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Foods
Special Issues
Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota
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Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 16826

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiaoyan Liu

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Guest Editor
School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
Interests: nutrition; functional food; gut microbiota
Prof. Dr. Chao Zhao

E-Mail
Guest Editor
College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Interests: algae; functional components; molecular nutrition; pharmacology research; nutritional evaluation; application of phytochemicals; aging and related complex diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am inviting you to submit a review or research paper to the upcoming Special Issue “Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota” to be published in the journal Foods.

The European Food Safety Authority provided a recent definition of dietary fiber as ‘non-starch polysaccharides, all resistant starches, all non-digestible oligosaccharides with three or more monomeric units and other non-digestible, but quantitatively minor components that are associated with dietary fiber polysaccharides, especially lignin’. Dietary fiber could influence individual gut microbiota directly or via alterations in gut transit and digestive functions. The role of the gut microbiota and its contribution to health is being increasingly recognized. The relationship between dietary fiber and the gut microbiota is complex. Understanding this relationship is an important perspective for nutrition and health.

The present Special Issue aims to collect papers concerning the investigation of the chemical structure and function of dietary fiber, or whole foods containing them, as positive or negative regulators of the commensal gut microbiota.

Dr. Xiaoyan Liu
Prof. Dr. Chao Zhao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • dietary fiber
  • gut microbiota
  • nutritional properties
  • functional foods
  • polysaccharides
  • non-digestible oligosaccharides
  • resistant starches
  • bioactive compounds

