preprints.org > biology and life sciences > food science and technology > doi: 10.20944/preprints202306.1404.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 19 June 2023 / Approved: 20 June 2023 / Online: 20 June 2023 (08:19:25 CEST)

Popped amaranth is a nutritious food consumed since pre-Hispanic times, currently its consumption has been associated with recovery of malnourished children. However, there is no information on the impact that popped amaranth consumption has on gut microbiota composition. A non-randomized pilot trial was conducted to evaluate the changes on composition, structure, and function of gut microbiota of stunted children who received four grams of popped amaranth daily for three months. Stool and serum were collected at the beginning and at the end of the trial. Short-chain-fatty acids were quantified and gut bacterial composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Biome-try and hematology results showed that children have no other pathology more than to be low-height-for age. Increase of total SCFAs levels in feces was ob-served as well as a decrease in relative abundance of Alistipes putredinis, Bac-teroides coprocola, and Bacteroides stercoris, bacteria related with inflammation and colitis. On the contrary, an increase in relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Streptococcus thermophiles, bacteria associated with health and longevity, was observed. Results have proven that popped amaranth, a nutri-tious food, help to combat children malnutrition through gut microbiota modu-lation.

16S rRNA sequencing; diet; popped amaranth; gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids

Biology and Life Sciences, Food Science and Technology

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