Fermented noodles with degraded gluten (FNDG) improved digestion and gut motility in enteritis-induced mice

Abstract

Gluten proteins are key to developing a unique quality of flour because they confer viscosity, cohesiveness, and elasticity in the dough. However, gluten can impede digestion and absorption in gluten-sensitive individuals. In this study, enteritis was induced in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) salt. The mice later received a diet consisting of 3%, 12%, or 30% fermented noodles with degraded gluten (FNDG) or 30% normal noodle flour for 8 weeks. FNDG did not alter the growth performance or body composition. However, FNDG resulted in increased amylase activity in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.001), and it also improved the digestive capacity. FNDG at 30% concentration increased the level of gastrin (p<0.01) implying increased gut motility. The serotonin receptor levels were significantly reduced by FNDG at 12% (p<0.05) and 30% (p<0.01) concentrations. These findings indicate that a diet containing FNDG could help in the recovery from intestinal inflammation with improving digestive ability and gut motility. Overall, the inclusion of degraded gluten in the diet was found to enhance digestion, gut motility, and absorption in mice.