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3454 KiB  
Article
Effects of Prebiotic Dietary Fibers on the Stimulation of the Mucin Secretion in Host Cells by In Vitro Gut Microbiome Consortia
by Seonghun Kim, Ji Young Kang, Quang Anh Nguyen and Jung-Sook Lee
Foods 2024, 13(19), 3194; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193194 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1029
Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbiota are important for human health. Dietary intake may modulate the composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiome. We examined how the breakdown of prebiotic dietary fibers by the gut microbiome affects mucin secretion by intestinal epithelial cells. Metagenomic analyses [...] Read more.
The gastrointestinal microbiota are important for human health. Dietary intake may modulate the composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiome. We examined how the breakdown of prebiotic dietary fibers by the gut microbiome affects mucin secretion by intestinal epithelial cells. Metagenomic analyses of in vitro gut microbiome consortia revealed taxonomic profiles and genetic diversity of carbohydrate-active enzymes that digest polysaccharides. Two independent consortia exhibited different abilities to produce acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid via the fermentation of polysaccharides derived from dietary fibers of grains and mushrooms. Although acetic acid generally had the highest concentration, the ratios of butyric acid and propionic acid to acetic acid varied depending on the polysaccharide source. These short-chain fatty acids affected morphological differentiation and mucin secretion in HT-29 human intestinal epithelial cells. These results suggest that prebiotic dietary fibers can be digested and metabolized by the gut microbiome to short-chain fatty acids, which can affect gut epithelial cells both directly and indirectly via the modulation of the gut microbiota and their enzymes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota)
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23 pages, 8087 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Heat Treatments on Yak Milk Proteins on Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolism
by Senbiao Shu, Rong Jing, Liang Li, Wenhan Wang, Jinchao Zhang, Zhang Luo, Yuanyuan Shan and Zhendong Liu
Foods 2024, 13(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13020192 - 6 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1790
Abstract
Dairy products are susceptible to modifications in protein oxidation during heat processing, which can lead to changes in protein function, subsequently affecting intestinal health. Despite being a unique nutritional source, yak milk has not been thoroughly examined for the effects of its oxidized [...] Read more.
Dairy products are susceptible to modifications in protein oxidation during heat processing, which can lead to changes in protein function, subsequently affecting intestinal health. Despite being a unique nutritional source, yak milk has not been thoroughly examined for the effects of its oxidized proteins on intestinal microbiota and metabolism. Hence, this study employed different heat treatment methods (low-temperature pasteurization, high-temperature pasteurization, and high-temperature sterilization) to induce oxidation in yak milk proteins. The study then assessed the degree of oxidation in these proteins and utilized mice as research subjects. Using metagenomics and metabolomics methods, this study examined the structure of intestinal microbial communities and metabolic products in mice consuming oxidized yak milk. The results showed a decrease in carbonyl and total thiol contents of yak milk proteins after different heat treatments, indicating that heat treatment causes oxidation in yak milk proteins. Metagenomic analysis of mouse intestinal microbiota revealed significant changes in 66 genera. In the high-temperature sterilization group (H), key differential genera included Verrucomicrobiales, Verrucomicrobiae, Akkermansiaceae, and 28 others. The high-temperature pasteurization group (M) mainly consisted of Latilactobacillus, Bacillus, and Romboutsia. The low-temperature pasteurization group (L) primarily comprised of Faecalibacterium, Chaetomium, Paenibacillaceae, Eggerthella, Sordariales, and 33 others. Functionally, compared to the control group (C), the H group upregulated translation and energy metabolism functions, the L group the M group significantly upregulated metabolism of other amino acids, translation, and cell replication and repair functions. Based on metabolomic analysis, differential changes in mouse metabolites could affect multiple metabolic pathways in the body. The most significantly affected metabolic pathways were phenylalanine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. The changes were similar to the functional pathway analysis of mouse metagenomics, affecting amino acid and energy metabolism in mice. In summary, moderate oxidation of yak milk proteins exhibits a positive effect on mouse intestinal microbiota and metabolism. In conclusion, yak milk has a positive effect on mouse intestinal microflora and metabolism, and this study provides a scientific basis for optimizing dairy processing technology and further developing and applying yak milk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota)
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18 pages, 2942 KiB  
Article
Agrocybe aegerita Polysaccharide Combined with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 Attenuates Aging-Related Oxidative Stress and Restores Gut Microbiota
by Xiaoyan Liu, Yanyu Feng, Hongmin Zhen, Lina Zhao, Hongqiang Wu, Bin Liu, Guangsen Fan and Aijun Tong
Foods 2023, 12(24), 4381; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12244381 - 5 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1579
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the impacts of the combing of Agrocybe aegerita polysaccharides (AAPS) with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 (Bb-12) on antioxidant activity, anti-aging properties, and modulation of gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that the AAPS and Bb-12 complex significantly [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to examine the impacts of the combing of Agrocybe aegerita polysaccharides (AAPS) with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 (Bb-12) on antioxidant activity, anti-aging properties, and modulation of gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that the AAPS and Bb-12 complex significantly increased the average lifespan of male and female Drosophila melanogaster under natural aging conditions (p < 0.05), with an improvement of 8.42% and 9.79%, respectively. Additionally, the complex enhanced their climbing ability and increased antioxidant enzyme activity, protecting them from oxidative damage induced by H2O2. In D-galactose induced aging mice, the addition of AAPS and Bb-12 resulted in significantly increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, regulation of aging-related biomarker levels, changed gut microbiota diversity, restoration of microbial structure, and increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, particularly lactobacilli, in the intestines. These findings suggested that the complex of AAPS and Bb-12 had the potential to serve as a dietary supplement against organism aging and oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota)
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14 pages, 9042 KiB  
Article
The Potential Hypoglycemic Competence of Low Molecular Weight Polysaccharides Obtained from Laminaria japonica
by Aijun Tong, Dengwei Wang, Xiaoyan Liu, Zhiqun Li, Runfan Zhao, Bin Liu and Chao Zhao
Foods 2023, 12(20), 3809; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203809 - 17 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1721
