Health-Promoting Opportunities of Hemp Hull: The Potential of Bioactive Compounds.

Hemp hull is the outer coat of the hemp seed, derived from the plant Cannabis sativa L., Cannabaceae. While much attention has been paid to hemp seed for its oil, protein and micronutrient content, far less attention has been given to hemp hull, a side stream of hemp processing. Hemp hull is a source of bioactive compounds, dietary fiber, minerals as well as protein, lipids and carbohydrates. Of note, two bioactive compounds, n-trans-caffeoyltyramine and n-trans-feruloyltyramine have been identified in hemp hull as key bioactive compounds that support gut health, liver function and other physiological processes. Both of these compounds were identified as agonists of the transcription factor, hepatic nuclear factor-4 alpha which has been implicated in gene expression that governs gut permeability, factors associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, and hepatic lipid homeostasis. Additionally, the dietary fibers in hemp hull have been demonstrated to be novel prebiotics, which may further amplify hemp hull's effect on gut health and metabolic health. This review article summarizes the nutritional content of hemp hull, explores the physiological effects of bioactive compounds found in hemp hull, and identifies opportunities for further research on hemp hull for human health benefit.

Nutritional Bar with Potato-Based Resistant Starch Attenuated Post-Prandial Glucose and Insulin Response in Healthy Adults.

Resistant starch is a non-digestible starch fraction and is classified as fiber. Beyond naturally occurring fiber sources, starches can be modified to resist digestion, increase their fiber content and provide physiological benefits. The current study examined acute postprandial glycemic responses of VERSAFIBE™ 1490 resistant starch type-4, containing 90% total dietary fiber (TDF, AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Collaboration International) 991.43 method). In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, healthy adults (n = 38) consumed a nutritional bar containing either control (2 g), medium (21 g) or high (30 g) fiber. The test bars were matched with control for available carbohydrates, fat and protein. Venous glucose, insulin, and capillary glucose were measured. Mean ± SEM capillary glucose incremental area-under-curve (iAUC0)-120 min in min*mmol/L was lower (p < 0.005) for both fiber bars (136.2 ± 9.2 and 137.0 ± 10.4 for the medium and high fiber bars, respectively) compared to the control bar (174.9 ± 13.5). Mean venous insulin iAUC0-120 min in min*pmol/L was also lower for medium (8096.3 ± 894.5) and high fiber (7533.8 ± 932.9) bars, respectively, compared to the control bar (11871.6 ± 1123.9, p < 0.001). Peak capillary glucose and venous insulin concentrations were also significantly reduced (p < 0.001) after consumption of both fiber bars compared to the control bar. The results of this study suggest that nutritional bars containing potato based RS4 fiber reduced post-consumption glycemic and insulinemic responses when consumed by generally healthy adults.

Food prototype containing resistant starch type 4 on postprandial glycemic response in healthy adults.

Resistant starch (RS) is a variant of starch that is indigestible by human enzymes and has been acknowledged for multiple physiological benefits including attenuation of postprandial glycemia when incorporated into foods. Distarch phosphate is a RS type 4 (RS4) containing phosphodiester cross-links within and between starch molecules. Considering the importance of RS to human health, the present study aimed to investigate the dose response effect of a novel RS4 (potato-derived distarch phosphate - (VERSAFIBE 1490™) on acute postprandial glycemic responses compared with energy/available carbohydrate and sugar-matched control. The study was designed as a controlled, single-center randomized, single-blinded, cross-over trial, in which 31 healthy adults consumed a baked breakfast cereal bar containing 0, 10 or 20 g RS4 followed by serial blood samples over two hours to determine glucose and insulin concentrations and calculate the incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Results suggest that the addition of RS4 did not reduce iAUC glucose or insulin responses significantly (P > 0.05) at the doses provided. No significant changes in the glucose or insulin maximum concentration (Cmax) and time to reach maximal glucose and insulin concentrations (Tmax) were observed (P > 0.05). Overall, this particular RS4 did not affect measures of glycemia in healthy individuals at doses provided in ready-to-eat baked-good.

Resistant Starch Content in Foods Commonly Consumed in the United States: A Narrative Review.

