Gut microbiota modulatory capacity of Brassica oleracea italica x alboglabra (Bimi ® )

Abstract

Abstract Many human diseases, including obesity and its comorbidities, have been related with changes in the gut microbiota profile, specifically with changes in bacterial diversity and richness. The main goal of the present work is to investigate the modulatory effect of Brassica oleracea italica x alboglabra (Bimi®) on gut microbiota composition through an in-vitro digester and an in-vivo trial. The digester simulates the entire gastrointestinal digestive process by using five interconnected compartments (stomach, small intestine and the three colonic sections). The human trial included 15 Spanish adults who included 90 g of Bimi® every two days into their habitual diet. This clinical trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the reference NCT04799223 and date of registration of March 16th, 2021. In vitro results showed many short chain fatty acids (SCFA)-producing bacteria favoured by synergetic effects of the fibres, resistant starch and polyphenols present in Bimi®. The human intervention confirmed some of these results and evidenced an increase in beneficial bacteria, suggesting that Bimi® is capable of modulating gut microbiota towards a healthier status, with great potential in the management of human disorders related to microbiota dysbiosis.