A pilot study has shown that resistant dextrin positively influences gut microbiota among healthy male adults, regardless of dietary fiber intake levels. Conducted between July 2021 and August 2023, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 124 participants who were assigned to receive either 15 g/day of resistant dextrin (NUTRIOSE®) or a placebo for four weeks.
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The study focused on the effects of resistant dextrin on the gut microbiota composition, assessing the relative abundance of the Parabacteroides genus, microbiota function, as well as fecal characteristics such as pH and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Of the 124 subjects, 62 were in the intervention arm and 62 in the placebo arm, with participants averaging 36.2 years in age and having a normal body mass index. It was observed that the baseline mean relative abundance of Parabacteroides in those with low fiber intake was 1.5%, while it was 1.3% in those consuming a higher fiber diet.
Upon supplementation, the relative abundance of Parabacteroides increased significantly to 5.5% in the resistant dextrin group compared to 1.4% in the placebo group, marking a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). Two weeks post-intervention, levels returned to baseline. Specific species such as P. distasonis showed pronounced increases in abundance. Functional analysis revealed a tendency for resistant dextrin to enhance bacterial genes related to α- and β-glucosidase activities, while decreasing those associated with propionate production.
Overall, the findings indicate that resistant dextrin supplementation effectively modulates gut microbiota profiles in healthy adult males, with stronger effects observed in those with higher fiber intakes. This study adds to the body of evidence supporting the role of soluble fibers as prebiotics. The clinical trial is registered under identifier NCT05105425.