GOS and Microbial Fermentation in Aging

Inclusion criteria

• Based on medical history no gastrointestinal complaints can be defined.
• Age 25 - 50 years and classified as 'robust' by the Fried frailty criteria, or age 70 - 85 years and classified as 'prefrail' by the Fried frailty criteria.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 20 and < 30 kg/m2.
• Weight-stable for at least 90 days prior to participation (no change in bodyweight, i.e. < 3kg).
• Hemoglobin value of 8.2-11.0 mmol/L for men, 7.3-9.7 mmol/L for women.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) value of <10 mg/L.
• Creatinin value of 60-115 μmol/L for men, 50-100 μmol/L for women.
• Alanine transaminase (ALAT) value of <45 U/L for men, 34 U/L for women.
• Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) value of <55 U/L for men, <38 U/L for women.
• Will be informed in case of any unexpected finding.

Exclusion criteria

• History of severe cardiovascular, respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal/ hepatic, hematological/immunologic, HEENT (head, ears, eyes, nose, throat), dermatological/connective tissue, musculoskeletal, metabolic/nutritional, endocrine, neurological diseases, major surgery and/or laboratory assessments which might limit participation in or completion of the study protocol.
• Self-admitted human immunodeficiency virus-positive state.
• Disease with a life expectancy shorter than 5 years.
• Abdominal surgery interfering with gastrointestinal function, upon judgment of the medical doctor, who will decide on in- or exclusion based on the surgery applied.
• Use of antibiotics products within 90 days prior to the study.
• Use of other medication will be reviewed by a medical doctor, who will decide on in- or exclusion based on the drug(s) used.
• Use of laxatives within 14 days prior to the study.
• Institutionalized (e.g. hospital or nursing home).
• Pregnancy or lactation.
• Plan to lose weight or follow a specific diet within the study period.
• Alcohol intake >14 units/week.
• Drug use.
• Blood donation within 30 days prior to the study.
• Administration of probiotic or prebiotic supplements, investigational drugs or participation in any scientific intervention study, which may interfere with this study (to be decided by the principle investigator), in the 14 days prior to the study.
• History of side effects towards intake of prebiotic supplements.
• Self-admitted lactose intolerance