Supplements with inulin shown to enhance calcium absorption- research

02/09/05 Research published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests nutrients that support gastrointestinal health may also help maintain healthy bones. These findings suggest that nutritional supplements containing a specialized type of dietary fiber called inulin can significantly enhance calcium absorption in young adults.

A healthy balance of intestinal bacteria helps the body absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins. To do this, the beneficial bacteria in the gut need to outnumber harmful bacteria. Emerging medical evidence suggests the inulin-type complex sugars nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut and support their growth.

Nutritional supplements are an economical and convenient source of inulin, a naturally occurring fiber derived from chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes. "Inuflora contains inulin which is good for overall health because malabsorption, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and weight problems can all be related to the health of the gut," said Joe Lehmann, CEO of Naturally Vitamins, the Phoenix-based nutraceutical firm.

Unlike supplements with inulin chemically extracted from chicory root, Inuflora is produced exclusively from organically grown artichokes in Germany. The complex sugar chains from the Jerusalem artichoke are longer than those obtained from chicory root, and thus provide longer lasting support for healthful intestinal microflora.