BENEO Shows Support for World Digestive Health Day 2016 Campaign

27 May 2016 --- BENEO, who recently obtained a second 13.5 health claim for their chicory root fibers, is showing its support for the World Digestive Health Day 2016.

The ‘Your Diet and Gut Health’ campaign for World Digestive Health Day 2016, sponsored by the World Gastroenterology Organization, is being used to highlight the role of food on the gut, with a particular focus on food intolerances and allergies.

The campaign comes at a time when consumers are increasingly choosing to treat digestive health issues through dietary changes rather than just medication – and this presents the food industry with significant opportunities.

“With food intolerances now reported to be extremely common, affecting up to 40% of individuals who suffer symptoms similar

to those associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and non-coeliac sensitivity possibly affecting more than 10% of the population, it is no wonder that more and more consumers are making the link between wellness and gut health,” Anke Sentko, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Nutrition Communication at BENEO stated.

A recent BENEO consumer study found that ‘feeling good’ and ‘contributing to overall health’ were ranked among the main reasons for more than two thirds of consumers choosing foods that support digestive health.

“More than 150 qualitative scientific studies have shown that feeding the good bacteria inside the gut with prebiotic chicory root fiber encourages the bacteria to grow and supports digestive health, as well as other health related aspects, in a natural way. Prebiotic supplementation for example has recently been linked to allergy prevention in not-exclusively breastfed infants. It has been advocated as a potential preventive invention for allergic diseases because the modulated microflora influences immunologic and inflammatory systemic responses, as evaluated by the World Allergy Organization (WAO),” Sentko added.

BENEO is a division of the Südzucker Group – one of the leading food producers in Europe, and has production units in Belgium, Chile, Germany and Italy. It offers functional ingredients derived from chicory roots, beet sugar, rice and wheat.

Through a unique chain of expertise, including the BENEO-Institute that provides decisive insights into nutrition science and legislation, and the BENEO-Technology Center that consults in application technology, BENEO actively supports customers in the development of more balanced and healthy food products.

“Food and drink manufacturers who can offer consumers attractive products that promote overall wellbeing by supporting a balanced digestive system through a healthy gut microflora look set for success.”

“With BENEO’s exclusive health claim confirming that chicory root inulin promotes digestive health by supporting regularity, manufacturers can now support consumers in choosing food that contributes to their overall wellbeing.”

“We as an industry have the opportunity to promote wellness from inside, so why not embrace it with open arms?” Sentko concluded.

World Digestive Health Day is held annually on 29 May.