Resistant starch (RS; types 1 to 5) cannot be digested in the small intestine and thus enters the colon intact, with some types capable of being fermented by gut microbes. As a fiber, types 1, 2, 3, and 5 are found naturally in foods, while types 2, 3, and 4 can be added to foods as a functional ingredient. This narrative review identifies RS content in whole foods commonly consumed in the United States. Scientific databases (n=3) were searched by two independent researchers. Ninety-four peer-reviewed articles published between 1982 and September 2018 were selected in which the RS was quantified and the food preparation method before analysis was suitable for consumption. The RS from each food item was adjusted for moisture if the RS value was provided as percent dry weight. Each food item was entered into a database according to food category, where the weighted mean±weighted standard deviation was calculated. The range of RS values and overall sample size for each food category were identified. Breads, breakfast cereals, snack foods, bananas and plantains, grains, pasta, rice, legumes, and potatoes contain RS. Foods that have been cooked then chilled have higher RS than cooked foods. Foods with higher amylose concentrations have higher RS than native varieties. The data from this database will serve as a resource for health practitioners to educate and support patients and clients interested in increasing their intake of RS-rich foods and for researchers to formulate dietary interventions with RS foods and examine associated health outcomes.

Novel Resistant Starch Type 4 Products of Different Starch Origins, Production Methods, and Amounts Are Not Equally Fermented when Fed to Sprague-Dawley Rats.

SCOPE: The possible mechanisms of production of four novel resistant starch type 4 (RS4) products for total cecal fermentation in an in vivo rodent model are evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty weanling rats are randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8) for a 3-week study. Starches are the RS type 4 products, as 10% of weight of RS diets (RSA-RSD), and AMIOCA starch (100% amylopectin) comprises 53.6% weight of control (CON) and 43.6% weight of RS diets. The RS products vary by percent purity and origin (potato, corn, tapioca). At euthanasia, cecal contents, serum, GI tract, and abdominal fat are collected. RSB, RSC, and RSD fed rats have greater empty cecum weights, lower cecal content pH, higher cecal content wet weight, and higher total cecal content acetate and propionate than the CON and RSA fed rats. Two other indicators of fermentation, total cecal contents butyrate and glucagon-like peptide 1, do not have significant ANOVA F values, which require more subjects for 80% power. CONCLUSION: RS4 products that are produced from different starch origins with varying amounts of RS4 content and different methods of production are not uniformly fermented in an in vivo model.

Glycemic Index of Slowly Digestible Carbohydrate Alone and in Powdered Drink-Mix.

Consumer interest in food and beverages with carbohydrates offering steady glucose release and lower glycemic index (GI) continues to rise. Glycemic index is one of the metrics for carbohydrate quality. Slowly digestible carbohydrates (SDC) offer an ingredient solution to improve carbohydrate quality and meet consumer needs. SUSTRATM 2434 slowly digestible carbohydrate is a blend of tapioca flour and corn starch. The study objective was to determine the glycemic index of the SDC ingredient alone and in a powdered drink-mix. In a randomized, single-blind study, heathy adults (n = 14) consumed four test drinks, delivering 50 g available carbohydrates on separate days to measure GI. Participants either consumed dextrose in water (placebo), SDC ingredient in water, SDC drink-mix powder reconstituted in skim milk, or control drink-mix reconstituted in skim milk (without SDC). Post-prandial glucose response was measured over 4 h. SDC exhibited lower GI (0-2 h) and higher steady glucose release (beyond 2 h). SDC alone (GI = 27) and SDC in drink-mix (GI = 30.3) showed significantly lower GI (-27%) compared to dextrose (100) and the control drink-mix (41.5). SUSTRATM 2434 SDC is a low glycemic ingredient, suitable for product innovations with potential for low glycemic and steady glucose release claims.

