[Bacteria and dietary fiber].

The presence of cellulose particles, so in-vitro studies have shown, influences the growth rate and metabolic activity of the bacteria Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Chromobacterium violaceum. After the homogenization in Waring Blendor, the growth rate has been found to be highest in a medium containing 10% cellulose particles and to show a decreasing tendency in media containing 5%, 1% and 0% cellulose. The biochemical intensity, judged by glucose consumption and intensity of nitrate reduction, showed an inverse tendency. It seems necessary to add also the factor "biochemical activity" of the microorganisms to the effect of dietary fibres in the intestinal tract.