Effect of Xylooligosaccharide on the Growth of Bifidobacteria

Xylooligosaccharide was found to have a favorable effect on human intestinal flora. Xylooligosaccharide was utilized by bifidobacteria, but it was not utilized by Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. in vitro. In vivo, xylooligosaccharide (5 g/day) promoted the growth of bifidobacteria, lowered fecal pH and helped to maintain the fecal water content within normal range. These results showed that xylooligosaccharide can selectively promote the growth of bifidobacteria and help to establish favorable environmental conditions in the intestines.