Postprandial glucose and insulin response to a high-fiber muffin top containing resistant starch type 4 in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: VERSAFIBE™ 2470 resistant starch (RS) is an RS type 4 that is derived from high-amylose maize starch,70% total dietary fiber (TDF; AOAC method 2009.01). This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover study to evaluate the postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses of healthy adults (n = 28) after the consumption of a muffin top made with VERSAFIBE™ 2470 RS (11.6 g TDF fiber muffin top) or a control muffin top (0.9 g TDF). METHODS: The muffin tops were matched for weight, total carbohydrate, sugars, protein, and fat. During each treatment period, subjects consumed a standard evening meal, fasted for 12 h, and arrived at the study clinic the following morning. Serum glucose, serum insulin, and capillary glucose were measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after muffin top consumption. The subjects completed a 7-d washout period between treatments. RESULTS: The consumption of the fiber muffin top resulted in a significant 33% reduction in postprandial serum glucose incremental area under the curve from 0 to 120 min and an 8% decrease in maximum glucose concentration versus the control muffin (P = 0.037 and P = 0.007, respectively). The fiber muffin top reduced postprandial serum insulin incremental area under the curve from 0 to 120 min by 38% compared with the control muffin top (P <0.001), which aligns with the blood glucose data. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the inclusion of a practical dose of dietary fiber (11.6 g TDF) from VERSAFIBE™ 2470 RS in a bakery product significantly reduced postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy adults.

Gastrointestinal Tolerance and Glycemic Response of Isomaltooligosaccharides in Healthy Adults.

Ingredients delivering functional and nutritional benefits are of interest to food manufacturers. Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) which serve as alternate sweeteners fit into this category. IMOs are a mixture of α-(1 → 6) and α-(1 → 4)-linked glucose oligomers, synthesized by an enzymatic reaction from starch (corn, tapioca). The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentability and glycemic response of IMO in a healthy population. Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over human studies were conducted. In the first study (n = 26), participants' breath hydrogen over 24 h, gastrointestinal tolerance, and glycemic and insulinemic response to BIOLIGOTM IL5040 isomaltooligosaccharide were measured. In another study (n = 10), participants' two-hour post-prandial glycemic response to BIOLIGOTM IL5040 isomaltooligosaccharide and BIOLIGOTM IL7010 isomaltooligosaccharide was measured compared to dextrose (control). The IMOs differed in the composition of mono and di-saccharide sugars. IMO syrup dose was matched for 50 g of total carbohydrates and was consumed by mixing in water (237 mL/8 oz.). Mean composite gastrointestinal score was not significantly different (p = 0.322) between the control (1.42) and IMO (1.38). Lack of difference in glycemic response (p = 0.662), with no impact on breath hydrogen (24 h; p = 0.319) and intestinal tolerance, demonstrates that IMO is digestible and can be used to replace sugars in product formulations.

Fermentability of Novel Type-4 Resistant Starches in In Vitro System.

Resistant starches are non-digestible starches that are fermented in the colon by microbiota. These carbohydrates are prebiotic and can be beneficial to consumer health. Many types of resistant starch exist with varying physical properties that may result in differences in fermentability. The objective of this research project was to compare potential prebiotic effects and fermentability of four novel resistant starches using an in vitro fermentation system and measuring changes in total gas production, pH, and formation of SCFAs (short chain fatty acids). Fecal donations were collected from seven healthy volunteers. Four novel resistant starches, modified potato starch (MPS), modified tapioca starch (MTS), and modified maize starches (MMS-1 and MMS-2), were analyzed and compared to polydextrose and short chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as controls. After twenty-four hours of fermentation, MPS and MTS responded similarly in gas production (74 mL; 70.6 mL respectively), pH (5.93; 5.93 respectively), and SCFA production (Acetate: 115; 124, Propionate: 21; 26, Butyrate: 29; 31 µmol/mL respectively). While MMS-1 had similar gas production and individual SCFA production, the pH was significantly higher (6.06). The fermentation of MMS-2 produced the least amount of gas (22 mL), with a higher pH (6.34), and lower acetate production (78.4 µmol/mL). All analyzed compounds were fermentable and promoted the formation of beneficial SCFAs.

Type-4 Resistant Starch in Substitution for Available Carbohydrate Reduces Postprandial Glycemic Response and Hunger in Acute, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study.

