Inulin Contributes to Good Health From Birth, Says Study

30 Nov 2016 --- A panel of international nutrition experts brought together by Sensus, a global specialist in chicory root fiber, have reviewed knowledge on inulin in the first 1000 days of life and the pregnant mother, concluding that consumption of inulin is beneficial. 

The specialist workshop, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, especially gave attention to needs of young children in the Asian region, and provides valuable recommendations for future research to improve health using prebiotics.

New molecular technologies applied today to study gut microbiome development, confirm the bifidogenic effect due to chicory inulin in children consuming supplemented formulae or solid foods, and is associated with softer stools, as well as increased acetate and lower pH which may support enhanced resistant to infections.

There are also promising effects for improved absorption of minerals, and importantly to support the pregnant mother in managing glycaemic response and bowel habit.

However, until now, most research has focused on Western populations.

Professor Agus Firmansyah of Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta said, “The prevalence of stunted children in some Asian countries may be an expression of chronic malnutrition due to poor gut health, and will be due to multi-etiologies such as the mothers status, suboptimal breastfeeding, inadequate complementary feeding, recurrent infections, amongst others.”

“Thereby, improving gut health in the first 1000 days of life is critical to reduce stunting. In addition to programs encouraging breastfeeding and optimizing complementary feeding, the role of prebiotics in reducing stunting in children should be explored.”

Collaboration with experts from universities, research hospitals and government health and science ministries in this way aligns the latest findings of academic research technologies to eventually realize food applications that support infant and child health.