Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

The human large intestine is inhabited by as many as 100 trillion intestinal bacteria of 1,000 types. Each of these bacteria has a variety of functions, and the activation of beneficial bacteria may improve the intestinal environment and affect systemic health. In our laboratory, we are studying the effects of food intake on the intestinal environment and systemic health through the activation of intestinal microbiota. We are conducting evaluation through comprehensive microbial analysis and quantification of microbial fermentation metabolites.
Intestinal microbiota influence the intestinal environment by fermenting various nutrients. On the other hand, in order to supply nutrients to the intestinal microbiota in the colon through the food intake, it is preferable that the food is not easily digested and absorbed in the small intestine. Therefore, our laboratory mainly focuses on food components such as dietary fiber, resistant starch, resistant protein, and polyphenols, and we deal with food materials containing these components. The properties of these ingredients vary depending on the food material they contain, and they have different effects on intestinal microbiota. By clarifying the characteristics of the effects and mechanisms of action of each food material and ingredient, we will promote the search for beneficial food materials.

Exploration of food materials and their combinations that are beneficial for intestinal microbiota, intestinal environment, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism