Carrot Rhamnogalacturonan-I Supplementation Shapes Gut Microbiota and Immune Responses: A Randomised Trial in Healthy Adults

<b>Background:</b> Rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) is a pectic polysaccharide with emerging prebiotic and immunomodulatory potential. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ID: NCT06081972) evaluated the effects of carrot-derived RG-I (cRG-I) supplementation, compared to placebo (maltodextrin), on gut microbiota composition and immune cell activation in healthy adults. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 54 participants (18-70 years old) were randomised in a double-blind manner to receive either 500 mg/day of cRG-I or placebo for four weeks. Pre-screening ensured balanced randomisation based on habitual fibre intake and faecal <i>Bifidobacterium</i> counts. Questionnaires assessed potential gut health and well-being effects, while in vitro and ex vivo models were used to evaluate effects on intestinal permeability. <b>Results:</b> cRG-I was well tolerated with excellent compliance. Faecal <i>Bifidobacterium</i> counts increased significantly, peaking at week 3. Isobutyric acid levels rose, though no other SCFAs differed. Immunologically, cRG-I enhanced the percentage of circulating myeloid dendritic cells expressing activation markers (CD86, HLA-DR) on. Stool consistency improved slightly. Preclinical models further showed that cRG-I and its fermentation products protected intestinal barrier integrity under stress. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results support cRG-I as a safe, low-dose dietary intervention capable of beneficially modulating gut microbiota, immune responses, and barrier function in healthy adults within a short supplementation period.