barrier by augmenting goblet cells, upregulating the gene related to the epithelial barrier and antibacterial peptides in the small intestine, and reducing circulating lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-1β levels. The inulin diet lowered the proportion of Ly6Chi monocytes and C-C chemokine receptor 2 expression on these cells in the bone marrow, reducing aneurysm infiltration. Administering Akkermansia to AAA mice decreased intestinal permeability and mitigated AAA. Conclusions: A diet rich in fermentable fiber inulin, as opposed to cellulose, alleviates AAA in mice. This beneficial effect is attributed to the enhanced presence of Akkermansia bacteria and improvement of the intestinal barrier. Full article

This study evaluated the impact of a proprietary blend of fruit and vegetable fibers rich in naturally occurring bound polyphenols (commercially marketed as NatureKnit^TM), compared to purified fibers (inulin and psyllium), on the human gut microbiome using the validated M-SHIME^® gastrointestinal model. A short-term single-stage colonic M-SHIME^® experiment (with fecal inoculum from three healthy human donors) was used to evaluate the test products compared to a negative control. Samples were assessed for pH, gas pressure, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, lactate, and ammonium from 0 h to 48 h. Microbial community composition was assessed at 0 h (negative control only), 24 h, and 48 h (lumen) or 48 h (mucosal). All test products were fermented well in the colon as demonstrated by decreases in pH and increases in gas pressure over time; these changes occurred faster with the purified fibers, whereas NatureKnit™ demonstrated slow, steady changes, potentially indicating a gentler fermentation process. SCFA production significantly increased over the course of the 48 h experiment with all test products versus negative control. SCFA production was significantly greater with NatureKnit™ versus the purified fibers. Shifts in the microbial community composition were observed with all test products versus negative control. At the conclusion of the 48 h experiment, the absolute bacterial abundance and the richness of observed bacterial taxa in the lumen compartment was significantly greater with NatureKnit™ compared with inulin, psyllium, and negative control. Overall, NatureKnit™ demonstrated greater or similar prebiotic effects on study measures compared with established prebiotic fibers. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between postprandial glycemic levels based on flashmonitoring and the production of intestinal hydrogen (H₂) and methane (CH₄) gases based on the measurement of the amount of these gases in exhaled air. Materials and Methods: We studied 14 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 14 individuals without diabetes (control) with two food load tests, including two types of dietary fiber (inulin and guar gum), with the simultaneous determination of gases in exhaled air and the assessment of glucose levels. Results: All subjects in the control group had a significant increase in exhaled H₂. OR for increased hydrogen production in patients with T2DM was 0.17 (95% CI 0.031–0.93, p = 0.043). The level of H₂ in exhaled breath after food load in patients with T2DM was lower than in normoglycemic subjects. There was an inverse correlation between maximum glucose rise and maximum H₂ in exhaled air after food load in normoglycemic subjects (r = −0.569, p = 0.034). Patients with T2DM had direct correlations between the level of CH₄ in exhaled air and the parameters of postprandial glycemia in the lactulose test (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The confirmation of a causal relationship between decreased H₂ production, increased intestinal CH₄ production, and more severe postprandial glycemia may identify new therapeutic targets in the correction of postprandial glycemia in patients with T2DM. Full article

Cohort studies consistently show that a high intake of cereal fiber and whole-grain products is associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Similar findings are also reported for infectious and chronic inflammatory disorders. All these disorders are at least partially caused by inflammaging, a chronic state of inflammation associated with aging and Metabolic Syndrome. Surprisingly, insoluble (cereal) fiber intake consistently shows stronger protective associations with most long-term health outcomes than soluble fiber. Most humans consume soluble fiber mainly from sweet fruits, which usually come with high levels of sugar, counteracting the potentially beneficial effects of fiber. In both observational and interventional studies, high-fiber diets show a beneficial impact on inflammation, which can be attributed to a variety of nutrients apart from dietary fiber. These confounders need to be considered when evaluating the effects of fiber as part of complex dietary patterns. When assessing specific types of fiber, inulin and resistant starch clearly elicit anti-inflammatory short-term effects, while results for pectins, beta-glucans, or psyllium turn out to be less convincing. For insoluble fiber, promising but sparse data have been published so far. Hypotheses on putative mechanisms of anti-inflammatory fiber effects include a direct impact on immune cells (e.g., for pectin), fermentation to pleiotropic short-chain fatty acids (for fermentable fiber only), modulation of the gut microbiome towards higher levels of diversity, changes in bile acid metabolism, a differential release of gut hormones (such as the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)), and an improvement of insulin resistance via the mTOR/S6K1 signaling cascade. Moreover, the contribution of phytate-mediated antioxidative and immune-modulatory means of action needs to be considered. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on the impact of fiber-rich diets and dietary fiber on the human inflammatory system. However, given the huge heterogeneity of study designs, cohorts, interventions, and outcomes, definite conclusions on which fiber to recommend to whom cannot yet be drawn. Full article

