WHNRC (Western Human Nutrition Research Center) Fiber Intervention Study

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

Inulin, a dietary fiber supplement, is known to increase gut levels of potentially beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium that are indigenous to gut microbiomes. Our underlying hypothesis is that the commensal microbiome, including Bifidobacterium, in the proximal colon or distal ileum affec...

Inulin, a dietary fiber supplement, is known to increase gut levels of potentially beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium that are indigenous to gut microbiomes. Our underlying hypothesis is that the commensal microbiome, including Bifidobacterium, in the proximal colon or distal ileum affects the environment of draining lymph nodes and can thus modulate immune responses, including to vaccines. In the current study, participants will consume 12 grams/day inulin or maltodextrin (control) for 4 weeks before the administration of the Ty21a typhoid fever vaccine, 1 week during the vaccine, and 1 week after the vaccine. Vaccine response will be measured by quantitating T cells and IgG- or IgA-secreting plasma cells specific for Ty21a. Gut permeability will be measured before and after the inulin intervention, before and after the vaccine administration, and at the end of the study. Systemic inflammation and immune activation will be measured by analyzing blood for markers of inflammation.

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