Milk fat globule membrane glycoproteins prevent adhesion of the colonic microbiota and result in increased bacterial butyrate production

The (glyco)proteins in the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) have advantageous effects, mainly related to prevention of bacterial adhesion to the gastro-intestinal wall. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MFGM fractions enriched with various (glyco)proteins on the metabolism, community structure, and anti-adhesive properties of the colonic microbiota. Five MFGM fractions were obtained, which varied in the type of (glyco)proteins present and lipid content. All these fractions, but especially the fraction which was enriched in mucin 1 (MUC1), stimulated short chain fatty acid and ammonium production. Butyrate, as a percentage of total short chain fatty acids, increased significantly by 4–9% compared with the control upon incubation of colonic microbiota with MFGM (glyco)proteins for 48 h. The bacterial community structure changed upon incubation with MFGM (glyco)proteins. MUC1 and the MFGM fraction containing all MFGM (glyco)proteins reduced bacterial adhesion. These effects were reduced in the presence of lipids.