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BACKGROUND & AIMS: Inulin-type fructans (ITF) prebiotics promote changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to determine variations on fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration in obese women treated with ITF and to explore associations between Bifidobacterium species, SCFA and host biological markers of metabolism. METHODS: Samples were obtained in a randomized, double blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial, with 30 obese women randomly assigned to groups that received either 16 g/day ITF (n = 15) or maltodextrin (n = 15) for 3 months. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of Bifidobacterium spp. was performed in feces by PCR-DGGE and q-PCR, and SCFA profile was analyzed by gas chromatography. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between the different variables analyzed. RESULTS: The species Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis were significantly increased at the end of the treatment in the prebiotic group (p < 0.01) with being B. longum negatively correlated with serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin (p < 0.01). Total SCFA, acetate and propionate, that positively correlated with BMI, fasting insulinemia and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) (p < 0.05), were significantly lower in prebiotic than in placebo group after the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: ITF consumption selectively modulates Bifidobacterium spp. and decreases fecal SCFA concentration in obese women. ITF could lessen metabolic risk factors associated with higher fecal SCFA concentration in obese individuals.

Experimental data in animals, but also observational studies in humans, suggest that the composition of the gut microbiota differs in obese vs. lean individuals, in patients with vs. without diabetes, or in patients presenting other diseases associated with obesity or nutritional disbalance, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we describe how changes in the composition and/or activity of the gut microbiota by administration of nutrients with probiotic or prebiotic properties can modulate host gene expression and metabolism and thereby positively influence host adipose tissue development and related metabolic disorders.

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial disorder that has become one of most prevalent health issues of the 21st century. Recent evidence suggests that an altered composition and functionality of the gut microbiota plays a key role in the increased prevalence of obesity. In this regard, gut microbiota modulation through the diet emerges as an efficient approach for the management of obesity. We provide an overview of the current evidence regarding the potential benefits of functional foods containing probiotics and prebiotics on reduction of weight and body fat and the use of these nutritional ingredients for the development of tailor-made solutions to fight against the epidemic of obesity.