Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota

I found this summary interesting and so went and read the paper and I must say that despite the positive spin in the summary the actual results a bit underwhelming. It is a case of statistically “significant findings” being less than clinically significant findings. Of particular interest is the finding that sand (silica) excretion did not increase in adults with supplementation. This continues to be a ball batted back and forth in the literature. Also of importance is at the end of the study there was declining advantage seen.
DrO

Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses

BMC Res Notes. 2020 Sep 29;13(1):459. doi: 10.1186/s13104-020-05305-w.
Authors
Michael J Mienaltowski 1 , Ashley Belt 2 , John D Henderson 2 , Tannah N Boyd 2 , Nicole Marter 2 , Elizabeth A Maga 2 , Edward J DePeters 2
Affiliations

Abstract

Objective: Prophylactic supplementation of psyllium husk is recommended to enhance passage of ingested sand from the gastrointestinal tracts of horses. We hypothesized that psyllium supplementation would increase fecal sand passage and favorably alter bacterial populations in the hindgut. Six yearlings and six mature mares were fed a psyllium supplement in the diet daily for seven days. Voluntarily-voided feces were collected over the course of 29 days, prior, during, and after treatment. Feces were analyzed for acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent insoluble ash analyses. Microbial DNA was also isolated, and the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced using MiSeq technology.

Results: Fecal ADF concentration was greater in adults while silica concentration was greater in yearlings. Mature mare fecal ADF decreased during and just after supplementation but thereafter increased. No changes in silica levels were noted in either group over time. Fecal microbial population phylogenetic diversity was greatest mid-supplementation and lowest at 11 days post-supplementation. Functional profiles of the microbial communities presented some benefits for psyllium supplementation. These findings provide compelling evidence for further detailed studies of prophylactic psyllium supplementation.