The role of oral processing behavior in human metabolic, gut microbiome and metabolites response

Introduction

Individual can exhibit different metabolic response to the same food or diet, leading to different health outcomes. One key factor contribute to these differences is oral processing behavior. In the mouth, foods are “processed”. Food structure are breakdown, food matrices are minced into smaller particles and lubricated with saliva to form a bolus that is subsequently swallowed. More chews per bite increase the number and decrease the size of bolus particles, resulting in an increased total surface area of the bolus. The bolus particle size after chewing can affect gastric digestion and gastric emptying. Bolus particles with smaller sizes have larger surface areas and are more easily broken down by digestive enzymes, leading to increased nutrient absorption, glucose release, and insulin production.

However, whether these differences in bolus particle size affect digestion in the upper and lower intestines and the functionality of microbial communities remain unknown.

Aim

The aim of the project is to investigate the influence oral processing behavior and bolus properties on human metabolic and gut microbiomes

Approach

A method combing in vivo mastication, in vitro digestion and in vitro colonic fermentation will be first employed to explore the influence of oral food particle breakdown on digestion and gut microbiome activity. Then the results will be verified in vivo in RESTRUCTURE project. Oral chewing behavior will be demonstrated as the number of chews or multiple chewing behavior annotated from video coding. Bolus particles properties, including bolus particle numbers and size will be analyzed. Microbiome metabolites response will be analyzed using multiple methods.