How to Choose the Right Dosage of AXOS Fiber

The most abundant DF in wheat bran is AX which can be hydrolysed by special endoxylanases to produce the arabinoxylooligosaccharides (AXOS) [36]. Numerous intervention studies in humans using breads supplemented with AXOS report positive effects on metabolic parameters such as overnight glycemic regulation, gut fermentation measured as breath H2 and circulating SCFA [47].

In particular, the consumption of AXOS-rich breads has been shown to promote the growth of the bacterium Bifidobacterium uniformis CECT 7771 in the colon, and the production of SCFA acetate, propionate and butyrate.

How to Choose the Right Dosage

Axylose-rich arabinoxylan oligosaccharides AXOS FIBER are a natural prebiotic, which have been shown to improve intestinal health by stimulating the growth of Bifidobacterium and improving gut barrier function and glucose homeostasis. They are also known to increase circulating levels of the peptides GLP-1, GLP-2 and PYY, all of which have been linked with improved metabolic function.

A recent study investigating the effects of cereal-based DF on gut microbiota composition showed that long-term intake of different dietary fibers containing AXOS (MWB, MRB and MRF) modulates bacterial communities in distal colon tracts by enhancing the abundance of species that either utilize or tolerate oligosaccharides produced from the degradation of AXOS, and/or benefit from the metabolic by-products of their breakdown (e.g., Faecalibacterium and Anaerobutyricum). NMDS analysis highlighted statistically significant differences in the bacterial community structure before and after the feeding with AXOS-containing DFs. Moreover, after the wash out period, communities that were fed with MF and MWB regrouped together, while those that consumed MRF and RF remained in separate clusters.

Axylose-rich arabinoxylans are produced by the endogenous enzyme xylose synthase, which is found in wheat bran and rye bran. Axylose-rich DFs are processed by the gut microbiota to generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which promote growth of beneficial bacteria, as well as other metabolic benefits, such as an improvement in glycemic control and gut fermentation.

How to Measure the Dosage

Many studies examining the prebiotic effects of AXOS have shown that the consumption of wheat-derived AXOS can promote gut microbiota colonization by Bifidobacterium species and increase fecal levels of SCFA. These results suggest that AXOS may act as a natural prebiotic fiber and could improve metabolic health in individuals with a high-fat diet.

However, the specific effect observed may be due to differences in the arabinoxylans used in different studies and their structural features. For example, corn bran arabinoxylans have a higher arabinose-to-xylose ratio and contain more galactose than wheat bran AXOS, which has a lower ratio. Furthermore, the structure of AXOS can affect bacterial responses to the prebiotic. For example, some Bifidobacterium strains are capable of using simple AXOS, while others require more complex AXOS structures to access them.

Another potential mechanism is the promotion of saccharolytic fermentation by the gut microbiota to produce SCFA. The production of SCFA is considered a key mechanism by which diet-based changes in the gut microbiota can impact host physiology. In fact, several studies have demonstrated that the consumption of AXOS-containing breads can significantly increase fecal and plasmatic levels of butyrate, acetate, and propionate in healthy subjects.

In addition, the consumption of AXOS-containing breads has also been associated with increased secretion of peptides such as GLP-1 and GLP-2 and PYY. These peptides are known to be involved in regulating appetite and glucose homeostasis.

How to Mix the Dosage

Research in humans and animal models show that consumption of AXOS can increase Bifidobacterium spp. and improve glucose homeostasis by promoting gut fermentation mediated by these microbes. This is also supported by the use of metagenomic and metabolomic approaches in the MyNewGut 4-week AXOS intervention which demonstrated that changes in gut microbiome gene functions, bacterial metabolites and host-microbe interactions contribute to improved glucose homeostasis. However, different DF have specific effects on gut bacteria and can stimulate the growth of some species but not others. AXOS extracted from corn bran arabinoxylan has a low specificity for the bacterium Bifidobacterium longum while wheat bran AXOS is much more selective and promotes a variety of genera, including Prevotella and Bacteroides ovatus.

The reason for this difference may be related to the complexity of the structure of AXOS extracted from different sources. The high arabinose-to-xylose ratio and the presence of complex side chains in wheat bran AXOS make it more difficult for bacteria to access and digest this molecule. In fact, a large repertoire of proteins and hydrolases is required to break down complex AXOS structures.

How to Store the Dosage

Arabinoxylan and its oligosaccharide form, AXOS fiber, have garnered considerable interest in the research community because of their potential health benefits. These natural prebiotics are able to significantly improve metabolic health by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing blood glucose levels and cholesterol, and decreasing plasma ceramide levels.

The differences between arabinoxylan and AXOS stem from the structure of their sugar chains, which vary in length and branching patterns. The physicochemical properties of these compounds influence their interaction with gut bacteria and their physiological effects on the human body.

In contrast to arabinoxylan, AXOS fiber is able to be fermented by beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. This fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which provide energy for the cells that line the colon. This process helps promote bowel regularity, reduce constipation, and maintain a healthy intestinal environment.

Conclusion

AXOS fiber also stimulates the production of mucus in the colon, which serves as a protective barrier against harmful substances entering the digestive tract. In addition to promoting gut health, AXOS fiber has been shown to have antioxidant properties and support immune cell function. This is important because the immune system can be weakened by oxidative stress, and it plays an essential role in protecting against chronic diseases. In addition, AXOS fiber has been shown to increase the activity of immune cells involved in tumor surveillance, which can help prevent abnormal cell growth and reduce the risk of cancer.