A curve fitting approach to estimate the extent of fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates

Wang, H., Weening, D., Jonkers, E., Boer, T., Stellaard, F., Small, A., Preston, T. , Vonk, R.J. and Priebe, M.G. (2008) A curve fitting approach to estimate the extent of fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 38(11), pp. 863-868. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2008.02030.x)

Abstract

<p><b>Background</b>  Information about the extent of carbohydrate digestion and fermentation is critical to our ability to explore the metabolic effects of carbohydrate fermentation in vivo. We used cooked ¹³C-labelled barley kernels, which are rich in indigestible carbohydrates, to develop a method which makes it possible to distinguish between and to assess carbohydrate digestion and fermentation.</p> <p><b>Materials and methods</b>  Seventeen volunteers ingested 86 g (dry weight) of cooked naturally 13C enriched barley kernels after an overnight fast. ¹³CO₂ and H₂ in breath samples were measured every half hour for 12 h. The data of ¹³CO₂ in breath before the start of the fermentation were used to fit the curve representing the digestion phase. The difference between the area under curve (AUC) of the fitted digestion curve and the AUC of the observed curve was regarded to represent the fermentation part. Different approaches were applied to determine the proportion of the ¹³C-dose available for digestion and fermentation.</p> <p><b>Results</b>  Four hours after intake of barley, H2-excretion in breath started to rise. Within 12 h, 24–48% of the ¹³C-dose was recovered as ¹³CO₂, of which 18–19% was derived from colonic fermentation and the rest from digestion. By extrapolating the curve to baseline, it was estimated that eventually 24–25% of the total available ¹³C in barley would be derived from colon fermentation.</p> <p><b>Conclusion</b>  Curve fitting, using ¹³CO₂- and H₂-breath data, is a feasible and non-invasive method to assess carbohydrate digestion and fermentation after consumption of ¹³C enriched starchy food.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Preston, Professor Tom and Small, Mrs Sandra
• Authors: Wang, H., Weening, D., Jonkers, E., Boer, T., Stellaard, F., Small, A., Preston, T., Vonk, R.J., and Priebe, M.G.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: European Journal of Clinical Investigation
• ISSN: 1365-2362
• ISSN (Online): 1365-2362