| abstract |
An agent for promoting the proliferation of Bifidobacterium which comprises an indigestible substance which is prepared by heating a starch in the presence of a mineral acid and a small amount of water to prepare a pyrodextrin and hydrolyzing the pyrodextrin in the presence of an acid; and use of the indigestible substance for promoting the proliferation of Bifidobacterium in the intestine. Foods containing the indigestible substance promote the proliferation of Bifidobacterium in the intestine and can be very excellent health foods. |