Compositions for improving gut microbial populations containing galactose

Abstract

Provided are compositions comprising galactose for increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestines of an individual, and uses of galactose for increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestines of an individual. [Solution] A composition for increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestines of an individual is provided, the composition comprising galactose, the beneficial bacteria comprising at least one species selected from the group consisting of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and bacteria of the genus Alistipes, and the proportion of beneficial bacteria being the ratio of the number of beneficial bacteria to the total number of bacteria in the intestines.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0076344, dated June 11, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Provided is a pharmaceutical composition, food composition, or feed composition for improving intestinal microbial population and for weight loss, which contains galactose, and its use for preventing and / or treating and / or ameliorating obesity. [Background technology]

[0003] Galactose is a monosaccharide that is primarily used as a sweetener, but its uses outside of this are not well known. In recent years, it has been revealed that it can effectively suppress oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease by inhibiting quorum sensing in oral bacteria and suppressing biofilm formation.

[0004] However, research on galactose has been limited to the oral cavity, and little research has been done on its effects on intestinal bacteria. Not only are intestinal bacteria far more complex in composition than oral bacteria, but sample collection and phenotypic observation are also difficult, presenting many limitations to research. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Provided herein is the use of a composition comprising galactose for improving gut microbial populations and / or weight loss and / or preventing, ameliorating, and / or treating obesity. One example provides the use of galactose for improving gut microbial populations, weight loss, and / or preventing, ameliorating, and / or treating obesity.

[0006] Specifically, one example provides a composition for improving gut microbial populations that includes galactose.

[0007] Another example provides a pharmaceutical composition for weight loss that includes galactose as an active ingredient.

[0008] Another example provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and / or treating obesity, which comprises galactose as an active ingredient.

[0009] Another example provides a weight loss food composition that includes galactose as an active ingredient.

[0010] Another example provides a food composition for preventing and / or alleviating obesity, which comprises galactose as an active ingredient.

[0011] Another example provides a weight loss food composition that includes galactose as an active ingredient.

[0012] Another example provides a feed composition for preventing and / or ameliorating obesity, which comprises galactose as an active ingredient.

[0013] Another example provides a method for improving gut microbial population, comprising administering galactose to an individual (subject) in need thereof.

[0014] Another example provides a method for weight loss comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of galactose to an individual (subject) in need of weight loss.

[0015] Another example provides a method for preventing, ameliorating, and / or treating obesity, comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of galactose to an individual (subject) in need thereof.

[0016] Other examples provide uses of galactose for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for weight loss, a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and / or treatment of obesity, a food composition for weight loss, a food composition for the prevention and / or amelioration of obesity, a feed composition for weight loss, or a feed composition for the prevention and / or amelioration of obesity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In this specification, galactose was orally administered to experimental animals (mice) in which obesity was induced with a high-fat diet, and feces were collected and subjected to metagenomic analysis. As a result, changes in the ratio of intestinal microorganisms associated with obesity were confirmed, and the use of galactose to improve intestinal microbial populations and / or reduce body weight (weight loss) and / or prevent, improve, and / or treat obesity is provided.

[0018] As used herein, "galactose" refers to a monosaccharide containing six carbon atoms and an aldose having an aldehyde group, with the chemical formula CH 12 Galactose and glucose are epimers that differ in stereochemistry at carbon 4 (C4). Galactose as used herein may be D-galactose, and may be in a monomeric form that is not oligomerized or polymerized.

[0019] One aspect provides a composition for improving intestinal microbial populations, comprising galactose as an active ingredient.

[0020] "Improvement of the intestinal microbial population" can mean an increase in beneficial intestinal bacteria compared to a control group (a group before administration of the composition or a group not administered the composition). An increase in beneficial intestinal bacteria can mean an increase in the population and / or ratio (number of beneficial intestinal bacteria / total number of intestinal bacteria) of beneficial intestinal bacteria.

[0021] Therefore, a composition for improving the intestinal microbial population can be characterized by increasing the proportion (or population) of beneficial intestinal bacteria compared to a control group (a group before administration of the composition or a group not administered the composition).

