BIFIDOGENIC PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FRUCTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES

Batch culture growth of eight species of bifidobacteria utilizing fructo-oligosaccharides teas compared to that with glucose. In comparison to other saccharolytic colonic bacteria such as members of the Clostridium and Bacteroides genera, the bifidobacteria preferred fructans as a source of carbon and energy. Variable growth of each of the different species occurred and was largely dependent on the type of oligosaccharide used. Oligofructose, which is a linear chain molecule comprising glucose and fructose (degree of polymerization = 4), had a higher bifidogenic effect than larger molecular weight carbohydrates and branched chain varieties. Specific growth rates, culture pH values and enzyme production data showed that Bifidobacterium infantis growth and activities were especially increased with oligofructose. It is possible that an increase in the concentration of fructose based oligosaccharides in diet will have bifidogenic properties. Bearing in mind the purported beneficial aspects of these bacteria, this may have a positive influence for health of the host.