MOS Prebiotic Potential in Older Adults

The Prebiotic Potential of a Yeast Cell Wall Fraction Containing Mannooligosaccharides and β-glucans.

Mannooligosaccharides (MOS) derived from baker's yeast may have prebiotic properties such as improving gastrointestinal function. The aims of this study are to determine the effect of MOS on gastrointestinal function and symptoms and fecal microbiota in older adults.

Novel prebiotics with specific microbiome targets and without adverse gastrointestinal symptoms are needed for the exploration of health benefits. This is a 3-week, open-label pilot study designed to evaluate the effect of 15 g per day of yeast-derived mannooligosaccharides on gastrointestinal symptoms, stool frequency, fecal microbiome, and urinary metabolites.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults 50-99 years of age.
• Able to provide written informed consent in English.
• Willingness to complete all study procedures
• Healthy or diagnoses with Parkinson's or multiple system atrophy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Yeast allergy.
• Self-reported kidney disease.
• Elite athletes or long-distance runners.
• Use of antibiotic drugs (e.g., neomycin, rifaximin) within 1 month of the screening visit.
• Current use of laxatives or antidiarrheal medications.
• Use of other investigational products within 3 months of the screening visit.
• Previously or currently being treated for any intestinal disease or condition, including IBS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, or gastrointestinal cancer (self-report).
• Previous gastrointestinal surgery (e.g., gastric bypass, fundoplication, bowel resection)
• Current cancer treatment
• Currently pregnant