Composition for inhibiting proliferation of bacteria belonging to genus cholinecella

Abstract

Provided is a composition for inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, the composition containing at least one selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and salts thereof. The sugar acid is preferably selected from aldonic acid, uronic acid, and aldaric acid.

Description

Composition for inhibiting the growth of Collinsella bacteria

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for inhibiting the growth of Collinsella bacteria, which contains oligosaccharides containing sugar acids.

[0002] Bacteria of the genus Collinsella are one of the bacteria that are abundant in the intestines of healthy adults. So far, there has been a report that a prediction model for the progression of mild cognitive impairment can be constructed based on the characteristics of the gut microbiota including Collinsella bacteria (Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, there is a report on the abundance of Collinsella bacteria in the fecal microbiota of centenarians (Non-Patent Document 2). Furthermore, in order to normalize the gut microbiota of patients with large-vessel vasculitis, it has been proposed to use substances that reduce the relative abundance of bacteria such as Collinsella bacteria in the gut microbiota (Patent Document 1). Collinsella aerofaciens JCM10118 is known to produce D-serine (Patent Document 2).

[0003] Reports on food ingredients that can control the growth of Collinsella bacteria are scarce. Patent Document 3 describes a pharmaceutical composition for use in regulating the abundance of bacterial taxa in the gastrointestinal microbiota of human subjects, wherein the composition contains a glycan therapeutic formulation in an amount effective to regulate the abundance of the bacterial taxa. This document lists the genus Collinsella as one of the many genera included in the bacterial taxa, but does not show experimental results of regulating the abundance of Collinsella bacteria using any agent. Patent Document 4 describes a composition for inhibiting the growth of Collinsella bacteria in the gut microbiota, which contains any one selected from the group consisting of human milk oligosaccharides and constituent sugars of human milk oligosaccharides.

[0004] On the other hand, maltobionic acid and lactobionic acid are oligosaccharides having a structure in which gluconic acid is bonded to glucose or galactose. Patent document 5 describes a bifidobacteria growth promoter containing lactobionic acid as an active ingredient. Patent document 6 describes an intestinal environment improving agent characterized by containing maltobionic acid, represented by the general formula 4-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid, its salt, or maltobiono delta-lactone as an active ingredient. Furthermore, patent document 7 describes an isoflavone absorption promoter containing lactobionic acids. Maltobionic acid is not digested in vitro in saliva, gastric juice, or pancreatic juice, and is only digested to a small extent by enzymes in the small intestine, but it has been reported to be selectively utilized by Bifidobacterium dentium and Bi. adolescentis among 24 strains of intestinal bacteria (Non-patent document 3). Lactobionic acid has been reported to exhibit particularly significant prebiotic effects in Lactobacillus fermentum (Non-Patent Literature 4).

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-135037, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-80650, International Publication No. 2016 / 122889 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-502926), International Publication No. 2023 / 176951, Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 7-277990, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-143883, International Publication No. 2022 / 158595

[0006] Predicting the Rapid Progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment by Intestinal Flora and Blood Indicators through Machine Learning Method. Neurodegener Dis 2023;23:43-52The gut microbiota is an emerging target for improving brain health during aging. Gut Microbiome (Camb). 2023; 4In Vitro Utilization Characteristics of Maltobionic Acid and Its Effects on Bowel Movements in Healthy Subjects. J Appl Glycosci (1999). 2020; 67(1): 1-9.The antioxidant and prebiotic properties of lactobionic acid. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2019: 103(9): 3737-3751.

[0007] The gut microbiota is closely related to the host's health, age, stress levels, and other factors. Furthermore, different types of bacteria perform various functions and are thought to affect the host's health. Therefore, it would be desirable to have food ingredients that can control the growth of specific bacteria in the gut microbiota.

[0008] The present invention provides the following: [1] A composition for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising any of a sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide and a salt thereof. [2] The composition according to 1, wherein the sugar acid is selected from aldonic acid, uronic acid, and aldalic acid. [3] The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the sugar acid is aldonic acid. [4] The composition according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the sugar acid is selected from gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, and arabonic acid. [5] The composition according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is a disaccharide. [6] The composition according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is a disaccharide, and the monosaccharide constituting the disaccharide is selected from glucose, galactose, fructose, rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, and xylose. [7] The composition according to any one of 1 to 6, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is maltobionic acid or lactobionic acid. [8] The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the salt of the saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharide is a calcium salt, a magnesium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a copper salt, an iron salt, or a zinc salt. [9] The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for use as a prebiotic or synbiotic.

[10] A composition for treating a condition that is improved by inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the intestines, comprising any of the saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts.

[11] The use of any of the saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the intestinal microbiota.

[12] A method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising the step of supplying bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella with any of the saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts.

[13] The use of any of the saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts in the manufacture of a composition for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella and helping to regulate the intestinal microbiota.

[14] A growth inhibitor for bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and salts thereof.

[15] A method for providing food information, comprising the steps of: obtaining information on the gut microbiota of a target; deriving information on a food to be provided to the target based on the information on the gut microbiota; and providing the derived food information to the target, wherein in the step of obtaining information, information on the presence or amount of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella is obtained from the information on the gut microbiota, and in the step of deriving information on food, information on a food composition containing any of the following selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts is derived based on the information on the presence or amount of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella.

[16] A method for controlling bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the gut of a target, or a method for supporting the diet or health of a target, comprising the step of carrying out the method of 15 and providing the food to the target based on the derived food information.

[17] The method of 15 or 16, wherein the food is intended to be used as a prebiotic or synbiotic.

[18] The method of any one of 16 to 17, further comprising the step of displaying the food information to be provided on the target's terminal.

