Effects of a Diet Based on Inulin-rich Vegetables on Gut Health and Nutritional Behaviour in Healthy Humans

Modification of the Gut Microbiota Following the Consumption of Inulin-rich Vegetables: Effect on Gut Tolerance, Transit, Behaviour and Digestion in Healthy Humans

Inulin-type fructans (ITF) are fermentable dietary fibres that can confer beneficial health effects through changes in the gut microbiota. However, their effect on gut sensitivity and nutritional behaviour is a matter of debate.

The investigators evaluated, in healthy individuals, the impact of shifting from their usual food habits towards a diet based on the daily consumption of ITF-rich vegetables on gut microbiota, gastro-intestinal symptoms and food-related behaviour.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI between 20 and 25 kg/m²
• Caucasian ethnicity
• Hydrogen producers (assessed by hydrogen breath test)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smokers
• Laxative consumption (<4 weeks)
• Severe intestinal problems
• Psychiatric problems or use of antipsychotic
• Consumption of antibiotics, pro/prebiotics, fibre dietary supplement, or any molecules that modifies the intestinal transit (<6 weeks)
• Specific dietary practise (vegetarian, vegan,...)
• Specific dietary treatment (<6 weeks) (e.g. high protein diet)
• Excessive alcohol consumption (>3 glasses/day)
• Consumption of the following drugs: proton pump inhibitor, antidiabetic drugs, cholesterol lowering drugs
• Inconclusive acceptability test (regarding the protocol of the intervention and the vegetables used in the protocol)