[0022] The term "intestinal microorganisms" refers to all microorganisms present in the intestine, and may include one or more microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Actinobacteria (Actinobacteria), Bacteroidetes, Melainabacteria (Candidatus melainabacteria), Cyanobacteria (Cyanobacteria), Deferribacteres (Family Deferribacteraceae), Firmicutes (Phylum Firmicutes), Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, Verrucomicrobia (Phylum Verrucomicrobium), Akkermansia, Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus), Alistipes, and the like.

[0023] In one example, the intestinal microorganisms can be one or more microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Lactobacillus.

[0024] The beneficial intestinal bacteria are bacteria among intestinal microorganisms that have the effect of preventing, improving, and / or treating weight loss and / or obesity, and the beneficial intestinal bacteria can include one or more (or two or more, three or more, or all) bacteria selected from the group consisting of Ackermansia bacteria, Lactobacillus bacteria, and Alistipes bacteria. In one example, the beneficial intestinal bacteria can be Ackermansia bacteria.

[0025] The number of bacteria (total intestinal microorganisms or beneficial intestinal bacteria) can be confirmed by taking a sample (e.g., feces) from a subject (individual) to whom the composition has been administered and using methods such as metagenomic analysis and metagenomic sequencing, but is not limited to these.

[0026] Another embodiment provides a composition for weight loss (eg, a pharmaceutical composition, a food composition, or a feed composition) comprising galactose as an active ingredient.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, there is provided a composition (for example, a pharmaceutical composition, a food composition, or a feed composition) for preventing, ameliorating, and / or treating obesity, which comprises galactose as an active ingredient.

[0028] "Weight loss" or "prevention, amelioration, and / or treatment of obesity" can mean an increase in the proportion (or population) of beneficial intestinal bacteria compared to before administration of the composition or compared to a group not administered the composition.

[0029] Therefore, the composition is characterized by increasing the ratio (or population) of beneficial intestinal bacteria compared to a control group (subjects of normal weight, a group before administration of the composition, or a group not administered the composition), and therefore can achieve weight loss and / or the prevention, improvement, and / or treatment effects of obesity.

[0030] The beneficial intestinal bacteria are bacteria that have the effect of preventing, improving, and / or treating weight loss and / or obesity, and may include, but are not limited to, one or more (two or more, three or more, or all) bacteria selected from the group consisting of Ackermansia bacteria, Lactobacillus bacteria, and Alistipes bacteria.

[0031] Therefore, in one example, there is provided a composition for improving intestinal microbial populations, a pharmaceutical composition for weight loss, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating obesity, a food composition for weight loss, a food composition for preventing or improving obesity, a feed composition for weight loss, or a feed composition for preventing or improving obesity, which comprises galactose as an active ingredient and is characterized by increasing (or increasing) the proportion of one or more (e.g., one, two, or all three) beneficial intestinal bacteria selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia bacteria, Lactobacillus bacteria, and Alistipes bacteria.

[0032] In another example, a composition (a composition for improving intestinal microbial populations, a pharmaceutical composition for weight loss and / or for preventing, ameliorating, and / or treating obesity, a food composition, and / or a feed composition) is provided, which comprises galactose as an active ingredient and is characterized by increasing the proportion of bacteria of the genus Akkermansia.

[0033] The composition may be characterized by increasing the proportion (or population) of Akkermansia bacteria, and additionally increasing the proportion of one or more (e.g., one or both) selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus bacteria and Alistipes bacteria.

[0034] The composition may be characterized by being administered to a subject having a reduced ratio of one or more (e.g., one, two, or all three) beneficial intestinal bacteria selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia bacteria, Lactobacillus bacteria, and Alistipes bacteria compared to an individual of normal weight.

[0035] In one example, the composition can be characterized as being administered to a subject having a reduced proportion of Akkermansia bacteria compared to a normal weight individual.

[0036] The composition may be characterized by being administered to a subject having a reduced proportion of Akkermansia bacteria compared to a normal weight individual, and additionally having a reduced proportion of one or more (e.g., one or both) selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus bacteria and Alistipes bacteria.

