Affecting Overall Gut Health in Adults

Measurement of zonulin in response to milk oligosaccharides

Milk oligosaccharides comprise a diverse group of complex indigestible sugars with various alleged biological activities. They are well-documented for their health benefits in newborns, particularly as prebiotics that help to develop gut bacteria and strengthen the immune system. However, it is less understood how these sugars impact adult health, specifically regarding gut permeability, which is the ability to pass through the lining of the intestines and into the bloodstream.

In collaboration with Dr. Richard Kreider from Texas A&M, a clinical study was conducted to explore how milk oligosaccharides can affect microorganisms (i.e., bacteria), weight, and overall health in an adult population. We focused on analyzing how the milk oligosaccharides change the amount of zonulin in human waste. Zonulin controls how easily substances can pass through the intestines, and too much zonulin can disrupt the tightness of the gut barrier, leading to heightened leakiness. Elevated zonulin release therefore compromises the health and function of the mucosal lining of the intestines and raises the risk of intestinal inflammation, which could potentially spread to organs and tissues throughout the body.

This research aims to shed light on the effect of milk oligosaccharides on human health and its potential as a treatment for gut-associated inflammatory conditions (i.e., irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, diverticulitis, etc.).

For more information, contact Dr. Marie van der Merwe, associate professor in the College of Health Sciences and PI, at mvndrmrw@memphis.edu.