[0009]

[21] A composition comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, for use in a method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella. Use of a composition comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, in the manufacture of a composition for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella. A method or non-therapeutic method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising the step of administering a composition comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, to a target. Use or non-therapeutic use of a composition comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella.

[22] The composition, use in production, method or non-therapeutic method or use or non-therapeutic use according to 21, wherein the sugar acid is selected from aldonic acid, uronic acid, and aldalic acid.

[23] The composition, use in production, method or non-therapeutic method or use or non-therapeutic use according to 21 or 22, wherein the sugar acid is aldonic acid.

[24] The composition, use in production, method or non-therapeutic method or use or non-therapeutic use according to any one of 21 to 23, wherein the sugar acid is selected from gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, and aravonic acid.

[25] The composition, use in production, method or non-therapeutic method or use or non-therapeutic use according to any one of 21 to 24, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is a disaccharide.

[26] A composition, use in production, method or non-therapeutic method, or use or non-therapeutic use, according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is a disaccharide, and the monosaccharide constituting the disaccharide is selected from glucose, galactose, fructose, rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, and xylose.

[27] A composition, use in production, method or non-therapeutic method, or use or non-therapeutic use, according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is maltobionic acid or lactobionic acid.

[28] A composition, use in manufacture, method or non-therapeutic method or use or non-therapeutic use according to any one of items 21 to 27, wherein the salt of the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is a calcium salt, magnesium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, copper salt, iron salt, or zinc salt.

[29] A composition, use in manufacture, method or non-therapeutic method or use or non-therapeutic use according to any one of items 21 to 28, wherein the composition is intended for use as a prebiotic or synbiotic.

[30] A composition comprising any of the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or any of the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, for use in a method of treating a condition which is improved by inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the intestines. Use of a composition comprising any of the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or any of the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, in the manufacture of a composition for treating a condition which is improved by inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the intestines. A method or non-therapeutic method for treating a condition that is improved by inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the intestines, comprising the step of administering to a subject any of the following selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or a composition comprising any of the following selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts. A use or non-therapeutic use of a composition comprising any of the following selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or a composition comprising any of the following selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, for treating a condition that is improved by inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the intestines.

[31] A use or non-therapeutic use of any of the following selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the intestinal flora.

[32] A method or non-therapeutic method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising the step of supplying bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella with any of the following selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts.

[33] Use or non-therapeutic use of any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and salts thereof in the preparation of a composition for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella and helping to regulate the intestinal flora.

[34] An agent comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, for use in a method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella. Use of a composition comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, or any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, in the manufacture of an inhibitor of the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella. A method or non-therapeutic method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising the step of administering an agent comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts to a target. Use or non-therapeutic use of an agent comprising any selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the growth of Collinsella bacteria in the gut microbiota can be suppressed.

[0011] The prevalence of Collinsella bacteria before and after ingestion. n=27. The proportion of Collinsella bacteria present after culturing. n=57.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> This embodiment relates to using a sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide and a salt thereof as an active ingredient to suppress the growth of bacteria of the genus Collincella.

[0013] [Active Ingredient] The composition of this embodiment contains, as an active ingredient, any selected from sugar-acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts. Using an active ingredient means using it in an effective amount to exert the desired function, and using it in a way that identifies it as an ingredient that contributes to the purpose through labeling. In functional foods, an active ingredient may be called a functionally active ingredient (meaning an ingredient that contributes to a specific health purpose (excluding those related to reducing disease risk)). Any means that the number and type are arbitrary. In the following, although we may use sugar-acid-containing oligosaccharides as an example from any selected from sugar-acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, the explanation also applies to the salts of sugar-acid-containing oligosaccharides, except in special cases. Regardless of which ingredient is used in the composition of the present invention, the intake amount should be below the amount in which safety is guaranteed, or below the acceptable daily intake (ADI), in accordance with the food safety laws of each country.

[0014] Sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides are oligosaccharides that contain sugar acid. Sugar acid is a compound in which one of the oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl group and aldehyde group) of a monosaccharide is oxidized to a carboxyl group. Examples of sugar acid are aldonic acid, uronic acid, and aldalic acid. Aldonic acid is formed when the aldehyde group (formyl group) at the end of an aldose is oxidized, uronic acid is formed when the hydroxyl group at the end of an aldose is oxidized, and aldalic acid is formed when both ends of an aldose are oxidized. Sugar acid also includes compounds in which oxygen-containing functional groups other than the terminals are oxidized to carboxyl groups.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sugar acid in the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide, which is the active ingredient of the composition, is selected from aldonic acid, uronic acid, and aldalic acid, and in a preferred embodiment, it is aldonic acid. That is, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the active ingredient of the composition is an aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharide.

[0016] The aldonic acid portion of the aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharide may be gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, arabonic acid (sometimes called arabinonic acid), erythronic acid, threonic acid, ribonic acid, lyxonic acid, aronic acid, altronic acid, mannonic acid, guronic acid, idonic acid, or talonic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharide is one in which the aldonic acid is gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, or arabonic acid. Gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, and arabonic acid are also preferred because they are easy to manufacture.

[0017] Aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharides are sometimes called oligosaccharide acids or sugar carboxylic acids. Aldonic acid is a type of derivative of aldose (polyhydroxyaldehyde).

[0018] The aldonic acid portion of the aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharide may be gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, arabonic acid (sometimes called arabinonic acid), erythronic acid, threonic acid, ribonic acid, lyxonic acid, aronic acid, altronic acid, mannonic acid, guronic acid, idonic acid, or talonic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharide is one in which the aldonic acid is gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, or arabonic acid. Gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, and arabonic acid are also preferred because they are easy to manufacture.

