Effect of Synbiotic on Composition of Human Gut Microbiota and Production of Short and Branched-chain Fatty Acids

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over, single centre, 14 week clinical trial on healthy volunteers. Following a two week run-in-period, subjects were randomized, and treatment with synbiotic or placebo for 21 days was given, followed by a 3-week wash-out period before the second treatment period, followed by a another wash-out period. Volunteers completed questionnaires for each period on overall health and well being, stool frequency and consistency and gastrointestinal symptoms. The subjects were asked to collect fecal samples for investigation of microbiological and microbial metabolites before and after three treatment periods. The primary objective of the study is tan increase in fecal butyrate concentration. Secondary objectives are changes in microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids.

Inclusion Criteria:healthy individuals between 18-50 years of age who had not used antibiotics three months prior to the trial

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Exclusion Criteria:

• chronic illness
• regular intake of medication (except birth-control pills)
• post-menopausal women