Impact_of_different_dietary_fibres_on_the_human_colonic_microbiota

The human gut microbiota can be heavily impacted by host diet, particularly by host consumption of dietary fibre. Dietary fibre is thought to promote the growth of beneficial groups of bacteria, such as butyrate producers, and is linked to long term gut health. It is therefore important to understand the role that diet plays in shaping the microbiota, and in increasing abundance and/or activity of potentially beneficial groups of bacterial species. This study used continuous culture fermentor vessels inoculated with human faecal microbiota with a range of dietary fibres as substrate source. The study also examined the impact of mixing different dietary fibres together on microbiota composition and activity.