[0019] The uronic acid portion of the uronic acid-containing oligosaccharide may be glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, iduronic acid, mannuronic acid, arabinonic acid, fructuronic acid, tagaturonic acid, or guluronic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the uronic acid-containing oligosaccharide is glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, or iduronic acid, and more preferably glucuronic acid.

[0020] The aldaric acid portion of the aldaric acid-containing oligosaccharide may be glucaric acid, galactaric acid, or mannaric acid. In a preferred embodiment, the aldaric acid-containing oligosaccharide is one in which the aldaric acid is glucaric acid or galactaric acid.

[0021] In one embodiment, the sugar acid in the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is an aldonic acid.

[0022] The oligosaccharide portion of a sugar-acid-containing oligosaccharide can be glucose, galactose, fructose, rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, and xylose, or oligosaccharides (disaccharides, trisaccharides, etc.) consisting of one or more of these.

[0023] The saccharide-containing oligosaccharide may be a disaccharide, a trisaccharide, or a tetrasaccharide or higher. With respect to aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharides, a disaccharide refers to an oligosaccharide in which aldonic acid and a monosaccharide are bonded, and a trisaccharide refers to an oligosaccharide in which aldonic acid and a disaccharide are bonded. In a preferred embodiment, the aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharide is a disaccharide. When it is a disaccharide, the monosaccharide constituting the saccharide-containing disaccharide is selected from glucose, galactose, fructose, rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, and xylose. In one embodiment, saccharide-containing oligosaccharides that are included as part of a glycan (a polysaccharide of tetrasaccharide or higher) are excluded from the saccharide-containing oligosaccharide that is the active ingredient.

[0024] Salts of sugar-containing oligosaccharides refer to salts that are acceptable as food or pharmaceutical products. Such salts include alkali metal salts (e.g., sodium salts, potassium salts), alkaline earth metal salts (e.g., calcium salts, magnesium salts), and other metal salts (copper salts, iron salts, zinc salts). The salts may be anhydrous or solvates, and solvates include hydrates. Preferred examples of salts of aldonic acid oligosaccharides are calcium salts, magnesium salts, sodium salts, potassium salts, copper salts, iron salts, or zinc salts, with calcium salts being a more preferred example.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is an aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharide, more specifically selected from maltobionic acid, isomaltobionic acid, maltotrionic acid, isomalttrionic acid, maltotetraonic acid, maltohexaonic acid, cellobionic acid, lactobionic acid, nigeronic acid, kordibionic acid, panose oxide, and their salts, and preferably selected from maltobionic acid, calcium maltobionate, and lactobionic acid. Maltobionic acid and lactobionic acid are difficult to digest and are hardly broken down by digestive tract enzymes such as saliva and the small intestine and pancreas, and reach the large intestine.

[0026] In one embodiment, a sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide can produce glucuronic acid in the intestines. Examples of sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides that can produce glucuronic acid in the intestines include gluconic acid-containing oligosaccharides and glucuronic acid-containing oligosaccharides. Gluconic acid-containing sugars can produce gluconic acid in the intestines, and glucuronic acid can be produced from gluconic acid. Glucuronic acid can promote the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria, such as those of the genus Faecalibacterium (Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-042874).

[0027] [Uses] (Function, Action, Effect) In this embodiment, the active ingredient or a composition containing the active ingredient can be used to inhibit the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collincella (sometimes simply referred to as Collincella bacteria). In one embodiment, the active ingredient or a composition containing the active ingredient can be used to inhibit the growth of Collincella bacteria in the intestines, more specifically in the human intestines.

[0028] The intestines refer to the digestive organs in humans and animals where bacteria reside and digest and absorb ingested food. The intestines include the small intestine and the large intestine, with the large intestine being preferred.

[0029] Inhibition of growth includes preventing growth (maintaining or reducing it) and keeping the degree of growth lower than when the active ingredient is not used. In one embodiment, inhibition of growth is the inhibition of the occupancy rate (proportion) in the intestines or in the gut microbiota. Inhibition of occupancy rate includes preventing an increase in occupancy rate (maintaining or decreasing it) and keeping the degree of increase in occupancy rate lower than when the active ingredient is not used. Inhibition can be rephrased as inhibition, blockage, downregulation, prevention, prevention, and hindering.

[0030] Examples of bacteria belonging to the genus Collincella include Collinsella aerofaciens and Collinsella intestinalis.

[0031] In relation to the present invention, when referring to bacteria of the genus Collincella, it means bacteria identified as belonging to the genus Collincella by molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene. The criteria for determining the genus by molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene are well known to those skilled in the art (Stackebrandt E, Ebers J. Taxonomic parameters revisited: tarnished gold standards. Microbiol Today 2006;33:152-155.).

[0032] Whether a certain component inhibits the growth of Collincella bacteria can be evaluated as follows: A culture of Collincella bacteria activated in GAM medium (or a culture of a bacterial population containing Collincella bacteria) is added in an appropriate amount (e.g., 1%) to a suitable medium containing the component to be evaluated (e.g., GAM semi-solid medium for sugar degradation), and cultured under appropriate conditions (37 °C, anaerobic conditions for 24 hours). The number of Collincella bacteria, their occupancy rate, or turbidity in the culture is then measured. The measurement results can then be compared with the results of a culture cultured under identical conditions except that a control (e.g., sterile water) was added instead of the component to be evaluated, and a determination can be made.

