Raftilose Synergy1 product shown to increase bone mineral density

The study revealed that when used to supplement the diet over a period of one year, Raftilose Synergy1 helps increase calcium retention and accretion in bones by 15%.

02/06/05 A study designed to evaluate whether prebiotics can increase calcium retention within bones has found that Orafti's Raftilose Synergy1, an enriched inulin powder patented by Orafti, does have a positive effect. The study revealed that when used to supplement the diet over a period of one year, Raftilose Synergy1 helps increase calcium retention and accretion in bones by 15%.

The results followed a year-long intervention study that looked at the effects of the prebiotic Raftilose Synergy1 on calcium absorption and bone mineralization in young adolescents. The study was conducted by Prof. S. Abrams from the Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, USA.

The results reconfirm a calcium absorption increase of 20%, previously proven by Prof. Abrams and coworkers during earlier short-term studies with Raftilose Synergy1. This increase in calcium absorption was seen after both two months and one year of supplementing the diet with 8 g/day of ORAFTI's Raftilose Synergy1, an oligofructose-enriched inulin. But the most important result is a significant increase of calcium retention and accretion within the bones of the participants of 15% after one year of supplementation.

"Standard inulin and oligofructose also improve mineral absorption, but only at higher dosages, so they are not suitable for related health claims. With the patented Raftilose Synergy1, calcium absorption and bone density claims are possible with only 8 g/day", said Dr. Anne Franck, Vice President of Science & Technology at Orafti. "Until now, only short-term studies had been carried out on the effects Raftilose Synergy1 has on calcium absorption and retention within humans. If effects are not long-term they have little clinical benefit.  The Abrams research is physiologically significant as it provides an insight into the longer-term effect of Raftilose Synergy1 and demonstrates that it can be highly beneficial in increasing bone mineral density", she added.

The study examined the effects of dietary administration of Raftilose Synergy1 in a randomised sample of 100 male and female volunteers aged between nine and thirteen.  Half of the sample was provided with 8g of Raftilose Synergy1 to consume with breakfast each day for a year, whilst the other half was provided with a placebo. 

Prior to the start of the research, all participants underwent measurements of calcium absorption and retention, via blood and urine samples, and bone mineral content and density, via X-ray body scans. These tests were repeated after two months and at the end of the year-long study. Regular checks were also made on the participants' average daily diet in order to ensure that no significant changes in calcium intake occurred. Calcium intake was maintained throughout the study at usual levels around 900mg/day.

The improved absorption of calcium in the body is attributed to the selective fermentation process of Raftilose Synergy1. The short oligofructose fraction in Raftilose Synergy1 can thoroughly change the flora in the proximal part of the colon, and the more slowly fermented inulin can function as a selective 'fuel' for this modified flora, which is kept metabolically active further in the gut. This selective fermentation pattern results in the production of short chain fatty acids. These acids decrease the pH within the colon, improving the solubility of the calcium present, which is then better absorbed into the body.

Osteoporosis affects an estimated 75 million people in Europe, USA and Japan according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. In the United States, Dr. Saralyn Mark, Senior Medical Advisor of the Office of Women's Health, stated that around only 10% of young girls get the calcium they need each day. In light of this, the ability to increase bone mineral density and strength is beneficial to us all. By increasing the mineral density of bone in early life and retaining it as we age, we are able to reduce our risk of osteoporosis.

"Absorption of an adequate amount of calcium is particularly important during early adolescence in order to achieve an optimal peak bone mass.  In doing this, and by further ensuring that the maximum amount of calcium is retained in the bones throughout adulthood, the chances of developing conditions such as osteoporosis later in life can be reduced", Dr. Anne Franck concluded.

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