The effect of agave fructan products on the activity and composition of the microbiota determined in a dynamic in vitro model of the human proximal large intestine

Inulin and trans-galactooligosaccharides have so far fully met the criteria for prebiotics. This study shows the effect of putative prebiotics Metlos and Metlin (short and medium chain branched fructans from agave) on the activity and composition of the gut microbiota compared to the effects of two linear inulin type fructans (Synergy1 and Actilight) in order to evaluate their possible application as functional food. The method used was a dynamic in vitro model of the large intestine. With Synergy1 and Actilight, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli increased, whereas with Metlin and Metlos, primarily lactobacilli increased. With all four substrates, the butyrate production was increased which may have a beneficial impact on health. The production of the potentially harmful putrefactive metabolites was reduced by all substrates. Based on the definition of prebiotics and the results of this study, Metlos and Metlin should be considered as potential prebiotics. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.