Comprehensive evaluation of the prebiotic properties of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides, β-glucan, and inulin during in vitro fermentation via multi-omics analysis

Dietary fiber is crucial for human health mainly due to its impact on gut microbiota structure and metabolites. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOP) and two common fibers (β-glucan and inulin) on the gut microbiome structure and metabolic profile in vitro. Fecal samples were obtained from 30 healthy volunteers, which were then individually subjected to fermentation with each type of fiber. The results revealed that all fibers were efficiently degraded by gut microbiota, with DOP exhibiting a slower fermentation rate compared to β-glucan and inulin. The fermentation of all fibers led to a significant increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and a reduction in branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), sulfides, phenols, and indole. Moreover, the abundance of unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, which was positively correlated with sulfide, phenols, and indole levels, was significantly reduced by all fibers. Additionally, DOP specifically promoted the growth of Parabacteroides, while β-glucan and inulin promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium. Taken together, these findings enhance our understanding of the role of DOP, β-glucan, and inulin in modulating gut microbiota and metabolites, where the fermentation with fecal bacteria from different volunteers could provide valuable insights for personalized therapeutic approaches. [Display omitted] •Gut microbiota of humans can efficiently degrade DOP, β-glucan, and inulin.•DOP, β-glucan, and inulin promoted the production of SCFAs while inhibiting BCFAs.•DOP, β-glucan, and inulin inhibited the proliferation of Enterobacteriaceae.•DOP, β-glucan, and inulin inhibited the production of indole and p-cresol.•DOP selectively promoted the proliferation of Parabacteroides.