“Fiber and Anthocyanin Mixtures for Improved Butyrate Production in Pediatric UC-Associated Fecal Microbiota”

Abstract

A considerable amount of research has been conducted on the recognition of the efficacy of dietary fibers and anthocyanins in modulating microbiota. However, their combined interaction in the context of ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fiber mixtures alone and in combination with anthocyanins on the efficiencies of colonic fermentation associated with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Including possible synergisms, with emphasis on butyrate, as an important metabolite in gut health and UC management. In vitro fermentations were performed with pooled stool samples from two pediatric UC donors, and the treatments were assessed at various time points (0, 12, 24, and 48 hours). To assess fermentation outcomes, pH, gas, SCFA, and butyrate production were measured. Further, the results were complemented by microbial profiling to confirm shifts in the microbiota. The results have indicated that the physicochemical properties of the fibers in fiber mixture B (FMB) favor the interaction between the fibers and anthocyanins, thereby improving the performance of fermentation. This resulted in a greater butyrate and more balanced SCFA profile production per mL of gas produced than what was observed with the single fiber mixture. These results confirm that the interactions between fiber and anthocyanin can enhance fermentation results. The following steps involve verifying these results using in vivo systems and clinical studies. This will help continue to assess the effects of anthocyanins and fiber mixtures on inflammation and symptoms in UC.