Latest Scientific Publication From Cosucra: Chicory Inulin (Fibruline Instant) is Prebiotic at 5 g/day

25/06/07 A study published in the latest edition of Nutrition Research has again confirmed the prebiotic effect of Fibruline Instant (native inulin from chicory) in humans. The clinical study conducted in France with healthy adults has demonstrated the great potential of this ingredient in the stimulation of the colonic microflora but also in the modulation of enzymatic activities.

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study has been conducted in the Hôpital Lariboisière (Paris) by the Pr Y. Bouhnik with 39 healthy adult volunteers consuming a low-dose of inulin (2.5g twice a day).

The major findings of the study are that the daily consumption of 5 g of inulin from Fibruline Instant not only significantly increases the population of Bifidobacteria for more than 10 folds but is also able to reduce the concentration of β-glucuronidase, an enzyme considered as a risk factor for colon cancer. Moreover at this daily dose, Fibruline Instant is perfectly tolerated.

This study is of great importance in the context of the newly published European Regulation of Nutrition and Health Claims (Regulation EC 1924/2006) as it strengthens the scientific background behind the prebiotic claim for chicory inulin. This claim will typically fall under the category of claims defined in the Art 13 of the text (health claims describing or referring to the role of a nutrient or other substance in growth, development and the function of the body also called “functional” claims). For those claims, each member state has to finalize and send to the Commission its national list before the 31st of January 2008. The Commission will then compile and publish a European list of allowed functional claims by the 31st of January 2010 at the latest.

The prebiotic effect of native inulin from chicory root has already been officially recognized by some member states. In addition, Cosucra has been the first producer of chicory inulin to obtain an official advice on the prebiotic effect of native inulin at the daily dose of 5 g/day by the French Food Safety Agency (AFSSA) in 2005 (Advice N°2004-0345-SA).

The daily dose of 5 g or more of inulin (Fibruline Instant) or oligofructose (Fibrulose F97) can easily be provided by two glasses of milk, two yoghurts, three slices of bread or four cookies. Moreover, it’s possible to adapt the content of inulin or oligofructose in the food by taking into account the particular health concerns of different age groups and the targeted nutrition or health benefit. On top of this, Fibruline and Fibrulose are low caloric (1.0 - 1.5 kcal/g) soluble fibres, which can easily replace fat and sugar in most food applications, keeping taste and texture almost identical to the full-calorie product.

Providing sufficient scientific proof for the functional claims associated with our ingredients is one of the main aims of Cosucra Groupe Warcoing. That is why the group is focusing on nutritional research.