Bifidobacteria inulin fermentation products

The idea that inulin-type fructans are fermented by bacteria colonising the large bowel is supported by many in vitro (both analytic and microbiological) and in vivo studies, which, in addition, confirm the production of lactic and short-chain carboxylic acids as end products of the fermentation (Tanner, 2005). Furthermore, it was shown inhuman in vivo studies that this fermentation leads to the selective stimulation of growth of the bifidobacteria population, making inulin-type fructans the prototypes of prebiotics (Roberfroid, 1997 Roberfroid, 2001). 

A Nutraceutical is any substance that is a food or a part of a food and provides medical or health benefits. Nutraceutical products are also known as functional foods. Inulin-containing foods have long been known to be beneficial for health. Inulin is fermented in the colon, selectively altering the microflora present (Gibson et al., 1995). Bifidobacteria, a genus considered to have health-promoting properties, displaces a number of undesirable microbes. Inulin is a component of many probiotic food supplements (see Section 6.1.3). 

Roberfroid MB, van Loo JAE, Gibson GR. The Bifidogenic nature of chicory inulin and its hydrolysis products. / Nutr. 1998 128 11-19. Rossi M, Corradini C, Amaretti A, et al. Fermentation of fructooligosaccharides and inulin by bifidobacteria a comparative study of pure and fecal cultures. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2005 71 6150-6158. 

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