SCD Research Section

IBD-related research   IBD Researchers at the University of Illinois finds that simple-sugar molecules promote healthy intestinal function. This supports the research of Dr. Haas and Elaine Gottschall. Italian research supports SCD        Fri, 2 May 1997 From: deelen@denr1.igis.uiuc.edu (Timothy R. Van Deelen) New research from nutrional scientists here at the University of Illinois is published in the following papers: Campbell et al. 1997. An Enteral formula containing fish oil, indigestible oligosaccharides, gum arabic, and antioxidants affects plasma and colonic posphollipid fatty acid and prostaglandin profiles in pigs. Journal of Nutrition Science 127:137-145. Campbell et al. 1997. Selected indigestible oligosacharides affect large bowel mass, cecal and fecal short-chain fatty acids, ph and microflora in rats. Journal of Nutrition Science 127:130-136. These researchers found that commom simple-sugar molecules found in certian fruits and vegetables promote healthy intestinal function in part because they provide substrate for beneficial bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) in the lower gut and create an increase of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that have anti-inflamatory properties. They specifically note that these SCFAs "play a critical role in mucosal cell differentiation and, therefore integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa" and "may be useful in promoting gastrointestinal health via restoration of normal flora following antibiotic therapy". Finally "...the data demonstrate that clinical studies utilizing human subject are warrented with the UCNF (ulcerative colitis nutritional formula) to further examine its impact on inflamatory responses in IBD patients". This is important stuff, folks - because this is controlled research done at a respected university by researchers with no knowledge of the scd (I spoke with one of them) that validates much of the SCD approach. Something for the SCD-naysayers to think about! Hope I've brightened your day, Tim deelen@denr1.igis.uiuc.edu (Timothy R. Van Deelen) P.S. A third study is in the pipeline that says that artichokes, chickory, onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, peaches, and bananas contain high levels of desireable oligosacharides. A reply regarding the independent research supports SCD: Sat, 3 May 1997 Yes, except the SCD explicitly excludes FOS - Fructo Oligiosacharides. - Harold