Agave Extracts Help Improve GI Health

Prebiotics are digestion-resistant compounds that feed the “good bacteria” in the GI tract.  The agave plant contains inulin, a polysaccharide for which some previous studies suggest a physiologic effect.  Kelly Swanson, from the University of Illinois (Illinois, USA), and colleagues enrolled 29 healthy adults in a 3-period crossover double-blind study in which subjects were randomized to 1of 3 groups: 0, 5.0, or 7.5 grams per day of agave inulin; each period was followed by a 7-day washout before crossover. Fecal samples were collected and fermented, then analyzed to determine gut bacteria populations.  Data analysis revealed that Bifidobacterium levels increased 4-fold after 5.0 and 7.5 grams per day agave inulin; as well, Desultivibrio levels decreased 40%.  Agave inulin consumption also associated with reduced fecal pH and increased butyrate – suggesting increased saccharolytic fermentation and reduced proteolytic fermentation.   The study authors observe that: “Agave inulin supplementation shifted the gastrointestinal microbiota composition and activity in healthy adults.”