Inulin is a versatile biopolymer that is non-digestible in the upper alimentary tract and acts as a bifidogenic prebiotic which selectively promotes gut health and modulates gut–organ axes through short-chain fatty acids and possibly yet-to-be-known interactions. Inulin usage as a fiber ingredient in food has been approved by the FDA since June 2018 and it is predicted that the universal inulin market demand will skyrocket in the near future because of its novel applications in health and diseases. This comprehensive review outlines the known applications of inulin in various disciplines ranging from medicine to industry, covering its benefits in gut health and diseases, metabolism, drug delivery, therapeutic pharmacology, nutrition, and the prebiotics industry. Furthermore, this review acknowledges the attention of researchers to knowledge gaps regarding the usages of inulin as a key modulator in the gut–organ axes. Full article

Apple and beetroot pomace flour (APF and BPF), along with two sweeteners, sucrose and a blend of sucrose substitutes (erythritol, stevia, inulin, and fructose), were simultaneously incorporated into three matrices formulated with agar, pectin, or gelatin as gelling agents. The aim was to produce jelly candies with high content of dietary fiber and dietary phenolics, and reduced energy value. The simultaneous incorporation of sucrose substitutes and pomace flour resulted in decrease of Carb:Fiber and Sugar:Fiber Ratio to extremely low values of 2.7–3.4 and 1.3–1.6 respectively, as well as in Energy:Fiber Ratio decrease to 9.2–12.3 kcal/g DF. Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI), as indicator of antioxidant potential, was calculated by assigning equal weight to Folin–Ciocâlteu, DPPH and FRAP assays applied upon in vitro digestion of 18 formulations of jelly candies. Results obtained for formulations with and without sucrose, as well as with and without APF or BPF, enabled insight into effects of pomace flour addition and sucrose substitution in each gelling matrix on functional properties. The incorporation and the substitution impact on postprandial glucose response were followed in vivo. Their superimposing resulted in glycemic index below 30 and low glycemic load. Efficiency of applied approach in functionalization of confectionery burden with energy and minimization of glucose spike represent an example of agro-residues re-introduction with the highest potential contribution to anti-obesity strategy. Full article

Different dietary fibers have distinct structures, leading to significant variations in their laxative effects. To explore how these structural differences impact constipation intervention, a 14-day study was conducted on loperamide-induced constipated mice using five dietary fibers: soluble dietary fiber from steamed sweet potato (SDF-S), oat β-glucan (OB), polydextrose (PD), arabinogalactan (AG), and inulin (IN). The results showed that four fibers, excluding PD, significantly improved gastrointestinal (GI) transit rate (p < 0.05), although PD had the highest fecal moisture, it was significantly different from the lowest IN (p < 0.05). AG and IN resulted in higher 6 h fecal weights compared to other fibers. SDF-S and OB were more effective in modulating serum levels of gastrointestinal hormones. The different monosaccharide compositions and glycosidic bonds of these fibers led to distinct changes in gut microbiota composition and SCFA profiles. Galactose and arabinose in AG were linked to increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, Bacteroides, and Odoribacter, promoting butyrate fermentation, which is positively correlated with GI transit rate. Glucose in SDF-S, OB, and PD favored acetate fermentation positively correlated with fecal moisture. Fructose in IN encouraged the proliferation of Muribaculaceae_unclassified and Ruminococcus, associated with butyrate fermentation and increased 6 h stool weight, respectively. The β-glycosidic bonds in OB may lead to high butyrate production through the selective proliferation of Lachnospiraceae_unclassified. Minor components like fucose, rhamnose, and ribose were positively correlated with the abundance of Oscillospiraceae_unclassified, Anaerotignum, and Lachnospiraceae_unclassified. In conclusion, the unique monosaccharide compositions and glycosidic bond differences in dietary fibers selectively promote the proliferation of fiber-degrading and butyrate-producing bacteria, resulting in varied effects on constipation relief. Full article

The functional properties of food products, in addition to enrichment with functional components, can also be achieved by reducing the content of certain components such as sugars and fats, that is, by reducing the energy content of the product. Thus, the development of functional food products is aimed at various low-energy products, especially products with a reduced fat content, which normally represent the most concentrated source of energy. Fat replacers should simulate the functional properties of the fat. Polysaccharide-based fat replacers include a variety of native starches, modified starches, maltodextrins, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, polydextrose, inulin, pectin, other dietary fibers, and hydrocolloids. Technological properties required for the application of carbohydrate-based fat replacers are water-holding capacity, a certain level of viscosity, required form and particle size, three-dimensional networking and gel-forming ability, sensory abilities such as spreadability, softness, greasiness feeling in the mouth, and other fat-like properties. These fat replacers are usually applied in combinations with the aim of achieving all desired properties normally provided by fats in foods. In the contemporary literature, there are many examples of their application in different food products, including baked goods, meats, dairy products, and emulsion food systems, successfully reducing the fat content with or without minor alterations in the rheology or sensory features of food products. In summary, polysaccharides-based fat replacers offer an effective method for fat reduction in different food products along with enhancing the health benefits of reduced-fat foods. Full article