Clinical trial finds Nexira’s acacia fiber alleviates constipation

14 Apr 2023 --- A double-blind clinical trial found that Nexira’s Inavea Pure Acacia ingredient significantly improves constipation and has a high tolerability on sensitive people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

“Our latest study has shown an increase of microbiota diversity (healthy marker) thanks to prebiotic acacia intake,” Julie Impérato, Nexira marketing and communication manager, tells NutritionInsight. 

“Our study has demonstrated that as healthy strains’ populations are stimulated (such as Bifidobacterium longum, Prevotella sp., F. Prausnitzii), so too is short-chain fatty acid production (butyrate and propionate).”

She adds that the product has been tested up to 30 g daily with no discomfort. “Compared to other digestive health products, Inavea offers an extremely high tolerability.” 

“So many fibers and prebiotics generate discomfort. And this is one of the reasons consumers do not consume enough fiber. Inavea has been compared to FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), psyllium and other fibers and evaluated as more tolerable.”  

Scientific support 
In the interventional double-blinded clinical study, Inavea Pure Acacia was tested on 120 persons from the predominantly constipated category of IBS people. They took 10g of Inavea Pure Acacia for four weeks versus placebo. 

In addition, the study demonstrated that Inavea Pure Acacia was compatible with the IBS population – known to be highly sensitive. 

“Acacia gum is a very complex and highly branched polysaccharide. Inavea Pure Acacia is gradually fermented in the transverse colon (TC) and the distal colon (DC) with a high digestive tolerance,” explains Impérato. 

In the clinical trial, Inavea Pure Acacia significantly improved constipation after testing on 120 persons. “Talking about constipation or transit seems to be old fashioned in front of the microbiome – biotics and so on. However, with more than 40% of people worldwide suffering from a functional gastrointestinal disorder, this solution to improve transit still has a huge potential for supplement manufacturers.”

She adds that numerous studies have been performed since the late 1970s, demonstrating the acacia prebiotic effect and its role as an emulsifier, stabilizer, coating and encapsulating agent. 

Inavea Pure Acacia has a strong prebiotic effect at a dose of 10 g per day, according to Impérato. Previous studies demonstrated that Inavea Pure Acacia helps to restore the gut barrier, supporting immunity, as “70% of the immune system is located in the gut.”

Product applications 
Impérato explains that Inavea can be used in a wide range of applications due to its technological properties. These include supplements and functional food and beverage. The ingredient contains a minimum of 90% fiber on the dry weight. 

“It is a 100% soluble dietary fiber in cold and hot water. Purified, it is free-flowing and dust free, from white to cream-colored powder. In formulation, we offer odorless, colorless and tasteless grades.” 

“As a fiber, Inavea also offers binding and compressing properties, helps maintain texture and helps for sugar and fat reduction.” 

Acacia fiber was classified as a dietary fiber in the US following a five-year campaign led by Nexira. The US Food and Drug Administration confirmed that the gum has physiological effects that benefit human health. 

Inavea Pure Acacia was shown to be compatible with the IBS population who are highly sensitive. Impérato continues that the fiber is gluten-free. Its low caloric value makes it interesting for the low-sugar or sugar-free market. The ingredient can be used in high-fiber, gut health and transit modulation products, such as high-fiber snacks and high-protein bars. 

“In functional beverages, Inavea helps to position the product as a convenient and healthy drink for gut boosting. Inavea is interesting for mouthfeel and flavor release and offers stability through pH, heat treatment and storage conditions.” 

Sustainability initiatives 
According to Impérato, Inavea is the first carbon-neutral acacia fiber. It is an “all-natural, organic and Non-GMO Project verified dietary fiber sourced from carefully selected acacia trees.” 

“Nexira is voluntarily committed to a carbon reduction program.” 

Sustainable sourcing is an essential topic in the acacia market as it is collected from the wild. 

By Jolanda van Hal