Fermentation of Fenugreek Fiber, Psyllium Husk, and Wheat Bran by Bacteroides ovatus V975

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the human colonic bacterium Bacteroides ovatus V975 to ferment fenugreek fiber (Fenufibers™), psyllium husk (Metamucil?), and wheat bran (Wheat Chex). Strain V975 was incubated in basal medium that contained 0.1 g of each fiber source for 0, 24, or 48 h. Little digestion of either fiber source was detected over 48 h, and little acetate or succinate was produced. From the lack of significant fiber digestion and fermentation by B. ovatus, it seems that all three fiber sources could be used as dietary supplements to increase roughage in the human diet. Received: 30 April 1999 / Accepted: 24 June 1999