The FiberTAG project has established a set of biomarkers linking dietary fiber (DF) intake and gut microbiota-related health effect. We aim at refining the concept of DF based on novel biological effects that can occur upon gut microbiota-nutrients interaction by using existing cohorts and by developing innovative approaches to evaluate the health interest of novel insoluble DF.

The FiberTAG consortium gathers 4 academic principal investigators from Belgium, France, Germany and Canada, respectively. They gather complementary research expertises such as 1) host physiology with emphasis on management of cardio-metabolic disorders, 2) intervention studies based on diet and prebiotic DF, 3) microbial ecology, 4) data integration and modelling. Two industrial partners (Kitozyme and Mondelez) have developed and provided selected insoluble fiber for the intervention studies.

Specific metabolites selected as biomarkers of microbiota-driven fermentation and gut-related functions have been analyzed in 5 existing cohorts of healthy or overweight  populations in which the fecal microbiota composition and DF intake have been analyzed. New intervention studies has been performed in healthy and cardiometabolic risk volunteers to evaluate the interest for health of two insoluble fibers (chitin-glucan and a wheat bran fraction).

Main outputs to be disseminated:

A repertoire and a food questionnaire for evaluation of DF intake (total and typology)taking into account their crucial role on key physiological parameters related to cardiometabolic risk and on health status

Innovative approaches to evaluate in intervention studies the health interest of novel insoluble DF, prone to interact with the gut microbiota

A set of novel innovative and non-invasive biomarkers linking DF intake and gut microbiota related health effect interesting to consider in the context of cardiometabolic risks.

A set of non-invasive biomarkers linking DF intake, due to adherence to the Mediterranean diet, to an increase in fecal short-chain fatty acids and an improved intestinal integrity.

Chitin-glucan fiber : effects on the human intestinal microbiota, on the function and intestinal permeability through the selection of biomarkers of interest ; this may allow to generate new health claims related to the investigated fibers (formulations: innovative administration forms)

13C-Wheat bran: metabolic signature of the 13C wheat bran effects on the human intestinal microbiota, health interest, so as to promote the inclusion of wheat bran in products.

Arabinoxylan: the health effects of the fiber supplementations can be predicted by fecal microbiota features and putative mechanistic biomarkers of host-microbe interactions. It provides basis information for understanding the potential mechanistic links between human health outcomes of fiber supplementation and the gut microbiota.