Metabolic properties of partially hydrolyzed pectin from passion fruit peel

• Published in: Bioactive carbohydrates and dietary fibre 2021-05, Vol.25, p.100256, Article 100256
• Main Authors: Aline de Moura, Fernanda, Teixeira Macagnan, Fernanda, Klein, Bruna, Wagner, Roger, Picolli da Silva, Leila
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological effects; Growing rat; Pectic oligosaccharides; Short chain fatty acids; Wistar rat
• ISSN: 2212-6198; 2212-6198
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bcdf.2020.100256

Partially degraded pectin can provide different metabolic effects and health benefits compared to native plant pectins, due to their lower molecular weight. These effects are mainly due to greater intestinal fermentation and production of short chain fatty acids promoted by non-digestible carbohydrates with low molecular weight. The aim of this work was to assess the metabolic effects of partially hydrolyzed pectin (PHP) from passion fruit peel. Forty weaned male Wistar rats (n = 8) received diets with PHP in crescent levels (Control, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00%) for 38 days. Feed intake, weight gain, pH and lipids in faeces, lipids and cholesterol in the liver, blood glucose response, TAG and lipoproteins of blood, and short chain fatty acids in the cecum content were investigated. PHP increased feed intake and weight gain in rats. Faecal pH decreased with consumption of PHP 1.00%, and the production of propionic and butyric acids in cecum was higher in treatments with PHP. These results confirm the metabolic effects and suggest a potential prebiotic activity of PHP, even at low doses. •Partially hydrolyzed pectin increased feed intake and weight gain in rats.•Partially hydrolyzed pectin showed prebiotic activity in rats.•The faecal pH of the rats decreased with consumption of partially hydrolyzed pectin.•Consumption of partially hydrolyzed pectin increased SCFAs in the cecum.