[0037] Specifically, the composition is characterized by increasing the ratio of Akkermansia bacteria among intestinal beneficial bacteria, It may be intended for administration to a subject in which the ratio of Akkermansia bacteria among beneficial intestinal bacteria is reduced compared to a subject of normal weight.

[0038] The composition may be characterized by additionally increasing the proportion of Alistipes bacteria among beneficial intestinal bacteria.

[0039] Increasing the amount, population, and / or ratio of beneficial gut bacteria has the effect of preventing, ameliorating, and / or treating weight loss and / or obesity.

[0040] As used herein, "treatment" is used to mean alleviation or improvement of symptoms, reduction in the extent of disease, delay or alleviation of disease progression, improvement, relief or stabilization of disease state or symptoms, partial or complete recovery, prolongation of survival, other favorable therapeutic results, etc. "Prevention" is used to mean all mechanisms and / or effects that act on a subject not having a specific disease to prevent the onset of a specific disease or delay the onset of the disease.

[0041] As used herein, the pharmaceutical compositions can be administered via various routes to mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, goats, rabbits, mice, rats, etc., or to cells, tissues, or cultures thereof isolated therefrom. The administration route may be any commonly used route, such as oral administration or parenteral administration, such as intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intraperitoneal administration, and particularly oral administration. The pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated into oral preparations such as powders, granules, tablets, capsules, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, and aerosols by conventional methods and used.

[0042] In addition to galactose as an active ingredient, the pharmaceutical composition may further contain pharmaceutically suitable and physiologically acceptable auxiliary agents such as carriers, excipients, and / or diluents. The carriers, excipients, or diluents may be one or more selected from the group consisting of lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, starch, acacia gum, alginate, gelatin, calcium phosphate, calcium silicate, cellulose, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, water, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, talc, magnesium stearate, and mineral oil. When formulating, one or more diluents or excipients selected from the group consisting of commonly used fillers, extenders, binders, wetting agents, disintegrants, surfactants, and the like may be used. Solid formulations for oral administration include one or more selected from the group consisting of tablets, pills, powders, granules, capsules, syrups, powders, suspensions, etc., and such solid formulations can be prepared by mixing galactose with at least one excipient, such as one or more selected from the group consisting of starch, calcium carbonate, sucrose, lactose, gelatin, etc. In addition to simple excipients, lubricants such as magnesium stearate and talc are also used. Liquid formulations for oral administration include one or more selected from the group consisting of suspensions, liquids, oils, syrups, etc., and in addition to commonly used simple diluents such as water and liquid paraffin, they also include one or more selected from the group consisting of various excipients, such as wetting agents, sweeteners, flavorings, preservatives, etc.

