Reference Number: 354
Year: 2005
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Gut Microbiome - Creating Healthier Bread to Support Optimal Gut Health
Nutrition: Prebiotic
Inclusions: Honey
Summary
The effect of honey oligosaccharides on the growth of fecal bacteria was studied using an in vitro fermentation system. Prior to treatment, glucose and fructose (31.73 and 21.41 g/100 g of product, respectively) present in honey, which would be digested in the upper gut, were removed to avoid any influence on bacterial populations in the fermentations. Nanofiltration, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) treatment, and adsorption onto activated charcoal were used to remove monosaccharides. Prebiotic (microbial fermentation) activities of the three honey oligosaccharide fractions and the honey sample were studied and compared with fructooligosaccharide (FOS), using 1% (w/v) fecal bacteria in an in vitro fermentation system (10 mg of carbohydrate, 1.0 mL of basal medium). A prebiotic index (PI) was calculated for each carbohydrate source. Honey oligosaccharides seem to present potential prebiotic activity (PI values between 3.38 and 4.24), increasing the populations of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, although not to the levels of FOS (PI of 6.89).
What does this mean for a Baker?
This study is a very important study which looks at the prebiotic effects of consuming honey as part of a healthy diet. The study found that consuming honey lead to an increased growth rate in both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species within the gut microbiome. This may help to increase diversity within our gut microbiomes. Why not try making this Sesame Seed and Honey Sourdough Loaf (which was part of a collaboration with Toast)?
