Mixed
The metabolic response (specifically butyrate vs. propionate production) to dietary fiber supplementation is determined by the donor's baseline microbiota composition (Bacteroidaceae-Ruminococcaceae vs. Prevotellaceae-Ruminococcaceae dominance) rather than the specific type of fiber consumed.
Prebiotic fibers do not work in a vacuum; your existing gut bacteria dictate the health benefits you get. If your microbiome is dominated by Bacteroidaceae, fibers like inulin or beta-glucan will likely boost butyrate. If dominated by Prevotellaceae, they will likely boost propionate. There is no single 'best' fiber for everyone; the effect is personalized by your baseline microbiome.
Irrespective to the DF supplemented, the Bacteroidaceae-Ruminococcaceae dominated microbiota produced more butyrate (up to 96%), while the Prevotellaceae-Ruminococcaceae dominated microbiota produced more propionate (up to 40%).
Why this rating
High-quality in vitro continuous fermentation model with two distinct, stable human microbiota replicates, though not a clinical trial.
Source
Understanding the prebiotic potential of different dietary fibers using an in vitro continuous adult fermentation model (PolyFermS)
Sophie A. Poeker et al. · Scientific Reports · 2018
DOI 10.1038/s41598-018-22438-y
Related findings · Mixed
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