Prebiotics selectively modulate the gut microbiome toward health-associated states. Because distinct candidate prebiotic compounds selectively stimulate microbial taxa and metabolic pathways, combining complementary ingredients may broaden or enhance beneficial outcomes. In the present study, Cryptobiotix and Roquette Frères investigated the effects of blends of glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) and the resistant dextrin NUTRIOSE® (NUTR).
Using the SIFR® technology, we tested GDL and NUTR individually and in five blend ratios spanning the full range from GDL-dominant to NUTR-dominant, capturing how their effects combine across the compositional spectrum. Gut microbes rapidly fermented GDL, which specifically promoted Bifidobacterium adolescentis, while boosting butyrate producers (F. prausnitzii, A. hallii) and health-associated amino acid derivatives (e.g. indole-3-propionic acid). NUTR acted more gradually, strongly promoting propionate through stimulating Bacteroides and Parabacteroides, as well as specific Lachnospiraceae taxa.
GDL/NUTR blends displayed ratio-dependent intermediate effects of the individual ingredients. NUTR-associated bacteria responded even at low NUTR levels, while GDL-associated taxa required higher GDL concentrations, with pronounced effects from 50G:50N, suggesting this ratio may offer a balanced, complementary profile.
GDL/NUTR blends increased vitamin B6 and 3-methylxanthine, compounds associated with host metabolism and gut homeostasis, and with neuroprotective and cardioprotective activity, respectively. Blends also demonstrated strengthening effects on the gut barrier under LPS-induced inflammatory stress conditions. This suggests that the changes GDL and NUTR administration induce in the gut metabolome may help support gut lining resilience under inflammatory conditions, pointing to complementary value in combining these two ingredients.
Full article: Truffin et al, 2026, Front. Microbiol
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