[0043] Galactose as a pharmaceutical composition or active ingredient can be administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount. The dosage of galactose as a pharmaceutical composition or active ingredient can be varied depending on factors such as formulation method, administration method, patient's age, weight, sex, pathological condition, diet, administration time, administration interval, administration route, excretion rate, and reaction sensitivity. The dosage may vary depending on the patient's age, weight, sex, administration form, health condition, and disease severity, and may be administered once or several times at regular intervals at the discretion of a physician or pharmacist. For example, the single or daily dose of the pharmaceutical composition may be 0.001 to 10,000 mg / kg, specifically 0.01 to 10,000 mg / kg, 0.01 to 5,000 mg / kg, 0.01 to 3,000 mg / kg, 0.01 to 2,500 mg / kg, 0.01 to 2,000 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1,500 mg / kg, 0.01 to 1,000 mg / kg, 0.01 to 500 mg / kg, 0.01 to 300 mg / kg, 0.01 to 200 mg / kg, 0.1 to 10,000 mg / kg, 0.1 to 5,000 mg / kg, 0.1 to 3,000 mg / kg, 0.1 to 2,500 mg / kg, 0.1 to 2,000 mg / kg, 0.1 ~1500mg / kg, 0.1~1000mg / kg, 0.1~500mg / kg, 0.1~300mg / kg, 0.1~200mg / kg, 0.1~100 mg / kg, 0.~50mg / kg, 0.1~30mg / kg, 0.1~20mg / kg, 0.1~10mg / kg, 1~10000mg / kg, 1~500 0mg / kg, 1~3000mg / kg, 1~2500mg / kg, 1~2000mg / kg, 1~1500mg / kg, 1~1000mg / kg, 1~50 0mg / kg, 1~300mg / kg, 1~200mg / kg, 1~100mg / kg, 1~50mg / kg, 1~30mg / kg, 1~20mg / kg, 0.1~10mg / kg, 10~10000mg / kg, 10~5000mg / kg, 10~3000mg / kg, 10~2500mg / kg, 10~2000mg / kg, 10~1500mg / kg, 10~1000mg / kg, 10~500mg / kg, 10~300mg / kg, 10~200mg / kg, 10mg / kg, 10~50mg / kg, 10~30mg / kg, 10~20mg / kg, 30~10000mg / kg, 30~5000mg / kg, 30~3000mg / kg, 30~2500mg / kg, 30~2000mg / kg, 30 The ranges of the dose may be, but are not limited to, up to 1500 mg / kg, 30 to 1000 mg / kg, 30 to 500 mg / kg, 30 to 300 mg / kg, 30 to 200 mg / kg, 30 to 100 mg / kg, 30 to 50 mg / kg, 50 to 10,000 mg / kg, 50 to 5000 mg / kg, 50 to 3000 mg / kg, 50 to 2500 mg / kg, 50 to 2000 mg / kg, 50 to 1500 mg / kg, 50 to 1000 mg / kg, 50 to 500 mg / kg, 50 to 300 mg / kg, 50 to 200 mg / kg, or 50 to 100 mg / kg. The single or daily dose may be formulated in a single formulation in unit dosage form, or may be appropriately divided into formulations, or may be produced in a multi-dose container. The dosages shown are for average use only and may be higher or lower depending on individual needs.

[0044] A food composition is any food product made using nutrients that are easily lacking in daily diets or ingredients with functions beneficial to the human body (hereinafter referred to as "functional ingredients"), and is useful for maintaining health or preventing and / or improving (alleviating) certain diseases or symptoms, and there are no particular restrictions on the final product form. For example, a food composition may be selected from the group consisting of various foods, functional health foods, beverage compositions, food additives, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The content of galactose as an active ingredient contained in the food composition is not particularly limited depending on the form of the food, the desired use, etc., and may be, for example, 0.001 to 99 wt%, 0.01 to 99 wt%, 0.01 to 95 wt%, 0.01 to 90 wt%, 0.01 to 80 wt%, 0.01 to 50 wt%, 0.1 to 99 wt%, 0.1 to 95 wt%, 0.1 to 90 wt%, 0.1 to 80 wt%, 0.1 to 50 wt%, 1 to 99 wt%, 1 to 95 wt%, 1 to 90 wt%, 1 to 80 wt%, or It can be 1 to 50% by weight, 10 to 99% by weight, 10 to 95% by weight, 10 to 90% by weight, 10 to 80% by weight, 10 to 50% by weight, 25 to 99% by weight, 25 to 95% by weight, 25 to 90% by weight, 25 to 80% by weight, 25 to 50% by weight, 40 to 99% by weight, 40 to 95% by weight, 40 to 90% by weight, 40 to 80% by weight, 40 to 50% by weight, 50 to 99% by weight, 50 to 95% by weight, 50 to 90% by weight, 50 to 80% by weight, 60 to 99% by weight, 60 to 95% by weight, 60 to 90% by weight, or 60 to 80% by weight.

[0046] The food composition may additionally contain one or more additives selected from the group consisting of various nutrients, vitamins, minerals (electrolytes), flavorings such as synthetic or natural flavors, coloring agents, fillers (cheese, chocolate, etc.), pectinic acid or its salts, alginic acid or its salts, organic acids, protective colloid thickeners, pH adjusters, stabilizers, preservatives, glycerin, alcohol, carbonation agents used in carbonated beverages, etc. The proportion of such additives is generally selected from the range of 0.001 to about 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the total food composition, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] In one example, the composition (e.g., pharmaceutical composition, food composition, feed composition, etc.) can be characterized by being administered to a subject (e.g., individual, patient, etc.) in which the proportion (or population) of beneficial intestinal bacteria is reduced compared to a normal weight subject (e.g., individual, patient, etc.).