Resistant starch (RS) is a type of dietary fiber that has been acknowledged for multiple physiological benefits. Resistant starch type 4 (RS4) is a subcategory of RS that has been more intensively studied as new types of RS4 emerge in the food supply. The primary aim of this randomized, double-blind, controlled study was to characterize the postprandial glucose response in healthy adults after consuming a high fiber scone containing a novel RS4 or a low fiber control scone without RS4. Secondary aims included assessment of postprandial insulin response, postprandial satiety, and gastrointestinal tolerance. The fiber scone significantly reduced postprandial glucose and insulin incremental areas under the curves (43-45% reduction, 35-40% reduction, respectively) and postprandial glucose and insulin maximum concentrations (8-10% and 22% reduction, respectively). The fiber scone significantly reduced hunger and desire to eat during the 180 min following consumption and yielded no gastrointestinal side effects compared with the control scone. The results from this study demonstrate that a ready-to-eat baked-good, such as a scone, can be formulated with RS4 replacing refined wheat flour to yield statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in blood glucose and insulin excursions. This is the first study to report increased satiety after short-term RS4 intake, which warrants further investigation in long-term feeding studies.

Slowly Digestible Carbohydrate for Balanced Energy: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence.

There is growing interest among consumers in foods for sustained energy management, and an increasing number of ingredients are emerging to address this demand. The SUSTRA™ 2434 slowly digestible carbohydrate is a blend of tapioca flour and corn starch, with the potential to provide balanced energy after a meal. The aim of the study was to characterize this starch's digestion profile in vitro (modified Englyst assay) and in vivo (intact and cecectomized rooster study), and to determine its effects on available energy, by measuring post-prandial glycemia in healthy adults (n = 14), in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, with two food forms: cold-pressed bar and pudding. The in vitro starch digestion yielded a high slowly digestible fraction (51%) compared to maltodextrin (9%). In the rooster digestibility model, the starch was highly digestible (94%). Consumption of slowly digestible starch (SDS), in an instant pudding or bar, yielded a significantly lower glycemic index compared to a control. At individual time points, the SDS bar and pudding yielded blood glucose levels with significantly lower values at 30-60 min and significantly higher values at 120-240 min, demonstrating a balanced energy release. This is the first study to comprehensively characterize the physiological responses to slowly digestible starch (tapioca and corn blend) in in vitro and in vivo studies.

A High Fiber Cookie Made with Resistant Starch Type 4 Reduces Post-Prandial Glucose and Insulin Responses in Healthy Adults.

Distarch phosphate is a resistant starch type 4 (RS4) containing phosphodiester cross-links within and between starch molecules. This study examined the glycemic effects of VERSAFIBE 1490™ resistant starch, a distarch phosphate derived from potato, containing 90% total dietary fiber (TDF, AOAC 991.43 method). In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, 28 healthy adults consumed a cookie containing 24 g fiber from distarch phosphate (fiber cookie) or a control cookie containing 0.5 g fiber that was matched for fat, protein, and total carbohydrate content. Intravenous blood glucose, intravenous blood insulin, and capillary glucose were measured for two hours after cookie consumption. The fiber cookie reduced the post-prandial blood glucose incremental area under the curve from 0 to 120 minutes (iAUC0-120min) by 44% (p = 0.004) and reduced the maximum glucose concentration (Cmax0-120min) by 8% (p = 0.001) versus the control cookie. Consumption of the fiber cookie resulted in a significant 46% reduction of the post-prandial serum insulin iAUC0-120min (p < 0.001) and a 23% reduction in Cmax0-120min (p = 0.007) versus the control cookie. This study shows that distarch phosphate RS4 can be incorporated into a cookie and significantly reduce post-prandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy adults.

Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber.

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that the public should consume adequate amounts of dietary fiber from a variety of plant foods. Dietary fiber is defined by the Institute of Medicine Food Nutrition Board as "nondigestible carbohydrates and lignin that are intrinsic and intact in plants." Populations that consume more dietary fiber have less chronic disease. Higher intakes of dietary fiber reduce the risk of developing several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, and have been associated with lower body weights. The Adequate Intake for fiber is 14 g total fiber per 1,000 kcal, or 25 g for adult women and 38 g for adult men, based on research demonstrating protection against coronary heart disease. Properties of dietary fiber, such as fermentability and viscosity, are thought to be important parameters influencing the risk of disease. Plant components associated with dietary fiber may also contribute to reduced disease risk. The mean intake of dietary fiber in the United States is 17 g/day with only 5% of the population meeting the Adequate Intake. Healthy adults and children can achieve adequate dietary fiber intakes by increasing their intake of plant foods while concurrently decreasing energy from foods high in added sugar and fat, and low in fiber. Dietary messages to increase consumption of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts should be broadly supported by food and nutrition practitioners.

