Effect of Propionibacteria Supplementation on Fecal Bifidobacteria and Segmental Colonic Transit Time in Healthy Human Subjects

Abstract

Background: Some strains of Propionibacterium have bifidogenic properties and enhance gut motility in the animal. However, they are not part of the indigenous fecal flora. This study was designed to assess the digestive survival of ingested propionibacteria, their bifidogenic properties, and the resulting changes in colonic transit time in healthy humans. Methods: Eighteen subjects were given 5 · 10¹⁰ CFU propionibacteria/day during 2 weeks. Fecal concentrations of propionibacteria and bifidobacteria were counted before (day -8, day -1), during (day 7, day 14), and after (day 21, day 28) the supplementation. Colonic transit time was measured before and at the end of the 1st week of supplementation. Results