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the hypoglycemic efficacy of low molecular weight polysaccharides fractions obtained from Laminaria japonica (LJOO) in a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) constructed using mice. Biochemical parameters were measured after 4 weeks of continuous gavage, and fasting [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the hypoglycemic efficacy of low molecular weight polysaccharides fractions obtained from Laminaria japonica (LJOO) in a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) constructed using mice. Biochemical parameters were measured after 4 weeks of continuous gavage, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations were analyzed. Pathological changes in tissues were assessed. The intestinal contents were obtained for 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing analysis and detection of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). LJOO lowered FBG and insulin concentrations. It altered the gut microbiota composition, as evidenced by enriched probiotic bacteria, along with an increase in the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and a decrease in the population of harmful bacteria. LJOO stimulated the growth of SCFA—producing bacteria, thereby increasing cecal SCFAs levels. LJOO can potentially aid in alleviating T2DM and related gut microbiota dysbiosis. LJOO may be used as a food supplement for patients with T2DM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota)
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21 pages, 6639 KiB  
Article
Regulatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and American ginseng Extract Formulation on Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolomics in Mice
by Fengli Zhang, Wenqi Huang and Lina Zhao
Foods 2023, 12(20), 3804; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203804 - 17 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1986
Abstract
The bioactivities of Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and American ginseng have been extensively studied and documented. However, the effects of their complexes on the structural properties of intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolism remain unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to present a [...] Read more.
The bioactivities of Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and American ginseng have been extensively studied and documented. However, the effects of their complexes on the structural properties of intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolism remain unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to present a preliminary study to shed light on this aspect. In this study, an immunocompromised mouse model was induced using cyclophosphamide, and Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and American ginseng extract formulation (referred to as JGGA) were administered via gavage to investigate their modulatory effects on gut microbiota and fecal metabolism in mice. The effects of JGGA on immune enhancement were explored using serum test kits, hematoxylin–eosin staining, 16SrDNA high-throughput sequencing, and UHPLC-QE-MS metabolomics. The findings revealed potential mechanisms underlying the immune-enhancing effects of JGGA. Specifically, JGGA administration resulted in an improved body weight, thymic index, splenic index, carbon scavenging ability, hypersensitivity, and cellular inflammatory factor expression levels in mice. Further analysis demonstrated that JGGA reduced the abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, while increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes. Additionally, JGGA modulated the levels of 30 fecal metabolites. These results suggest that the immune enhancement observed with JGGA may be attributed to the targeted modulation of gut microbiota and fecal metabolism, thus promoting increased immunity in the body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota)
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17 pages, 3705 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical Properties and Hypolipidemic Activity of Dietary Fiber from Rice Bran Meal Obtained by Three Oil-Production Methods
by Renwei Zhu, Sha Tan, Yayi Wang, Linwei Zhang and Liang Huang
Foods 2023, 12(19), 3695; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12193695 - 8 Oct 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1811
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of three oil production methods on the physicochemical properties of dietary fiber from rice bran flour, and the hypolipidemic effects of the dietary fibers were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The particle size results showed that the [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of three oil production methods on the physicochemical properties of dietary fiber from rice bran flour, and the hypolipidemic effects of the dietary fibers were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The particle size results showed that the organic-solvent-impregnated rice bran meal dietary fiber (N-RBDF) had the smallest average particle size and the aqueous enzymatic rice bran meal dietary fiber (E-RBDF) had the narrowest particle size distribution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results demonstrated that all three kinds of rice bran meal dietary fibers (RBDFs) were irregularly flaky. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results revealed that the three RBDFs had similar reactive groups, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that all three RBDFs were cellulose type I crystals. The results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that the lignin content of N-RBDF was significantly lower than that of the other two. Among the three kinds of RBDFs, E-RBDF had higher water retention capacity, swelling capacity, oil holding capacity, and adsorption capacity for cholesterol and sodium bile salts. The results of experimental studies in hyperlipidemic rats showed that all three kinds of RBDFs significantly reduced triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the serum of hyperlipidemic rats; they also significantly lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) and elevated total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the livers of rats. In addition, all three kinds of RBDFs decreased aminotransferase (ALT) and aminotransferase (AST) activity in serum and also improved liver steatosis and reduced atherosclerosis index (AI) in rats with hyperlipidemia. Our study provides a reference for the development and utilization of rice bran meal and the application of rice bran meal dietary fiber in food processing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota)
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Review

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22 pages, 841 KiB  
Review
Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Exercise and the Underlying Mechanisms
by Li Zhang, Ruhao Zhang and Lu Li
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1787; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091787 - 25 Apr 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5916
Abstract
Long-term, high-intensity exercise can trigger stress response pathways in multiple organs, including the heart and lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscle, and neuroendocrine system, thus affecting their material and energy metabolism, immunity, oxidative stress, and endocrine function, and reducing exercise function. As a natural, [...] Read more.
Long-term, high-intensity exercise can trigger stress response pathways in multiple organs, including the heart and lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscle, and neuroendocrine system, thus affecting their material and energy metabolism, immunity, oxidative stress, and endocrine function, and reducing exercise function. As a natural, safe, and convenient nutritional supplement, probiotics have been a hot research topic in the field of biomedical health in recent years. Numerous studies have shown that probiotic supplementation improves the health of the body through the gut–brain axis and the gut–muscle axis, and probiotic supplementation may also improve the stress response and motor function of the body. This paper reviews the progress of research on the role of probiotic supplementation in material and energy metabolism, intestinal barrier function, immunity, oxidative stress, neuroendocrine function, and the health status of the body, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota)
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