New BENEO Study Suggests its Chicory Root Fiber “Improves Regularity and Wellbeing”

23 Feb 2017 --- BENEO’s prebiotic chicory root fiber, Orafti Inulin, has been found to induce selective changes in the gut’s microbiota composition that the company says can be directly linked to improved regularity and wellbeing.

The study follows a flurry of recent research conducted around the company’s key nutritional ingredient, including how it benefits digestive health.

The company says that this new study highlights the very selective effect of Orafti Inulin on the gut microbiota composition.

The researchers used a technology known as ‘next generation sequencing’ to assess the impact of inulin fermentation, a method that allowed the entire human colonic bacterial ecosystem to be assessed.

The results showed that inulin intake selectively changed three bacterial genera: Bifidobacterium, Anaerostipes and Bilophila, while increasing the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Anaerostipes, both known as ‘good’ bacteria.

Bifidobacteria are known for producing vitamin B, antioxidants and conjugated linoleic acids, as well as stimulating the immune system and Anaerostipes for their butyrate production, which supports the gut mucosa.

The selectivity of Orafti Inulin was further demonstrated through decreased levels of Bilophila, a genus related to increased gas production. This decrease upon inulin consumption was linked with both softer stools and improved constipation-related quality of life measures.

The company says that this is the first time that a direct link has been established between the consumption of inulin, a selective change in microbiota composition and an improvement in quality of life.

Anke Sentko, Vice President Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Communication at BENEO, said, “The results from this recent study are remarkable.

“They confirm that BENEO’s inulin-type fructans (chicory root fibres) induce changes in the microbiota composition that can now be directly linked with improved regularity and quality of life.”

“It is great to see that with the newest methodology, inulin’s selective modulation of the gut microbiota has been proven.”

“The new link shown between the change in bacterial abundance upon prebiotic inulin intake and the enhanced wellbeing is yet further proof of the role a healthy gut microbiota plays has on people’s health and wellbeing. It also opens the field for further research in this area.”

The company has announced several studies highlighting the benefits of its ingredient. Speaking with NutritionInsight last week, Anke Sentko, Vice President Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Communication, BENEO, explained how strong data is key for a successful health claim dossier.

“In general, for a successful health claim dossier in the EU, very strong data is needed and it takes years of research to develop this. Regularity and digestive health is an important topic for everyone and is strongly connected to wellbeing. BENEO continues in its research related to digestive health.”

By Hannah Gardiner

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