[0033] In particular, whether or not it inhibits the growth of Collincella bacteria in the intestines can be evaluated as follows: Feces containing Collincella bacteria provided by a healthy person are added to an appropriate culture medium and cultured for a certain period of time as necessary. Then, the component to be evaluated is added and cultured under appropriate conditions (for example, 37 °C, anaerobic conditions, 48 ​​hours, similar to intestinal conditions). The number or occupancy rate of Collincella bacteria in the bacterial flora of the culture is then measured. The measurement results can then be compared with the measurement results of a culture cultured under conditions that are otherwise identical except that a control (e.g., sterile water) is added instead of the component to be evaluated, and a judgment can be made.

[0034] The number of Collincella bacteria in the bacterial community can be determined by known methods. One preferred method is to perform 16S metagenomic analysis (sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons) on DNA extracted from the culture. When performing 16S metagenomic analysis, DNA extraction can be done using commercially available kits. The genomic region to be analyzed is not particularly limited as long as the bacteria can be identified, but the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene can be used. Methods for primers, amplification conditions, and amplicon purification for bacterial analysis can also be those well known to those skilled in the art. Sequence decoding is preferably performed using a high-performance next-generation sequencer. QIIME 2 can be used to analyze the obtained data. TM Next-generation microbiome bioinformatics platforms such as these can be utilized. For 16S metagenomic analysis, those skilled in the art can refer to information such as Sanschagrin S, Yergeau E. Next-generation sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons. J Vis Exp. 2014;(90):51709. Published 2014 Aug 29. doi:10.3791 / 51709.

[0035] (Therapeutic Uses) In this embodiment relating to therapeutic uses, treatment includes reducing the risk of onset, delaying the onset, prevention, therapy, stopping or delaying progression. Therapy includes curative therapy (therapy to remove the cause) and symptomatic therapy (therapy to improve symptoms). Actions for improvement or treatment include medical acts performed by physicians and nurses, midwives, etc., under the direction of a physician. Furthermore, prevention or reduction of the risk of onset includes recommending the intake of specific components and nutritional guidance (including nutritional guidance necessary for the recuperation of sick or injured persons, and nutritional guidance for maintaining and promoting health).

[0036] With respect to this embodiment relating to therapeutic use, the subjects to whom the active ingredient or composition containing the active ingredient is administered are those for whom it is desirable or necessary to suppress the growth of Collinsella bacteria in the intestines; those suffering from diseases or conditions caused by an increase in Collinsella bacteria in the intestines; and those for whom it is desirable or necessary to suppress the growth of bacteria belonging to the Collinsella genus in the intestines. The determination of whether it is desirable or necessary includes judgments by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc., judgments based on lifestyle habits, dietary habits, output results of self-reported symptom questionnaires, etc., and judgments by the subjects themselves based on their self-reported symptoms (e.g., being concerned about obesity or lifestyle-related diseases). In addition to administering pharmaceuticals, the term "administration" is also used to mean administering non-pharmaceutical substances to subjects.

[0037] Subjects for whom inhibiting the growth of Collincella bacteria in the intestines is desirable or necessary include subjects in whom the number or proportion of Collincella bacteria is detected relatively high or above a certain value in at least one of the intestines and feces. Furthermore, subjects for whom inhibiting the growth of Collincella bacteria in the intestines is desirable or necessary include subjects in whom the number or proportion of Collincella bacteria in the intestines is found to be relatively high or above a certain value through any test or analysis such as intestinal flora testing, fecal substance testing, and fecal metabolome analysis, and subjects for whom the intake of foods, beverages, or medicines that inhibit the growth of Collincella bacteria in the intestines has been suggested based on the test and analysis results by a physician, nurse, pharmacist, nutritionist, etc., or by a computer program.

[0038] When referring to a subject in which the number or percentage of Collincella bacteria is detected above a certain value in at least one of the intestines and feces, the "certain value" refers to, for example, 1.13% or more, 3.187% or more, 3.2% or more, 5.22% or more, or 6.86% or more. Alternatively, in a fecal culture obtained by culturing a sample from the intestines or feces under appropriate conditions, the values ​​may be, for example, 1.4% or more, 3.073% or more, 3.42% or more, 4.98% or more, or 7.82% or more.

[0039] There are no specific age restrictions for the target group; the target group may include, for example, newborns (within 28 days of birth); infants (under 1 year old); toddlers (1 to 6 years old); children (7 years and older, under 15 years old); adults (15 years and older); middle-aged and elderly; elderly (65 years and older); and long-lived individuals.

[0040] (Non-therapeutic Uses) In this embodiment relating to non-therapeutic uses, "treatment" does not include the prevention or treatment of disease, but includes maintaining a condition, temporarily improving a condition, or assisting in the improvement of a condition. Treatment includes non-therapeutic actions performed by food manufacturers, food distributors, etc. Furthermore, maintaining a condition and temporary improvement include recommending the intake of specific foods and nutritional guidance (including nutritional guidance necessary for the recuperation of sick or injured persons, and nutritional guidance for maintaining and promoting health). In other words, the composition of this embodiment can be used non-therapeuticly. Non-therapeutic means not intended to treat a disease. In one embodiment, the composition of this embodiment can be used by oral ingestion in the form of food, etc. (for example, as a food composition). In the above embodiment, the composition is not a medicine, but is provided in the form of, for example, a dietary supplement, health food, nutritional food, or supplement. Non-therapeutic use means, for example, being used for the purpose of maintaining the current condition, temporary improvement or relief, support, etc. In one embodiment relating to non-therapeutic uses, the composition of this embodiment can be used on healthy subjects without disease. In another embodiment, the composition of this embodiment can also be used for non-therapeutic purposes on subjects with disease. In the above embodiments, even if the subject is in a diseased state, the composition is provided as a food in accordance with the laws and regulations of each country regarding food labeling at the time of implementation (it is not a medicine). For example, the composition can also be used in the form of food or the like as a composition to support treatment. Here, support for treatment means a non-therapeutic use that is part of the treatment of a disease or illness or dietary management. Examples of support for treatment include use in a subject undergoing treatment for a disease or illness to supplement the therapeutic effect or provide nutritional support during treatment; use in a subject who has undergone treatment for a disease or illness to supplement the prognosis or provide nutritional support for maintaining and managing the health status after treatment; and use in a subject who is scheduled to undergo treatment for a disease or illness to enhance the effect of subsequent treatment or provide nutritional support before treatment. In these embodiments, the composition is not a medicine and is provided in the form of, for example, a dietary supplement, health food, nutritional food, or supplement.

