Effects of Japanese Apricot Fiber on Gut Health in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Tamura Motoi, Ohnishi Yuriko, Kotani Tatsuya, Gato Nobuki
Primary Institution: National Food Research Institute, The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Hypothesis
Fiber from Japanese apricot can change gut function and intestinal flora in mice.
Conclusion
Ume fiber significantly increased fecal output and altered intestinal flora in mice compared to cellulose.
Supporting Evidence
- The amount of feces was significantly greater in the UF group than in the CF group.
- Fecal lipids content was significantly greater in the UF group than in the CF group.
- Occupation ratios of Bacteroides and Clostridium cluster IV were significantly greater in the UF group.
Takeaway
Mice that ate fiber from Japanese apricots pooped more and had different bacteria in their guts than those that ate regular fiber.
Methodology
Mice were fed either ume fiber or cellulose diet for 40 days, and various gut health parameters were measured.
Limitations
The study was short-term (40 days), and further long-term studies are needed.
Participant Demographics
Male Crj: CD-1 (ICR) mice, seven weeks old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.058
Statistical Significance
p < 0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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