Soyoligosaccharide increases fecal bifidobacteria counts, short-chain fatty acids, and fecal lipid concentrations in young Korean women

The effects of soyoligosaccharide intake on human fecal characteristics were investigated by measuring the fecal water content, bifidobacteria counts, pH, and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lipids. Sixteen young women were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) 1.5 g/day soyoligosaccharide intake group [low soyoligosaccharide (LSO)] or (2) 3 g/day soyoligosaccharide intake group [high soyoligosaccharide (HSO)]. The experimental period was 30 days, and fecal samples were collected every 7 days. The number of bifidobacteria in feces was increased significantly in the HSO group. Of the fecal SCFAs, propionate and butyrate concentrations were significantly increased in the HSO group. The excretions of total lipids in feces were significantly increased in both the LSO and HSO groups. These results demonstrate that a soyoligosaccharide intake of 3 g/day increases fecal bifidobacteria counts, SCFA concentrations, and fecal lipid output in Korean young women.