Lime application for the efficient production of nutraceutical glucooligosaccharides from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-742 (ATCC13146).

We have previously demonstrated the production of glucooligosaccharides via a fermentation of sucrose with Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-742 using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to control the pH. Because NaOH is expensive, we sought to minimize the cost of our process by substituting hydrated lime and saccharate of lime (lime sucrate) in its place. The yield of glucooligosaccharides using either 5 % lime (41.4 ± 0.5 g/100 g) or 5 % lime sucrate (40.0 ± 1.4 g/100 g) were both similar to the NaOH control (42.4 ± 1.5 g/100 g). Based on this, it appears that the cost associated with pH control in our process can be reduced by a factor of approximately 2.4 using lime instead of NaOH. Because our chromatographic stage is based on a Ca(2+)-form resin to separate glucooligosaccharides, the use of lime not only negates the need for costly de-salting via ion-exchange (elimination of two ion-exchange sections) prior to separation, but also greatly reduces the resin regeneration cost.

Improvement in Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms From a Food-grade Maltosyl-isomaltooligosaccharide Soluble Fiber Supplement: A Case Series.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common medical condition. Symptom improvement from ingested prebiotic soluble fiber has not been reported previously. In fact, a related soluble fiber, fructooligosaccharides, has been shown to worsen GERD. We report on a series of 24 patients with GERD, 88% of which improved after several weeks of daily consumption of a specific maltosyl-isomaltooligosaccharide (MIMO) fermented prebiotic soluble fiber. We also report on 2 proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-dependent patients with GERD who, after beginning daily MIMO, were able to eliminate PPI therapy. The hypotheses explaining the mechanism for GERD improvement with MIMO is discussed. To the best of our knowledge, these cases are the first time any prebiotic soluble fiber has been reported to improve or eliminate symptoms of GERD and enable patients with GERD to decrease or eliminate their PPI therapy.

A Survey of Commercially Available Isomaltooligosaccharide-Based Food Ingredients.

Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) are included in many commercially available food products including protein/fiber bars, shakes, and other dietary supplements. Marketed as "high fiber," "prebiotic soluble fiber," and/or as a "low-calorie, low glycemic sweetener," IMO may be present in significant amounts, for example, more than 15 g/item or serving. Herein, high-pressure anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection and high-pressure liquid chromatography with differential refractive index detection are used to compare 7 commercially available IMO-containing bulk food ingredients. The ingredients are typical of those produced either (a) via bacterial fermentation ("fermented" IMO or MIMO) of sucrose in the presence of a maltose acceptor mediated by a glucosyltransferase enzyme (dextransucrase), or (b) via transglycosylation of hydrolyzed starch with α-glucosidase ("industrial" IMO). Analysis of the results with respect to digestibility suggests that the potential glycemic impact of the ingredients and products containing "industrial" IMO may be inconsistent with the product labeling and/or certificates of analysis with respect to overall fiber content, prebiotic fiber content, and glycemic response and are thus inappropriate for diabetic patients and those on low-carbohydrate (for example, ketogenic) diets.