Effects of mannooligosaccharides from coffee mannan on fecal microflora and defecation in healthy volunteers

Mannooligosaccharides (MOS) were purified from the thermally hydrolyzed mannan in spent coffee grounds, with the aim of achieving the full utilization of natural unused food material. The effects of MOS on fecal microflora and the defecating conditions in eight healthy volunteers were investigated. The subjects were administered MOS at 1.0 g/day and 3.0 g/day for 2 weeks. A 2 week interval was observed between the two dose intake periods. The content of Bifidobacterium significantly increased during the two periods (p < 0.05). It appeared that MOS intake had a tendency to increase the content of Bifidobacterium in fecal microflora depending on the dosage level. Defecating conditions were also improved at both dosage levels (p < 0.05). These results suggested that MOS ingestion caused Bifidobacterium to be the predominant bacteria in the intestine and improved defecation.