[0041] With respect to this embodiment relating to non-therapeutic uses, the target recipient of the active ingredient or composition containing the active ingredient is a person for whom it is desirable or necessary to suppress the growth of Collinsella bacteria in the intestines; a person who is in a condition caused by an increase in Collinsella bacteria in the intestines; or a person for whom it is desirable or necessary to suppress the growth of bacteria belonging to the Collinsella genus in the intestines and help regulate the intestinal flora. The determination of whether it is desirable or necessary includes the judgment of the person themselves based on subjective symptoms (such as being concerned about the intestinal environment or stomach condition, or engaging in "gut health activities" (paying attention to diet etc. to improve the environment and aim to maintain or improve physical condition)). Note that "administration" is used in the sense of giving food etc. to a person for ingestion. In one embodiment relating to this embodiment relating to non-therapeutic uses, the target recipient is a healthy person. In another embodiment, the target recipient is a person with a disease. If the subject described above has a disease, it is preferable that the conditions described above, "it is desirable or necessary to suppress the growth of Collinsella bacteria in the intestines" and "it is desirable or necessary to suppress the growth of bacteria belonging to the Collinsella genus in the intestines to help regulate the intestinal microbiota," are not due to symptoms of the disease. A healthy subject refers to a human or companion animal as described below who has not been diagnosed with any disease, or who has unpleasant subjective symptoms but has not been diagnosed with a disease (pre-disease state).

[0042] Subjects for whom it is desirable or necessary to suppress the growth of Collincella bacteria in the intestine include those in whom the number or occupancy rate of Collincella bacteria is detected at a relatively high level or at a specific value or higher in at least one of the intestine and feces. In addition, subjects for whom it is desirable or necessary to suppress the growth of Collincella bacteria in the intestine include those in whom the number or occupancy rate of Collincella bacteria in the intestine is recognized to be relatively high or at a specific value or higher by any examination / analysis such as intestinal flora (flora) examination, substance examination in feces, and fecal metabolome analysis, and those for whom intake of foods, drinks, or pharmaceuticals that suppress the growth of Collincella bacteria in the intestine has been proposed based on the examination / analysis results by a judgment by a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dietitian, etc., or a computer program.

[0043] When referring to a subject in whom the number or occupancy rate of Collincella bacteria is detected at a specific value or higher in at least one of the intestine and feces, the specific value or higher is, for example, 1.13% or higher, 3.187% or higher, 3.2% or higher, 5.22% or higher, 6.86% or higher. Alternatively, in a fecal culture obtained by culturing a sample from the intestine or feces under appropriate conditions, it is, for example, 1.4% or higher, 3.073% or higher, 3.42% or higher, 4.98% or higher, 7.82% or higher.

[0044] The age of the subject is not particularly limited, and the subject can be, for example, a neonate (within 28 days after birth); an infant (under 1 year old after birth); a toddler (1 - 6 years old after birth); a child (7 years old or older, under 15 years old); an adult (15 years old or older); a middle-aged or middle-aged and elderly person; an elderly person (65 years old or older); a long-lived person. The subject includes healthy individuals. Healthy individuals include those who do not have a specific chronic disease and have no impairment in their daily living activities, and those who have a chronic disease but it is mild and has no impairment in their daily living activities. The subject also includes disabled persons without dietary restrictions and low-birth-weight infants without diseases.

[0045] [Composition] (Composition etc.) The composition of this embodiment may be a food composition or a pharmaceutical composition. Unless otherwise specified, food and pharmaceuticals include not only those for humans but also those for non-human animals. Examples of non-human animals include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Non-human animals may also be commercial animals, research animals, or companion animals. The term "companion animal" refers to livestock or domestically raised animals that can easily satisfy physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs as a household companion or by having close daily relationships with one or more humans. In one embodiment, species included in the definition of companion animals include dogs, canines, cats, felines, cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, primates (such as monkeys), rabbits, ferrets, rodents (such as guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and rats), and other small mammals. In another embodiment, the species included in the definition of companion animals are dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other small mammals, birds, small reptiles, fish, and domesticated animals. Unless otherwise specified, foods include general foods, functional foods, and nutritional compositions, as well as therapeutic diets (those that serve a therapeutic purpose, prepared based on a menu created by a dietitian or the like based on a dietary prescription issued by a physician), therapeutic diets, modified diets, care foods, therapeutic support foods, health foods, dietary supplements, and functional health foods. Unless otherwise specified, foods include not only solids but also liquids, such as beverages, drinks, liquid foods, and soups. Functional foods refer to foods that can impart specific functional properties to the body, and encompass all health foods, such as Foods for Specified Health Uses (including conditionally designated FOSHU [Foods for Specified Health Uses]), Foods with Function Claims, Foods with Nutrient Function Claims, Foods for Special Dietary Uses, Nutritional Supplements, Health Supplements, Supplements (e.g., tablets, coated tablets, sugar-coated tablets, enteric-coated preparations, capsules (enteric-coated soft capsules, enteric-coated hard capsules, colon delivery capsules, etc.), and beauty foods (e.g., diet foods).In the present invention, the "functional food" includes health foods to which a health claim based on the food standards of Codex (Joint FAO / WHO Food Standards Programme) is applicable. When making a health claim, the food-related systems and laws of each country at the time of implementation take precedence. Further, the food composition can be used for the above-mentioned non-therapeutic uses.

