What’s New?

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!

By Sally Kuzemchak, MS RD
Learn why your kids need prebiotics just as much as probiotics in this article, which recently appeared in parents.com. In addition, more information on the nutritional benefits of prebiotic inulin and oligofructose during infancy, childhood and adolescence is available here, free for download.

By Chris Rosenbloom PhD, RDN, FAND
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.

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.