Publications by authors named "Maartje van den Belt"

Article Synopsis
  • Scientists want to find out how different diets, like high fiber and fermented foods, can change the bacteria in our guts to help keep us healthy.
  • They started a 21-week study with healthy adults to see how these diets affect gut bacteria and to teach people about good eating habits.
  • The study had 147 volunteers who followed specific diets, and it showed that it's possible to include community involvement to encourage people to stick with the study and its guidelines.
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Introduction: Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are well-substantiated prebiotic substrates. Multiple studies have demonstrated a positive impact of GOS on gut microbiota composition and activity, so-far mainly related to . However, data on the beneficial impact at lower dosages in a healthy female population are limited.

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Purpose: To date, no adequate treatment for irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation complaints (IBS-C) is available. Fibers with prebiotic properties and probiotic compounds have shown promise in relieving IBS-C-related complaints. We aimed to determine the effects of a 4-week intervention with either an Acacia fiber (AF) with prebiotic properties or a probiotic Bifidobacterium Lactis (BLa80) supplement, compared to a control supplement, on stool pattern, IBS symptoms and Quality of Life (QoL), in IBS-C individuals.

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Background: Approximately 70%-100% of the Asian adult population is lactase nonpersistent (LNP). The literature shows that many individuals with the LNP-genotype can consume ≤12 g of lactose without experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Repetitive consumption of lactose may reduce intolerance symptoms via adaptation of the gut microbiota.

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Introduction: An elevated postprandial glucose response is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Existing research suggests large heterogeneity in the postprandial glucose responses to identical meals and food products between individuals, but the effect of other consumed meals during the day and the order of meals during the day on the heterogeneity in postprandial glucose responses still needs to be investigated. In addition, the robustness of the glucose responses to meals or foods is still unknown.

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Kori-tofu is a frozen soy tofu, and soy consumption is associated with positive effects on cardiometabolic health markers. We aimed to assess the potential of Kori-tofu to improve cardiometabolic health outcomes in humans by repetitive daily consumption. In a double-blind randomized controlled cross-over trial, 45 subjects aged 40-70 years with (mildly) elevated cholesterol levels, received a four week Kori-tofu intervention or whey protein control intervention with a four week wash-out period in between.

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The experimental challenge with attenuated enterotoxigenic E. coli strain E1392/75-2A prevents diarrhea upon a secondary challenge with the same bacteria. A dose-response pilot study was performed to investigate which immunological factors are associated with this protection.

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Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nutritional interventions may enhance resistance to infectious diseases or help to reduce clinical symptoms. Here, we investigated whether a whey protein concentrate (WPC) could decrease diarrheagenic -induced changes in reported stool frequency and gastrointestinal complaints in a double-blind, parallel 4-week intervention study.

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People experiencing sleep problems may benefit from nutrients supporting serotonin metabolism and stress reduction. We studied the effect of a dairy-based product (DP) containing protein, galacto-oligosaccharides, vitamins and minerals, on sleep quality, stress, and gut-microbiota. In a cross-over RCT (three weeks intervention; three weeks washout), adults ( = 70; 30-50 y) with sleep disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) ≥ 9) consumed products 1 h before bed-time.

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