[0046] (Route of administration, etc.) The composition may be administered orally, parenterally, for example, by tube feeding (gastrostomy, enterostomy), or nasally, but oral administration is preferred. Regarding the present invention, "administer" can be read as "ingest", and "ingest" can be read as "administer".

[0047] The composition can be administered repeatedly to the subject and can also be continuously administered to the subject over a long period. The period is not particularly limited, but in order for the effect to be sufficiently recognized, it is advisable to administer continuously for a relatively long period, for example, 3 days or more, 1 week or more, 2 weeks or more, 1 month or more, 3 months or more, 6 months or more, 1 year or more. The composition is effective in suppressing the growth of Collinsella bacteria at least 2 weeks after the start of administration.

[0048] The composition may be administered daily, prophylactically when the risk is high, or when a situation where administration is desirable occurs. The composition may be administered as a meal, before, after, or between meals.

[0049] (Dosage, content) The dosage of the composition may be any amount that exhibits the desired effect. The dosage can be appropriately set in consideration of various factors such as the age and weight of the subject.

[0050] The daily dose of the composition may be 0.1 g or more, preferably 0.3 g or more, more preferably 0.6 g or more, even more preferably 1 g or more, even more preferably 2 g or more, even more preferably 3 g or more, and even more preferably 4 g or more. The upper limit of the daily dose of the active ingredient may be 20 g or less, 15 g or less, 10 g or less, 9 g or less, 8 g or less, 7 g or less, 6 g or less, or 5 g or less, regardless of the lower limit. If the composition contains multiple active ingredients, the amount of active ingredient refers to the total amount of the active ingredients contained.

[0051] The drug may be administered once a day, or divided into multiple doses per day, for example, 2 to 10 times. The amount of active ingredient per dose can be, for example, 0.01 g or more, preferably 0.3 g or more, more preferably 0.6 g or more, even more preferably 1 g or more, and even more preferably 2 g or more. The upper limit of the amount of active ingredient per dose can be 10 g or less, 8 g or less, 6 g or less, 5 g or less, 4 g or less, or 3 g or less, regardless of the lower limit.

[0052] The amount of active ingredients in the composition can be appropriately determined depending on the form of the composition. For example, the amount of active ingredients per solid portion of the composition can be 0.5% or more, preferably 1% or more, more preferably 2% or more, and even more preferably 3% or more. The upper limit of the amount of active ingredients per solid portion can be 20% or less, 18% or less, 16% or less, 13% or less, or 10% or less, regardless of the lower limit. In relation to the present invention, % refers to mass % unless otherwise specified.

[0053] When the composition is a liquid such as a beverage, the content of the active ingredient can be, for example, 0.1% or more, preferably 0.3% or more, more preferably 0.6% or more, even more preferably 1% or more, and even more preferably 2% or more. The upper limit of the content of the active ingredient when it is a liquid can be 15% or less, 10% or less, 8% or less, 6% or less, 4% or less, or 3% or less, regardless of the lower limit.

[0054] When the composition is in the form of tablets or granular powder, the content of the active ingredient can be, for example, 10% or more, preferably 30% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and even more preferably 60% or more. The upper limit of the active ingredient content when the composition is in the form of tablets or granular powder can be 95% or less, 90% or less, or 80% or less, regardless of the lower limit.

[0055] When the composition is a fermented milk product such as yogurt, the active ingredient content can be, for example, 2% or more, preferably 4% or more, and more preferably 10% or more. In the case of a fermented milk product such as yogurt, the upper limit of the active ingredient content can be 30% or less, 25% or less, or 15% or less, regardless of the lower limit.

[0056] (Other components, additives) The composition of this embodiment may contain other active ingredients and nutrients that are acceptable as food or pharmaceuticals. Examples of such ingredients are selected from lipids (e.g., milk fat, vegetable oils, medium-chain fatty acid-containing oils), proteins (e.g., milk protein, milk protein concentrate (MPC), whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), α-lactalbumin (α-La), β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg), heat-denatured whey protein, and enzyme-treated whey protein), amino acids (e.g., lysine, arginine, glycine, alanine, glutamic acid, leucine, isoleucine, valine), aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharides, and salts thereof. These include carbohydrates other than those listed (glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose, trehalose, erythritol, maltitol, palatinose, xylitol, dextrin), electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium), vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, biotin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and nicotinic acid), minerals (e.g., copper, zinc, iron, cobalt, manganese), antibiotics, dietary fiber, etc.

[0057] The composition may contain prebiotics other than those selected from aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts. Prebiotics are indigestible food components that selectively alter the growth and activity of specific bacteria in the large intestine tract, thereby having a beneficial effect on the host and improving the host's health. The composition may use one or more prebiotics other than those selected from aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts.

[0058] Prebiotics other than those selected from aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts are not particularly limited, as long as they do not interfere with the effects of the active ingredients in the composition. Examples of prebiotics other than those selected from aldonic acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts include galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, isomaltoligosaccharides, raffinose, lactulose, lactosucrose, soybean oligosaccharides, coffee oligosaccharides, dietary fiber, and gluconic acid.

