The effect of olestra on breath gas production and faecal microbial counts.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of olestra consumption on breath hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) production and faecal microbial counts in humans consuming moderate or high fibre diets. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of olestra consumption on health status.

DESIGN

Thirty-six-day parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with baseline low fibre period (3 g/meal, 8 days) and treatment period (28 days). Four treatment groups: moderate (7 g/meal) or high fibre (24 g/meal), with olestra (24 g) or placebo.

SETTING

Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh, Scotland.

SUBJECTS

Ninety-seven adult subjects (30 males and 67 females) from the hospital staff and student population participated in the study. Ninety-four subjects successfully completed the study.

INTERVENTION

Breath H2 and CH4 production were measured and faecal specimens were obtained for faecal microbial viable counts and direct microscopic cell counts at the end of the baseline period and the end of the treatment period. Standard clinical blood and urine assays were performed. Subjects were questioned regarding adverse events.

RESULTS

Olestra demonstrated no significant effect on breath H2 or CH4 production following either moderate or high fibre intake. A trend for lower breath H2 production in the high fibre olestra group was seen. No effect of olestra consumption on faecal microbial counts or health status was observed.

CONCLUSION

In normal subjects 24 g/d of olestra for 36 days does not interfere with normal intestinal fermentation of dietary fibre and does not significantly alter gut microflora populations.