High Amylose White Rice Reduces Post-Prandial Glycemic Response but Not Appetite in Humans.

The present study compared the effects of three rice cultivars on postprandial glycemic control and appetite. A single-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial was performed with 18 healthy subjects, nine males and nine females. Three treatments were administered at three separate study visits: commercially available conventional white rice (short grain), specialty high amylose white rice 1 (Dixiebelle), and specialty high amylose white rice 2 (Rondo). Postprandial capillary blood glucose, venous blood glucose and insulin measurements, and appetite visual analog scale (VAS) surveys were done over the course of two hours. The capillary blood glucose concentrations were significantly lower for Rondo compared to short grain rice at 30 min, and for Dixiebelle and Rondo compared to short grain rice at 45, 60, and 120 min. Capillary blood glucose area under the curve (AUC) was significantly lower for Dixiebelle and Rondo compared to short grain rice. Subjects were significantly more hungry at 30 min after Dixiebelle intake than Rondo intake, but there were no other significant effects in appetite ratings. The present study determined that intake of high amylose rice with resistant starch (RS) can attenuate postprandial blood glucose and insulin response in comparison to short grain rice.

Effect of variety and cooking method on resistant starch content of white rice and subsequent postprandial glucose response and appetite in humans.

Rice is a staple carbohydrate throughout much of the world. Previous work indicated that resistant starch (RS) content of rice consumed in India varied with rice variety and cooking method. This study quantified RS in 4 white rice varieties (jasmine, long grain, medium grain, and short grain) cooked in three manners (oven baked, conventional rice cooker, and pressure cooker), and analyzed for RS content immediately after preparation or after 3 days of refrigeration at 4°C. The rice varieties with the highest and lowest RS content were selected for a pilot- scale trial to characterize postprandial glycemic response and appetite ratings in healthy adults (n=21). Refrigerated long-grain rice cooked in a conventional rice cooker had the highest RS content (HRS, 2.55 g RS/100 g) and refrigerated short-grain rice cooked in a pressure cooker had the lowest RS content (LRS, 0.20 g RS/100 g). These rice samples were served reheated in the clinical trial. Glucose area under the curve (AUC) were significantly lower with HRS and LRS compared to glucose beverage; however, there was no difference between HRS and LRS. Glycemic indices did not differ significantly between HRS and LRS. Subjects reported an overall increased feeling of fullness and decreased desire to eat based on incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for both HRS and LRS compared to control. This study found that RS naturally occurring in rice had minimal impact on the postprandial glycemic response and appetite.

Dietary treatments for childhood constipation: efficacy of dietary fiber and whole grains.

Constipation in children is defined on the basis of several clusters of symptoms, and these symptoms are likely to persist into adulthood. The aim of this review article is to summarize the current literature on the use of dietary fiber and whole grains as treatments for childhood constipation. Current recommendations for fiber intake in children vary substantially among organizations, suggesting that the function of fiber in children is not fully understood. Additionally, no formal definition of "whole grain" exists, which further complicates the interpretation of the literature. Few randomized controlled trials have examined the effect of dietary fiber supplementation in children with constipation. Currently, no randomized controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of whole grains in treating childhood constipation. This is an area that warrants further attention. Increasing the intake of dietary fiber and/or whole grain has the potential to relieve childhood constipation; however, additional randomized controlled trials are necessary to make a formal recommendation.

Wheat dextrin, psyllium, and inulin produce distinct fermentation patterns, gas volumes, and short-chain fatty acid profiles in vitro.