[0059] The composition may also further contain additives that are acceptable as food or pharmaceuticals. Examples of such additives include inert carriers (solid or liquid carriers), excipients, surfactants, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, solubilizers, suspending agents, coatings, colorants, preservatives, buffers, pH adjusters, emulsifiers, stabilizers, sweeteners, antioxidants, flavorings, acidulants, and natural products. More specifically, these include water, other aqueous solvents, pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvents, collagen, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymer, sodium alginate, water-soluble dextran, water-soluble dextrin, sodium carboxymethyl starch, pectin, xanthan gum, acacia gum, casein, gelatin, agar, glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, petrolatum, paraffin, stearyl alcohol, stearic acid, human serum albumin, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, sucralose, stevia, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, fruit juice, vegetable juice, etc.

[0060] (Dosage Form / Form) In one embodiment, the composition can be in any dosage form suitable for oral administration, such as solid preparations like tablets, granules, powders, pills, and capsules; liquid preparations like liquids, suspensions, and syrups; gels, aerosols, and so on.

[0061] Furthermore, especially when it is a food composition, it can be in any form such as dairy products, supplements, confectionery, beverages, drinks, seasonings, processed foods, prepared foods, soups, etc. More specifically, the composition of the present invention can be in the form of liquid food, semi-liquid food, jelly, gel, powder, prepared milk powder, prepared liquid milk, milk powder / liquid milk for pregnant and lactating women, fermented milk, bars, mousse, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, fermented milk, lactic acid bacteria beverages, dairy beverages, milk beverages, soft drinks, tablets, cheese, bread, biscuits, crackers, pizza crusts, food for the sick, nutritional food, frozen food, processed food, etc., and can also be in the form of granules, powder, paste, concentrated liquid, etc., for administration by mixing with beverages or food. Granules and powders can be in the form of cubes or sticks (packaged in single-serving portions). In relation to the present invention, "prepared powdered milk" refers to a product made by processing raw milk, cow's milk, special milk, or raw buffalo milk, or food products made from these as raw materials, or by using these as the main raw material, to which nutrients necessary for infants and young children are added and made into a powder, as defined in the "Order Concerning Standards for Ingredients of Milk and Dairy Products (sometimes referred to as the "Milk and Dairy Products Order")." In relation to the present invention, "prepared liquid milk" refers to a product made by processing raw milk, cow's milk, special milk, or raw buffalo milk, or food products made from these as raw materials, or by using these as the main raw material, to which nutrients necessary for infants and young children are added and made into a liquid, as defined in the Ministerial Ordinance on Milk and Dairy Products.

[0062] (Other) In the manufacture of the composition of this embodiment, the stage of compounding the active ingredient can be selected as appropriate. The compounding stage is not particularly limited as long as it does not significantly impair the properties of the active ingredient. For example, the active ingredient can be mixed with the raw materials. Alternatively, the active ingredient can be added at the final stage of manufacturing to produce a composition containing the active ingredient.

[0063] The composition of this embodiment may indicate its intended use (purpose), and in one embodiment, it may indicate the function of the composition or active ingredient, or a method of use based on that function. Examples of methods of use based on the function to be indicated are as described above regarding function, action, and effect. Furthermore, the composition of the present invention may indicate that it can be used as a prebiotic or as a synbiotic (a combination of probiotics and prebiotics).

[0064] In addition, in one embodiment, the composition may include a label indicating that it is recommended for administration to a specific target. Examples of targets for which this labeling is included are as described above.

[0065] Display can be explicit or implicit. Examples of explicit display include direct markings on tangible objects such as the product itself, packaging, containers, labels, and tags. Examples of implicit display include advertising and promotional activities by place or means, such as websites, stores, brochures, exhibitions, seminars such as media seminars, books, newspapers, magazines, television, radio, mail, email, and audio.

[0066] In one embodiment, the recommendation to consume the composition is made on a personal basis. Such a recommendation can be made using documents addressed to the target (whether written or electronic), the target's tablet device, smartphone, personal computer, or social networking service (SNS). Furthermore, such a recommendation can be made in conjunction with the display of the results of any optional tests or analyses of the target, such as intestinal microbiota (flora) tests, fecal substance tests, and fecal metabolome analyses.

[0067] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, a food dispensing device is provided, comprising: an information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the target intestinal microbiota; an output unit for deriving information on food to be provided to the target based on the information on the intestinal microbiota; and a providing unit for providing the derived food information to the target.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the information acquisition unit of the device acquires information on the presence or amount of Collincella bacteria from the intestinal microbiota information, and the output unit outputs information on a food composition that includes one of the following selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts, based on the information on the presence or amount of Collincella bacteria.

[0069] In one embodiment, along with obtaining information on the subject's gut microbiota, any of the following information about the subject may be obtained: • Attribute information of the subject, including any of the groups selected from sex and age; • Physical and health status test results of the subject, including any of the groups selected from height, weight, body mass index (BMI), obesity level, body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, liver and pancreatic function, metabolic system, blood, urine, kidney function, and colon; • Survey results of preferences and lifestyle habits of the subject, including any of the groups selected from eating habits (preferences), drinking habits, smoking habits, smoking history, exercise habits, and sleep duration; and • Subjective symptoms, stress, diseases currently being treated or under observation, medications and health foods being taken, medical history, and experience of pregnancy and childbirth; and • Other information about the subject's work history and general lifestyle.

[0070] Information may be obtained based on responses from subjects to predetermined questions (for example, responses to questionnaires).

[0071] In one embodiment, the food information providing device is capable of displaying the food information it provides on a target terminal. In another embodiment, the device further includes a display unit for displaying the food information it provides. The display unit may be a target terminal, such as a tablet, smartphone, or personal computer.

[0072] In one embodiment, the food information provision device may include an analysis unit that analyzes the bacterial flora of a sample obtained from a target, and may also include an order receiving unit that receives orders for food from the target based on the information provided for the food.

