Method for increasing propionate in the gastro- intestinal tract

摘要

Described is the use of dextran in the preparation of a nutritional composition for selectively increasing the production of propionate in the gastro-intestinal tract of a mammal. Also described is the use of dextran in nutritional compositions for decreasing blood cholesterol levels in mammals or for decreasing blood triglyceride levels in mammals, where the nutritional composition further comprises inulin, fructo-oligo saccharide, galacto-oligosaccharides, or xylo-oligosaccharides, or mixtures thereof. Also described is the use of dextran in the preparation of a nutritional composition for decreasing very low density lipoprotein levels in mammals, or for increasing high density lipoprotein levels in mammals, or for increasing insulin sensitivity in mammals.