Dietary fiber fermentation decreases luminal pH by the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Additional proposed physiological benefits of fiber fermentation include decreased growth of pathogenic bacteria, increased mineral absorption, and serving as an energy source for the colon epithelium. This study examined three common fiber supplements--wheat dextrin (WD) (Benefiber, Novartis Consumer Health Inc., Parsippany, NJ, USA), psyllium (PS) (Metamucil, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH, USA), and inulin (Fiber Sure, Procter & Gamble)--for pH, SCFAs, and gas production. An established in vitro fermentation model was used to simulate colonic fermentation at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours. At 24 hours, WD and inulin significantly decreased pH compared to PS. Inulin produced significantly more hydrogen and total gas. All treatments produced similar total SCFA concentrations at 24 hours; however, the rate of production was different. PS had a declining rate of SCFA production from 12 to 24 hours, whereas WD and inulin had a higher rate during that period. Fast-fermenting substrates may not provide as much SCFAs to the distal colon as slow-fermenting substrates. Differences in fermentation rate, gas production, and SCFA production observed for WD, PS, and inulin may affect their gastrointestinal tolerance and require further study.

Evaluation of the effect of four fibers on laxation, gastrointestinal tolerance and serum markers in healthy humans.

BACKGROUND: Average dietary fiber intake in the United States is roughly half of the recommended amount. As new dietary fiber products are introduced to increase fiber intake, it is critical to evaluate the physiological effects of such fibers. AIMS: This study examined the effect of 4 fibers derived from maize or tapioca on fecal chemistry, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and serum markers of chronic disease. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects completed the single-blind crossover study in which 12 g/day of fiber (pullulan, Promitor Resistant Starch, soluble fiber dextrin or Promitor Soluble Corn Fiber) or placebo (maltodextrin) were consumed for 14 days followed by a 21-day washout. GI symptom surveys were completed (days 3 and 14), stools were collected (days 11-14), diet was recorded (days 12-14) and fasting blood samples were obtained (day 15). RESULTS: The 4 test fibers were well tolerated, with mild to moderate GI symptoms. Total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations did not differ among the treatments. Fecal pH and individual SCFAs were affected by some treatments. Stool weight and serum markers of chronic disease did not change with these treatments. CONCLUSION: Increasing fiber intake by 12 g/day was well tolerated and may have a positive impact on colon health due to fermentation.

Particle size and fraction of wheat bran influence short-chain fatty acid production in vitro.

Whole grains are associated with decreased risk of chronic disease and decreased risk of obesity. Several mechanisms may be involved including SCFA production via fibre fermentation in the colon. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of wheat bran particle size (large/coarse v. small/fine) and wheat bran fraction (whole bran v. aleurone v. aleurone by-product) in SCFA production using a batch in vitro fermentation system with human faecal inoculum. Five samples were compared: large-particle bran, small-particle bran, aleurone, coarse by-product, fine by-product. Fine by-product produced the greatest SCFA concentrations. By-product (both coarse and fine) produced greater SCFA concentrations than bran (both large and small particle sizes). Aleurone produced SCFA concentrations similar to small-particle bran. The molar percentage of butyrate at 24 h was significantly greater for large-particle bran than the other samples. Small/fine particle size and by-product fraction of bran increased SCFA production compared with large/coarse particle size, and aleurone and whole bran. Bran characteristics and composition should be considered when manufacturing foods due to the diversity of physiological effects.

Assessment of dietary fiber fermentation: effect of Lactobacillus reuteri and reproducibility of short-chain fatty acid concentrations.

This investigation had two aims: (i) to determine the reproducibility of SCFA production of two fibers: wheat dextrin and inulin, in two separate in vitro batch fermentation systems, and (ii) to determine if the addition Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic bacterium, enhanced the fermentation of wheat dextrin, inulin, and psyllium using in vitro batch fermentation. Samples were removed at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h. SCFAs were measured by GC. L. reuteri improved inulin's fermentation profile by reducing the total SCFA peak at 4 h and enhancing fermentation at 8 and 12 h. Wheat dextrin and psyllium were largely unaffected. Wheat dextrin's total SCFA and propionate production curves were steady and replicable, but concentration values varied between fermentations. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) and wheat dextrin had similar fermentation patterns from 0-8 h, but PHGG plateaued at 8 h for all measures. Psyllium produced peak SCFA concentrations at 8 h, similar to inulin. L. reuteri could be combined with inulin for enhancing fermentation, but it does not improve wheat dextrin or psyllium fermentation. Wheat dextrin will likely produce similar physiological within a group of individuals due to the reproducibility of fermentation.