Study: Acacia Gum is a Bifidogenic Dietary Fibre with High Digestive Tolerance in Healthy Humans
What the study looked at
This research investigated whether acacia gum, a naturally derived dietary fibre, acts as a prebiotic in humans and how well it is tolerated by the digestive system. The study explored its ability to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while remaining comfortable to digest in healthy individuals.
How the study was conducted
Healthy human volunteers consumed acacia gum in specified daily amounts over a 10-day period. The researchers then measured key outcomes such as:
- The amount and activity of beneficial gut bacteria (like bifidobacteria and lactic acid-producing species) in stool samples.
- Digestive tolerance, including any gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., bloating, gas, cramps, diarrhoea).
- Comparison was made with a control (sucrose) to see how acacia gum performs relative to a non-prebiotic substance.
What the Study Found
The main findings included:
Prebiotic Effect: Acacia gum increased beneficial bacteria levels in the gut, particularly bifidobacteria and other lactic-acid-producing microbes (a hallmark of prebiotic activity)
- High Digestive Tolerance: Most individuals tolerated acacia gum well even at relatively high daily doses, with minimal mild symptoms. Digestive comfort was high compared with control groups.
- There was no major disruption to total anaerobic or aerobic bacteria counts, suggesting that the effect was selective toward beneficial microbes without upsetting overall gut ecology.
What This Means
Here’s what these results suggest for consumers:
- Gentle Prebiotic Support: Acacia gum is a well-tolerated, gentle dietary fibre that can help nurture beneficial gut microbes without common fibre-related discomfort.
- Supports Digestive Wellbeing: By feeding key gut bacteria like bifidobacteria, acacia gum contributes to a more supportive gut environment, which is related to better digestive comfort and overall gut health
Study: Co-Supplementation of Baobab Fiber and Arabic Gum Synergistically Modulates the In Vitro Human Gut Microbiome Revealing Complementary and Promising Prebiotic Properties
What the study was about
This study investigated the effects of baobab fibre and acacia (Arabic gum), tested individually and in combination, on the human gut microbiome using an in vitro digestive system model.
The primary aim was to assess whether these fibres exhibit prebiotic properties and whether their combination results in complementary or synergistic effects on microbial composition and metabolic activity within the gut model.
How they did it
The researchers used the SHIME® in vitro gut model, a well-established and widely used system designed to closely simulate the conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract. The SHIME® model reproduces key features of human digestion, including sequential gut compartments and controlled environmental conditions that allow microbial communities to behave in a way that reflects the human colon.
The experimental design included:
- Administration of baobab fibre alone
- Administration of acacia (Arabic gum) alone
- Administration of a combination of baobab fibre and acacia (Arabic gum)
- Repeated dosing over a defined experimental period
Microbial composition was analysed using sequencing-based techniques. Microbial metabolic activity was assessed by measuring fermentation products, including short-chain fatty acids, as well as other microbial metabolites.
What they found
The study found that both baobab fibre and acacia (Arabic gum) influenced the gut microbiome within the in vitro model, with differences observed depending on whether the fibres were administered alone or in combination.
Key findings included:
- Both fibres modulated microbial community structure and metabolic activity
- The combined fibre treatment resulted in effects that differed from those observed with either fibre alone
- The combination led to increased production of short-chain fatty acids, particularly propionate
- Changes were observed in bacterial taxa associated with fibre fermentation, including Akkermansiaceae and Christensenellaceae
- Additional microbial metabolites were detected at higher levels in the combined fibre condition compared with single-fibre conditions
What it means according to the study
The authors concluded that baobab fibre and Acacia (Arabic gum) demonstrate complementary prebiotic properties within the SHIME® gut model.
The results indicate that combining these fibres alters microbial composition and fermentation patterns differently than administering either fibre alone.
