The actions of apples on gut microbiota and bowel health in healthy adults

INTERVENTION: This is a 17‐week cross‐over study, which includes three intervention periods of three weeks each, separated by 2‐week wash‐out periods. During each intervention period, participants will consume a different variety of apple. Dazzle and Envy (red apples) will be compared to Granny Smith (green apple). The red varieties have higher total concentrations of polyphenols and different polyphenol profiles from the green apple. During each of the three intervention periods, participants will eat 2 apples per day for three weeks. At the end of each trial period, participants will return uneaten apples to the trial coordinators as a measure of compliance. Participants will also be directly asked whether or not they adhered to the protocol. CONDITION: Diet and Nutrition ‐ Other diet and nutrition disorders Gut dysbiosis ; ; Gut dysbiosis Oral and Gastrointestinal ‐ Normal oral and gastrointestinal development and function PRIMARY OUTCOME: Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movement (CSBM) Frequency (CSBM/week) as a measure of overall bowel function.; [CSBM will be measured daily using a Daily Bowel Habit Diary during the lead‐in and three intervention periods. ] SECONDARY OUTCOME: Assessment of diet as measured using a three‐day Food Diary[At end of lead‐in, end of intervention 1, end of washout 1, end of intervention 2, end of washout 2 and end of intervention 3 ; ] Assessment of diet as measured using Fructan Food Frequency Questionnaire[At end of lead‐in, end of intervention 1, end of washout 1, end of intervention 2, end of washout 2 and end of intervention 3] Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)[Completed weekly by the participants during the lead‐in and three intervention periods] Stool consistency as indicated by Bristol Stool Scale ; [Measured daily during the lead‐in and three intervention periods] INCLUSION CRITERIA: Healthy adults between ages of 18‐65 years inclusive with a BMI between 18‐35 kg/m2.