USE OF A NOVEL PASSIVE E-NOSE TO MONITOR ADHERENCE TO A HIGH SOLUBLE FIBER DIET

Soluble fiber is fermented in the large intestine producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These fermentation-generated SCFAs release the gut hormone glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1), shown to reduce hunger and promote satiety, while providing up to 2 kcal/g of energy. Although 90% of SCFAs are absorbed by the colon, the 10% that are released by stool defecation generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be captured by air sensors. We have developed a device, a home-based Electronic Nose (E-Nose), that has demonstrated the ability to passively monitor for the presence of VOCs. This device represents a real-time cost-effective way to monitor patient compliance with a high-soluble fiber diet, one that would generate endogenous GLP-1 release.