Quinoa Soluble Fiber and Quercetin Alter the Composition of the Gut Microbiome and Improve Brush Border Membrane Morphology In Vivo (<i>Gallus gallus</i>)

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a gluten-free pseudo-cereal, has gained popularity over the last decade due to its high nutritional value. Quinoa is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, tocopherols (Vitamin E), unsaturated fatty acids and a wide range of polyphenols. The study used Gallus gallus intra-amniotic feeding, a clinically validated method, to assess the effects of quinoa soluble fiber (QSF) and quercetin 3-glucoside (Q3G) versus control. Quercetin is a pharmacologically active polyphenol found in quinoa. Six groups (no injection, 18 Ω H2O, 5% inulin, 1% Q3G, 5% QSF, 1% Q3G + 5% QSF) were assessed for their effect on the brush border membrane (BBM) functionality, intestinal morphology and cecal bacterial populations. Our results showed a significant (p L. plantarum populations compared to the control (H2O). In conclusion, quercetin and quinoa fiber consumption has the potential to improve intestinal morphology and modulate the microbiome.

Keywords

• in vivo
• polyphenols
• quinoa
• microbiome
• gene expression
• quercetin