ANSWER
Inulin and Oligofructose are functional ingredients that are naturally derived from chicory root. They occur naturally in great number of plants and vegetables but chicory root in particular is a very rich source.
As prebiotic fibers, Inulin and Oligofructose help support a healthy intestinal environment. Additionally, they contribute to a better bowel movement and transit time, along with increasing stool frequency. Ingestion of good quality fiber products such as Inulin and Oligofructose can play a great role in improving our bowel functions. Maintaining good digestion is important as it helps our body to absorb all the nutrients needed to achieve healthier lifestyle (Beneo, 2013).
Inulin and Oligofructose can be incorporated into food and beverage applications. They aid fat and sugar reduction in foods as they hold fewer calorie count. They have been proven to support weight management through lower fat, sugar and calories intake.
Oligofructose-enriched inulin refers to mixtures of oligofructose and long-chain inulin. It has been shown to have beneficial effects on calcium absorption for stronger bones by human body.
Clinical Studies
| References | Health Benefits of Beneo Orafti products |
| Micka et al., 2017. |
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| EFSA, 2015. |
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| Marteau et al., 2011. |
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| Parnell & Reimer, 2009. | Oligofructose supplementation has the potential to promote weight loss and improve glucose regulation in overweight adults. |
| Bouhnik et al., 2007. | Study revealed inulin can exert a prebiotic effect in healthy volunteers by stimulating bifidobacteria growth even at doses as low as 2.5 g twice a day. |
| Holloway et al., 2007. | Synergy 1 has been shown to improve mineral absorption and impact markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women. |
References
Beneo. (2013). Human Nutrition: Functional Fibers.
Bouhnik, Y., Raskine, L., Champion, K., Andrieux, C., Penven, S., Jacobs, H. & Simoneau, G. (2007). Prolonged administration of low-dose inulin stiumulates the growth of bifidobacteria in humans. Nutrition Research, 27(4), 187-193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2007.01.013
EFSA. (2015). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to “native chicory inulin” and maintenance of normal defecation by increasing stool frequency pursuant to Article 13.5 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal, 13(1), 3951. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.3951
Holloway, L., Moynihan, S., Abrams, S. A., Kent, K., Hsu, A. R. & Friedlander, A. L. (2007). Effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. British Journal of Nutrition, 97(2), 365-372.
Marteau, P., Jacobs, H., Cazaubiel, M., Signoret, C., Prevel, J. M. & Housez, B. (2011). Effects of chicory inulin in constipated elderly people: a double-blind controlled trial. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 62(2), 164-70. https://doi.org/10.3109/09637486.2010.527323
Micka, A., Siepelmeyer, A., Holz, A., Theis, S. & Scho. (2017). Effect of consumption of chicory inulin on bowel function in healthy subjects with constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 68(1), 82-9.
Parnell, J. A. & Reimer, R. A. (2009). Weight loss during oligofructose supplementation is associated with decreased ghrelin and increased peptide YY in overweight and obese adults. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(6), 1751-1759. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.27465
