Lots of new information on the latest research on dietary fiber and its role in nutrition and health was presented at FNCE® 2018 (The Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo™) from October 20-23 in Washington DC. FNCE® is the main annual meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, reaching out to food and nutrition professionals, who can learn about latest nutrition research and innovative products.
New insights on the benefits of dietary fiber, ranging from prebiotic effect and digestive health to overall well-being were presented at the BENEO booth. 
In addition, the most recent science on prebiotics supporting the gut microbiota was given by Prof. Randy Buddington from the University of Tennessee.
For more information and downloads on the most relevant physiological benefits, for instance why chicory root fiber is so special and how it can positively influence your gut microbiota, visit the experts.
Prof. Raylene Reimer of the University of Calgary (Canada) gave a speech at last year’s FNCE® in Chicago on how a healthy gut microbiota can help you eat less and improve your metabolism and the particular importance of establishing a healthy microbiota early in life. A full summary of her talk is available in our Weight Management section.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that eight additional non-digestible carbohydrates can be added to the newly established list of approved dietary fibers.
- Inulin and inulin-type fructans
- Mixed plant cell wall fibers (a broad category that includes fibers like sugar cane fiber and apple fiber, among many others)
- Arabinoxylan
- Alginate
- High amylose starch (resistant starch 2)
- Galactooligosaccharide
- Polydextrose
- Resistant maltodextrin/dextrin
For more information on the FDA’s decision, please follow this link…
07-Aug-2018, by Chris Rosenbloom
Read up on an interview with Jo Ann Hattner, gut health expert and author of Gut Insight: Probiotics and Prebiotics for Digestive Health and Well-Being, on the difference between pre- and probiotics, their food sources and the importance of the gut microbiome.
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.
A new study demonstrated that oligofructose from the chicory root not only supports digestive health and wellness but also helps bridge the fiber gap.
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.
02-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford
Take a look at the “Dietitian’s Prebiotic Probiotic Toolbox”, by registered dietitian Jo Ann Hattner in the Spring 2018 edition of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics “Networking News”. The toolbox gives an easy to understand overview on the difference between pro- and prebiotics. In addition, it includes a “Gut Insight” link to prebiotic food sources.
From The New York Times
A diet of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, reduces the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Indeed, the evidence for fiber’s benefits extends beyond any particular ailment: Eating more fiber seems to lower people’s mortality rate, whatever the cause.
That’s why experts are always saying how good dietary fiber is for us. But while the benefits are clear, it’s not so clear why fiber is so great.
From Nature Reviews
The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) revisited the prebiotic definition in order to encompass advances in microbiome science. The consensus panel, led by Prof. Glenn Gibson, University of Reading UK, confirmed the definition and published a consensus statement in the journal Nature Reviews.
The updated definition of a prebiotic is: “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit“. It confirms “selectivity” as key to the prebiotic concept, a criteria that distinguishes prebiotics from many other substances. In addition, the selective effect must evoke a health benefit.
Inulin and oligofructose/fructooligosaccharides from the chicory root are the most researched proven plant-based prebiotics.
