What’s New?

By Chris Rosenbloom, PhD, RDN
“One of the hottest topics in health and wellness is the gut microbiome. The human gastrointestinal tract is host to one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet. So important is the gut microbiome that it has been dubbed our second brain for its role in influencing our health”.
Read the full blog to find out how a specific prebiotic dietary fiber called inulin can positively influence the microbes in our gut, why this is important, what they do, why we should eat them and  – most importantly, where we can find them.

Check out this interesting speech held recently at the International Symposium on Food and Nutrition on strengthening our body’s inner defence with prebiotic chicory root fibres. You will find out more on special nutrients for our gut microbes.

Researchers and consumers alike are asking what can be done to support our immune system, even more so during the ongoing pandemic. The influence of the microbiome is key in the link between the gut and the inner defence system. Read about how your immune function can be supported by prebiotics (and probiotics) in this recent interview, published by NUTRAingredients.com.

By Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN and Lori Zanteson in Today’s Dietitian
Did you know that only about 5 % of Americans are meeting the daily fiber recommendation? Dietary fiber is associated with a number of health benefits including digestive health, lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes to name a few. Even more positive effects are associated with prebiotic fibers, like chicory root fiber. In this concise overview you can learn more about the terms and categories of the different types of fiber and most important of all, you can learn what you can do to fill the “fiber gap”. Read more here.

Topics, such as immunity and staying healthy, are at the top of our minds these days! Gut health is more important than ever and evidence is growing confirming the beneficial role of prebiotics. Learn more about what you can do for your inner defense system and the role prebiotics and the microbiome play. Have a look at a recent article, which appeared in Nutraceutical Business Review for the whole story.

Consumers have a growing awareness of the positive effects of increased fibre consumption and are ready to discover more ways to include it in their diet. In particular inulin has been used extensively across many food categories for increasing the nutritional value of products. For more information on the different types of fibres and their health and technological benefits, continue reading here.

Healthy chocolate really exists! Did you know that fibers can be part of healthy and delicious chocolate? Chocolate with added inulin not only allows food manufacturers to use less fat, but also to incorporate prebiotic properties that are good for your gut and heart. Find out more from dietitian Jill Weisenberger in this TV clip and in her blog.

If you always wondered about that, check out this infographic developed by the International Scientific Association for Probiotcs and Prebiotics (ISAPP) which contains all the information you need around prebiotics in a nutshell. The information is visualized in a short educational video as well.

By Shari Steinbach MS, RDN, RDBA
In a recent article  on retaildietitians.com, Shari Steinbach offers information for retail dietitians on new food products and supplements, claiming to enhance digestive well-being. In view of the growing consumer interest and amount of research demonstrating the importance of our gut in keeping the body healthy, it is a perfect time for dietitians to guide merchant teams and shoppers alike on gut health solutions.

By Leslie Barrie
In a recent article which appeared in everydayhealth.com, Karien Ansel (RDN) describes 10 healthy snacks to help you cope with a hectic day. Ansel highlights the benefits of fiber and the importance of prebiotics in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota. She describes how foods containing prebiotic chicory root fiber can be found in the store – by looking for inulin on the ingredient list!

The recently published results of a study conducted by Prof. Decsi and Lohner (University of Pécs, Department of Paediatrics in Hungary) demonstrate that prebiotic chicory root fiber intake selectively increases beneficial bifidobacteria in children 3 to 6 years of age. Even under antibiotic treatment, their microbiota is more stable and balanced. This study is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth investigation into the effect of prebiotic chicory root fiber supplementation on the gut microbiota composition in kindergarten children, including those on antibiotic treatment. The complete study can be seen here. The results of this study build on a previous publication which demonstrated significantly reduced fever episodes and sinusitis cases resulting from prebiotic chicory root fiber supplementation in these young children.

A study published recently by Prof. Decsi and Lohner (University of Pécs, Department of Paediatrics, Hungary) investigated the supplementation with prebiotic chicory root fibers in kindergarten children aged 3 to 6 years. A daily dosage of 6 g of chicory root fiber was given over 6 months, demonstrating various health benefits. As well as having a positive influence on the gut microbiota composition and stool frequency the children receiving the prebiotic supplementation also experienced fewer incidents of fever and sinusitis. This research highlights that, even in this age group, the immune system can be strengthened with chicory root fibers. Click here to read the full study.

Many US citizens suffer from constipation as a result of a low fiber intake. The study by Prof. Buddington (University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center), revealed that a well-tolerated daily supplementation of 15 g oligofructose supports well-being by significantly increasing the stool frequency per week, within the normal range. Only about half of the North American population consumes the recommended dietary fiber amount. Oligofructose can help to bridge this fiber gap. For individuals with a low fiber intake, the study confirmed that oligofructose supplementation improves bowel regularity and contributes to well-being. Click here for the full study.