Further Support for Benefits of Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin in Infants

30 May 2013 --- A recent scientific study has provided further evidence that the use of BENEO’s OraftiSynergy1 (oligofructose-enriched inulin) in infant formula is safe, well-tolerated and demonstrates a prebiotic effect in infants during the first four months after birth.

The study was led by Prof. Dr. Ricardo Closa Monasterolo, Director of the Neonatal Unit, Hospital University Joan XXIII of Tarragona, Spain and conducted at the university hospitals of Tarragona and Sant Joan de Reus in Spain.

The findings of the study proved that neonates receiving a formula supplemented with BENEO’s prebiotic fibre showed a microflora composition close to that of breast-fed infants, with a higher proportion of bifidobacteria, softer stools and a higher deposition frequency compared to the control group receiving maltodextrin. 

Ricardo Closa Monasterolo: “Breast-fed babies have a different microflora that is mainly composed of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli compared to bottle-fed infants that display a more complex flora with a predominance of clostridia, bacteroides and streptococci. It has also been observed that breast-fed infants grow and develop differently with reduced incidence of infections, allergy and childhood obesity.  Whereas human milk contains about 8% of total carbohydrates in the form of prebiotic oligosaccharides, infant milk formulas do not contain such prebiotics unless they are enriched. With the study we were able to demonstrate that the supplementation with 0.8g/dL OraftiSynergy1 to formula milk during the first four months of life is safe and effective in terms of gut health.”

The results follow a previous study published by Veereman-Wauters et al. in 2011 that proved the physiological benefits and prebiotic effect of OraftiSynergy1 in newborns during a period of four weeks after birth.  The objective of this new study was to demonstrate safety, tolerance and efficacy of OraftiSynergy1 in new-born babies over a longer period of time, during the first four months of life.

The study was set up in a large randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design including 252 formula-fed, healthy infants recruited within the first four weeks of life and 131 breast-fed infants. The infant formula was supplemented with 0.8g/100ml of OraftiSynergy1 or with maltodextrin in the control group. Formulas were provided until the age of four months. During the intervention period, measurements included normal growth, formula intake and acceptance, water balance, blood and urine biochemical parameters to confirm the safety of the OraftiSynergy1 supplementation.

The results of this new study demonstrate that OraftiSynergy1 added to infant formula at a level of 0.8g/dL is well-tolerated and supports the normal growth of a baby. Water balance as well as blood and urine biochemical parameters were similar in both formula groups. Stool frequency increased and stool consistency was softer in the OraftiSynergy1 supplemented group, in comparison to the typical hard stool of standard formula babies. These results of the OraftiSynergy1 group were closer to the breast-fed group and following microflora analysis, confirmed the prebiotic effect of OraftiSynergy1.

Within infant nutrition, breastfeeding is considered the gold standard of nutrition and is strongly recommended as the preferred mode of feeding. As infant formulae (as well as breast milk), represent the sole source of nutrients during the first few months of a baby’s life, it’s crucial that these formulae are of the highest standards possible. Infant formulae must be safe, promote normal growth and development, and their composition, as well as functional and physiological benefits, should come as close as possible to those of human milk. Among other compounds, mother’s milk contains a substantial amount of oligosaccharides that may account for the bifidobacteria-predominant colonization observed in the microflora of breast-fed versus formula-fed infants.

Anke Sentko, Vice President Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Communication BENEO: “This major study demonstrated the safe use of our ingredient in infant feeding. Infants receiving the OraftiSynergy1 formula showed a microbiota composition closer to that of breast-fed infants, compared to those receiving the non-supplemented infant formula. These results confirm and extend the existing broad scientific knowledge of prebiotic inulin-type ingredients from chicory in infant and small children nutrition. We’re confident that this additional scientific data will give confidence and inspiration to manufacturers that are looking to improve their baby-food products.”