Bifidogenic effect and stimulation of short chain fatty acid production in human faecal slurry cultures by oligosaccharides derived from lactose and lactulose.

Bifidogenic effect and stimulation of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production by fractions of oligosaccharides with a DP> or =3 and Gal beta(1-6) linkages synthesised from lactose or lactulose by Pectinex Ultra SP-L and Lactozym 3000 L HP G were evaluated in human faecal slurries. Results were compared with those obtained for the commercial oligosaccharide mixture Vivinal-GOS. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that all galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) fractions stimulated slightly higher bifidobacteria growth than lactose, lactulose and Vivinal-GOS. GOS fractions promoted the production of total SCFA and acetic acid in a similar way to Vivinal-GOS and more than glucose, lactose and lactulose. In conclusion, oligosaccharides derived from lactose and lactulose may represent a suitable alternative to lactulose for the design of new functional food ingredients.