[0048] The ratio of beneficial intestinal bacteria refers to the number of beneficial intestinal bacteria compared to the total number of intestinal bacteria, and a decrease in the ratio (or number) of beneficial intestinal bacteria means a decrease in the ratio (or number) of beneficial intestinal bacteria compared to the ratio (or number) of beneficial intestinal bacteria in the control group (non-obese; normal weight individuals).

[0049] Yet another aspect provides a method for improving intestinal microbial population, comprising administering galactose to an individual (subject) in need of such improvement.

[0050] Yet another embodiment provides a method for weight loss or for preventing and / or treating obesity, comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of galactose to an individual (subject) in need of weight loss.

[0051] The present specification confirms that galactose alters the ratio of intestinal microorganisms associated with obesity, and based on this effect, provides compositions using galactose for improving the intestinal microbial population or for preventing, ameliorating, and / or treating weight loss or obesity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the preparation of experimental animals and the process of an animal experiment in one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a graph showing that when mice in which obesity was induced by a high-fat diet received galactose, the ratio of beneficial intestinal bacteria increased compared to a control group that did not receive galactose. [Figure 3] 1 is a graph showing the weight gain rate of mice in which obesity was induced by a high-fat diet when they ingested galactose, compared with a control group that did not ingest galactose. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing blood glucose levels in mice in which obesity was induced by a high-fat diet when ingesting galactose, compared with a control group that did not ingest galactose. [Figure 5] 5 is a graph showing the Area Under Curve of the graph in FIG. 4. [Example]

[0053] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the following examples, which are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0054] Example 1. Feed and laboratory animal nutrition 1.1. Galactose Preparation Lactose was separated into glucose and galactose using lactose hydrolase, and the galactose was purified and powdered after removing water to prepare a galactose sample, which was used in the following tests.

[0055] 1.2. Preparation of Experimental Animals The animal experiments herein were carried out in an environment maintained at a humidity of 50±5% and a temperature of 22±2°C in accordance with the regulations established by the Chonnam National University IACUC.

[0056] Five-week-old male C57BL / 6J mice (Damle Science, Inc.) were used as experimental animals. They were allowed to adapt to the laboratory environment for one week with sufficient food and water before being used in the experiment. The bedding used was non-allergenic, dust-free, non-toxic, absorbent, and pathogen-free. Cages were changed once a week to maintain the animals' cleanliness, and water was provided ad libitum via water bottle.

[0057] 1.3. Preparation and Study Design of the High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Animal Model Five-week-old male C57BL / 6J mice prepared in Example 1.2 were used after a two-week breeding period and weight-matched for each group. From the time the mice reached 7 weeks of age, obesity was induced with a high-fat diet (HFD).

[0058] The high-fat feed had a fat content of approximately 60% by weight, while the regular feed had a fat content of approximately 10% by weight.

[0059] The high-fat feed (D12492) was calculated at 5.24 kcal per gram, and the general feed (D12450B) was calculated at 3.82 kcal per gram.

[0060] Mice were fed either normal or high-fat diet ad libitum for 16 weeks, and each group was orally administered PBS or galactose daily. Food intake and remaining volume were measured twice a week to calculate daily calorie intake, and body weight was measured once a week at a set time.

[0061] For microbiome analysis, feces were collected as shown in Figure 1 and submitted to Macrogen Co., Ltd. Feces were collected after selecting the five mice with body weights closest to the average.

[0062] The ingredients of the high-fat feed and general feed used are shown in Table 1 below.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] The test animals were classified as shown in Table 2 below and administered PBS or galactose.

