Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which plays an important role in infection defense, is upregulated in the large intestine and oral cavity through dietary fiber intake. However, the mechanism underlying salivary IgA increase through dietary fiber intake remains unknown. This study investigated time-dependent effects of non-absorbable polydextrose (PDX) and lactitol intake on salivary IgA secretion and cecal fermentation. Five-week-old rats were fed a fiber-free diet with or without 25 g/kg PDX and 25 g/kg lactitol for 1, 4, and 8 weeks. Compared to control, those who ingested PDX and lactitol had higher salivary IgA flow rates per weight of submandibular gland tissue at 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.05), greater cecal weight and digesta at 1, 4, and 8 weeks (P < 0.05), and lower concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cecal digesta (P = 0.0003). These findings suggest that the consumption of PDX and lactitol may upregulate salivary IgA secretion possibly by stimulating absorption of SCFAs produced by cecal fermentation. Thus, continuous ingestion of PDX and lactitol for up to 4 weeks could increase salivary IgA and promote immune defense against pathogen invasion through the oral route.
Keywords: IgA; lactitol; polydextrose; rat; saliva; short-chain fatty acid.