A beverage containing orange pomace improves laxation and modulates the microbiome in healthy adults: A randomised, blinded, controlled trial

Abstract

The aim was to assess whether citrus pomace increases stool frequency in healthy adults. In this randomised, blinded, controlled trial, healthy adults (62% females) received a beverage containing pomace (473 mL/day, providing 10 g fibre/day, n = 111) or control (n = 110) for 3 weeks. Stool frequency, Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores were self-assessed. 24-h diet recalls were completed once/week. Stool microbiota were analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR. Mean total daily fibre intake was higher with pomace vs. control (P < 0.0001). Mean weekly stool frequency was higher, indicating improved laxation, with pomace vs. control (P = 0.0281) and increased from baseline with pomace (P = 0.0003) but was unchanged with control. Mean BSFS scores were higher with pomace vs. control (P = 0.04). GSRS indigestion syndrome scores, specifically symptoms of gas and bloating, were higher with pomace, suggesting fermentation. Pomace intake increased faecal OTUs corresponding to Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae.Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT02979496.

Keywords

• Dietary fibre
• Pomace
• Pectin
• Intestinal microbiota
• Bifidobacteria
• Healthy adults