Effects of xylooligosaccharide on growth of bifidobacteria.

Abstract

Xylooligosaccharide was found to have a favorable effect on human intestinal flora. Xylooligosaccharide was utilized by bifido-bacteria, but it was not utilized by Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. in vitro. In vivo, xylooligosaccharide (5 g/day) promoted the growth of bifidobacteria, lowered fecal pH and helped to maintain the fecal water content within normal range. These results showed that xylo-oligosaccharide can selectively promote the growth of bifidobacteria and help to establish favorable environmental conditions in the intestines .