Flaxseed and buckwheat supplemented diets altered bacterial populations in the cecum and feces of mice (637.6)

Depending on the host’s dietary intake, bacterial populations in the gastrointestinal tract can vary in abundance and diversity. The objective of this research was to determine the growth and diversity of bacteria in the cecum and feces following flaxseed and buckwheat supplemented diets. Seventy-two C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned into one of the following diet groups and fed for eight weeks: Group 1 (45% Kcal fat, control); Group 2 (45% Kcal fat, 10% whole flaxseed); Group 3 (45% Kcal fat, 6% defatted flaxseed); Group 4 (45% Kcal fat, 4.5% flaxseed oil); Group 5 (45% Kcal fat, 10% buckwheat); and Group 6 (control diet, 12% Kcal fat, pair-fed to group 2). At week nine, fecal and cecum samples were collected for bacteria isolation. Significant differences in bacterial growth in the cecum (p < 0.0348) and feces (p < 0.0033) were observed among treatment groups. Within the Family of Enterobacteriaceae, including Serratia liquefaciens, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pantoea agglomerans, whole flaxseed a...