[0065] [Table 2]

[0066] Example 2. Galactose-induced microbiome analysis in a high-fat-diet-induced obesity model Each group consisted of eight animals, and after eight weeks of the experiment, feces were collected from Groups 3 (HFD-PBS), 5 (HFD-Gal 100 mg / kg), and 6 (HFD-Gal 50 mg / kg) for metagenomic analysis. Metagen sequencing was performed by Macrogen, Inc.

[0067] As beneficial intestinal bacteria, bacteria belonging to the genera Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Alistipes are known to be able to improve obesity.

[0068] The genus composition of obesity-related gut microorganisms is analyzed and shown in Figure 2 and Table 3 below.

[0069] [Table 3]

[0070] As shown in Figure 2 and Table 3, the proportions of Ackermansia, Lactobacillus, and Alistipes increased in the galactose-administered group compared to the control group.

[0071] The experimental results were tested for significance using the TTEST method, and a P value less than 0.05 was defined as significant ((*)<0.05, (**)<0.01, (***)<0.001).

[0072] Example 3. Weight measurement During the 16-week experimental period designed in Example 1.3, the test animals were weighed at a predetermined time every week before administration of galactose or PBS, and weight changes (weight gain rate) and survival rates (the animals were euthanized if their weight decreased to less than 20% of their initial weight) were measured. Weight gain rates were calculated by setting the weight of the experimental animals at 7 weeks of age (initial weight) as 100%, and then calculating the weights measured at each subsequent time point relative to their initial weight.

[0073] The average weight gain rates (n = 8) obtained in this way are shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, in the normal diet group, no significant difference was observed between the weight gain rates of the PBS-administered group and the galactose-administered group, whereas in the high-fat diet group, the weight gain rate of the galactose-administered group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (PBS-administered).

[0074] These results indicate that galactose is effective in reducing body weight in individuals with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

[0075] Example 4. Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test The experimental animals were kept fasting from 9 PM on the day before the test to 9 AM on the day of the test (12 hours of fasting), and then blood glucose tests were performed. To maintain fasting conditions, food and bedding were removed to induce fasting.

[0076] A 10% (w / v) glucose solution (in PBS) sterilized by 0.2 μm filtration was prepared and administered intraperitoneally to each mouse at 2 mg glucose / g (dose = body weight × 20 μl). The mice were then returned to their cages and blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Blood glucose testing was performed by tail vein blood collection. A glucose tolerance test was performed 13 weeks after obesity induction with a high-fat diet.

[0077] The measured blood glucose levels are shown in Figure 4, and the area under the curve of the graph in Figure 4 is shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, blood glucose levels decreased with galactose administration in both the high-fat diet group (HD) and the normal diet group (ND). In the high-fat diet group, blood glucose levels in the galactose-administered group were significantly lower than in the control group (PBS-administered). In particular, at 120 minutes, the galactose-administered high-fat diet group showed blood glucose levels comparable to those of the normal diet group. These results indicate that galactose has a blood glucose-lowering effect not only in individuals with obesity induced by a high-fat diet, but also in normal individuals (normal sample-administered group).

[0078] From the above description, those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing its technical spirit or essential features. In this regard, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted as including all modifications and variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims set forth below in the detailed description, as well as equivalent concepts.

Claims

1. 1. A composition for increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestine of an individual, comprising: the composition comprises galactose; The beneficial bacteria include at least one selected from the group consisting of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and bacteria of the genus Alistipes; The ratio of beneficial bacteria is the ratio of the beneficial bacteria population to the total bacterial population in the intestine; composition.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the beneficial bacteria further comprise bacteria of the genus Ackermansia.

3. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestine of the individual results in weight loss and / or obesity prevention in the individual.

4. 1. Use of galactose to increase the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestine of an individual, comprising: The beneficial bacteria include at least one selected from the group consisting of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and bacteria of the genus Alistipes; The ratio of beneficial bacteria is the ratio of the population of beneficial bacteria to the total population of bacteria in the intestine.

5. The use according to claim 4, wherein the beneficial bacteria further comprise bacteria of the genus Ackermansia.

6. The use according to claim 4, wherein the individual is a mammal other than a human.

7. 5. The use according to claim 4, wherein increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestine of the individual results in weight loss and / or obesity prevention in the individual.

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