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Journal of the American College of Nutrition Volume 18, 1999 - Issue 4
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Original Papers

The Effect of Wheat Bran Particle Size on Laxation and Colonic Fermentation

David J.A. Jenkins Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital; Department of Nutritional Sciences (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., Y.-M.L., E.V.) University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
, MD, PhD, FACN,
Cyril W.C. Kendall Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital; Department of Nutritional Sciences (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., Y.-M.L., E.V.) University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
, PhD,
Vladimir Vuksan Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital; Department of Nutritional Sciences (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., Y.-M.L., E.V.) University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
, PhD,
Livia S.A. Augustin Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital; Department of Nutritional Sciences (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., Y.-M.L., E.V.) University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
, MSc,
Yu-Min Li Department of Nutritional Sciences (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., Y.-M.L., E.V.) University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
, MD,
Brenda Lee Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital
, MSc,
Christine C. Mehling Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital
, RD,
Tina Parker Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital
, RD,
Dorothea Faulkner Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital
, RD,
Hilda Seyler Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital
, MSc,
Edward Vidgen Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., B.L., C.C.M., T.P., D.F., H.S., E.V.) St. Michael’s Hospital; Department of Nutritional Sciences (D.J.A.J., C.W.C.K., L.S.A.A., V.V., Y.-M.L., E.V.) University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
, BS &
Victor Fulgoni III The Kellogg Company, Battle Creek, Michigan (V.F.)
, PhD show all
Pages 339-345 | Received 01 Oct 1998, Accepted 01 Dec 1998, Published online: 07 Jun 2013
 
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Abstract

Objective: Due to perceived inferior fecal bulking ability, finely ground wheat bran is not recommended for treatment of colonic disorders, despite possible short chain fatty acid generation with potential benefits for colonic mucosal health. We therefore tested the effects of very fine particle size wheat bran on colonic function.

Methods: Two studies, each with three phases, were undertaken in healthy subjects in a randomized crossover design. In one study (metabolic, n=23) subjects took three diets containing either an additional 19 g/d dietary fiber with mean particle size (MPS) 50μm or 758μm in bread or a control low fiber bread. In the other study where the supplement was provided as a breakfast cereal (ad libitum, n=24) the respective wheat bran MPS were 692μm and 1158μm and the control was low fiber. Fecal collections were obtained during the last week of each diet. In the metabolic study, fecal short chain fatty acids were measured and 12-hour breath gas collections obtained.

Results: In both studies, wheat bran supplements significantly increased fecal bulk compared to the control (p<0.004), with no significant differences between brans of different particle size and no differences in fecal water content. However, higher fecal butyrate concentrations (p<0.007), butyrate output and breath CH4 levels (p=0.025) were seen on the low MPS wheat bran compared to the other two treatments, suggesting increased bacterial fermentation.

Conclusions: Fine MPS wheat bran is an effective fecal bulking agent and may have added advantages if increased butyrate concentrations promote colonic mucosal integrity.

Funded by the University-Industry Research Partnership Program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and The Kellogg Company, Toronto, Canada.

The authors wish to thank Kellogg Canada Inc, Etobicoke, ON; Parrheim Foods Ltd, Saskatoon, SK; Loblaw Brands Ltd, Toronto, ON; Westhill Dairy Inc, Downsview, ON; Bestfoods Canada Inc, Etobicoke, ON; and Kraft Canada Inc, Don Mills, ON, for the generous donation of foods used in this study. The authors would also like to extend sincere thanks to Ken Fulcher of Parrheim Foods Ltd; Kathy Galbraith of Natural Temptations Bakery, Burlington, ON; Beth Olson of The Kellogg Company, Battle Creek, MI; Robert Chenaux and Larry Griffin of Loblaw Brands Ltd, Jim Smith of Westhill Dairy Inc, Jeanne D’Arc Charron of Bestfoods Canada Inc, and Dayle Sunohara of Kraft Canada Inc, for their assistance on this project. Thanks are also extended to Renato Novokmet, George Koumbridis and Nalini Irani who provided excellent technical assistance.

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