[0073] In this embodiment, a method for providing food information is also provided, which includes the following steps: obtaining information on the target gut microbiota; deriving information on foods to be provided to the target based on the gut microbiota information; and providing the derived food information to the target.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the information acquisition step involves obtaining information on the presence or amount of Collincella bacteria from the intestinal flora, and the food information derives information on a food composition that includes either a sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide or a salt thereof, based on the information on the presence or amount of Collincella bacteria.

[0075] Such a method may further include a step of displaying the food information being offered on a target device. The target device could be, for example, a tablet device, a smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0076] <Embodiment 3> This embodiment relates to the cultivation of bacteria of the genus Collincella, or the use of a selection of a selection of a saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharide and a salt thereof in the cultivation of bacteria of the genus Collincella, characterized by the use of a selection of a selection of a saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharide and a salt thereof.

[0077] This embodiment specifically provides: the use of any selected saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharide and its salts for inhibiting the growth of Collinsella bacteria in the gut microbiota; the use of any selected saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharide and its salts in the preparation of a composition for inhibiting the growth of Collinsella bacteria and assisting in the regulation of the gut microbiota; a method for inhibiting the growth of Collinsella bacteria, comprising the step of supplying Collinsella bacteria with any selected saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharide and its salts; and a growth inhibitor for bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising any selected saccharide-acid-containing oligosaccharide and its salts.

[0078] The act of "donating" can be rephrased as "causing action" or "adding." Donating to Collinsella bacteria includes both direct donation to Collinsella bacteria and donation to the environment in which Collinsella bacteria exist. The environment may be the intestines or an incubator. Donation also includes donation to a bacterial community that includes Collinsella bacteria. The bacterial community may be, for example, a community that includes any of the intestinal bacteria, and specifically a community of fecal bacteria. In relation to the present invention, a bacterial community refers to a community that includes multiple types of bacteria belonging to different species, and may include bacteria other than Collinsella bacteria. The bacterial community may be composed of the intestinal microbiota.

[0079] A drug may consist of a single active ingredient or a composition of an active ingredient with other ingredients. Furthermore, a drug may be a medicine or a food product.

[0080] [Example 1] Calcium maltobionate (Sanei Sugar Refining Co., Ltd.) was ingested at a dose of 5g per day (3g as maltobionic acid) for two weeks, and fecal samples were collected before and after ingestion. DNA was extracted from the feces, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. DNA extraction was performed using the Maxwell RSC PureFood GMO & Authentication Kit (Promega). 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed using Illumina MiSeq (Illumina) according to the included manual (https: / / jp.support.illumina.com / content / dam / illumina-support / documents / documentation / chemistry_documentation / 16s / 16s-metagenomic-library-prep-guide-15044223-b-jpn.pdf). When the occupancy rate of each intestinal bacterium was measured, the occupancy rate of Collinsella was significantly reduced after ingestion compared to before ingestion (Figure 1).

[0081] These results demonstrate that administering maltobionic acid can reduce the proportion of Collinsella bacteria in the gut microbiota.

[0082] [Example 2] Feces were cultured in a medium containing maltobionic acid (Biosynth) and lactobionic acid (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries), and Collinsella levels were measured to confirm that Collinsella levels decreased with maltobionic acid and lactobionic acid.

[0083] Fecal samples from 57 individuals were cultured for 48 hours at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions in a filtered GAM semi-solid medium for sugar lysis containing 0.3% (w / v) maltobionic acid and lactobionic acid. DNA extraction and meta-16S analysis were then performed.

[0084] As a result, we confirmed that the growth of Collinsella was significantly suppressed in cultures to which maltobionic acid and lactobionic acid were added compared to the control (using an equal amount of sterile water) (Figure 2).

[0085] The results above demonstrate that the growth of Collinsella bacteria can be suppressed by providing any of the following: maltobionic acid, lactobionic acid, or other sugar-acid-containing oligosaccharides, and their salts.

[0086] This invention supports the maintenance and improvement of people's health through a composition that inhibits the growth of Collinsella bacteria. Furthermore, this invention provides a food composition that supports the maintenance and improvement of people's health, as well as a method for producing food. Moreover, this invention can lead to improved nutrition for a wide range of people, ensuring a healthy lifestyle and promoting well-being.

Claims

A composition for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising one selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and salts thereof. 　 The composition according to claim 1, wherein the sugar acid is selected from aldonic acid, uronic acid, and aldalic acid. 　 The composition according to claim 1, wherein the sugar acid is an aldonic acid. 　 The composition according to claim 1, wherein the sugar acid is selected from gluconic acid, galactonic acid, xylonic acid, and aravonic acid. 　 The composition according to claim 1, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is a disaccharide. 　 The composition according to claim 1, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is a disaccharide, and the monosaccharide constituting the disaccharide is selected from glucose, galactose, fructose, rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, and xylose. 　 The composition according to claim 1, wherein the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is maltobionic acid or lactobionic acid. 　 The composition according to claim 1, wherein the salt of the sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide is a calcium salt, magnesium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, copper salt, iron salt, or zinc salt. 　 A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, for use as a prebiotic or synbiotic. 　 A composition for treating a condition that is improved by inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the intestines, comprising one selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and salts thereof. Use of any of the following selected from sugar-acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts for the inhibition of the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella in the gut microbiota. 　 A method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising the step of providing bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella with one of the following selected from sugar-acid-containing oligosaccharides and salts thereof. 　 The use of any of a sugar acid-containing oligosaccharide and its salts in the preparation of a composition for inhibiting the growth of bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella and helping to regulate the intestinal flora. 　 A growth inhibitor for bacteria belonging to the genus Collinsella, comprising one selected from sugar acid-containing oligosaccharides and their salts.

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