Validation of a new antidiabetic food concept targeting the gut microbiota composition.

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project is to validate and develop a novel pro- pre- and synbiotic food concept for prevention of obesity, type 2-diabetes and cardiovascular disease, based on enrichment of a specific gut bacteria, Prevotella copri (PC). The goal is to show that PC is safe to consume, survive through the gastrointestinal tract, and survive necessary management such as growing conditions and storage. In addition the goal is to identify specific PC stimulating prebiotics, and show that the pro- pre- and/or synbiotic food concept has a market potential.

Expected results and effects

It can be expected that the project will result in new gut-flora modulating foods with metabolic benefits. Important information for the progress of the project has been obtained. The results indicate that PC survive handling- and storage conditions, survive in relevant food matrices and remain viable through gastro-intestinal transit. No negative health effects were seen in mice consuming PC during 2 weeks. Moreover, specific PC-stimulating dietary fibre with potential health benefits are identified. Importantly, market analysis of the concept show important market potential

Planned approach and implementation

The focus has been to evaluate safety aspects in animal models regarding consumption of PC, as well as in-vitro studies of synergy effects of combining specific prebiotic mixtures and PC. In addition, PC viability has been studied in relevant food matrices, culture media, storage conditions, and in terms of survival through the gastrointestinal tract. Market potential for the gut flora modulating food concept has been studied, among other things, using focus groups consisting of potential users.