# A Decrease in the Hardness of Feces with Added Glucosylceramide Extracted from Koji In Vitro—A Working Hypothesis of Health Benefits of Dietary Glucosylceramide

## TL;DR

This study suggests that dietary glucosylceramide may soften feces and improve health by interacting with gut bacteria.

## Contribution

A new working hypothesis is proposed for the health benefits of dietary glucosylceramide through fecal softening.

## Key findings

- Feces supplemented with glucosylceramide were significantly softer in an in vitro test.
- The hypothesis suggests glucosylceramide interacts with gut bacteria to reduce fecal hardness.
- This mechanism may explain the observed health benefits of dietary glucosylceramide.

## Abstract

Skin barrier function, prevent colon cancer, head and neck cancer, and decrease liver cholesterol. However, the mechanism of action has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we propose a new working hypothesis regarding the health benefits and functions of glucosylceramide: decreased fecal hardness. This hypothesis was verified using an in vitro hardness test. The hardness of feces supplemented with glucosylceramide was significantly lower than that of the control. Based on these results, a new working hypothesis of dietary glucosylceramide was conceived: glucosylceramide passes through the small intestine, interacts with intestinal bacteria, increases the tolerance of these bacteria toward secondary bile acids, and decreases the hardness of feces, and these factors synergistically result in in vivo effects. This hypothesis forms the basis for further studies on the health benefits and functions of dietary glucosylceramides.