Intestinal health

DF is a major constituent of plant foods, and its importance in nutrition and health is widely recognized. Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have addressed the role of DF in intestinal health and in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, obesity, and diabetes (Sungsoo Cho and Dreher 2001 Spiller 2005). The recommended daily intake of DF is 25-30 g/person (Lunn and Buttriss 2007). 

A unique plant on many levels, the distinctive properties of the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) present novel answers to some of today s most pressing problems. Jerusalem artichoke is potentially a major source of inulin, a fructose polymer that provides dietary health benefits as a prebiotic that promotes intestinal health and as a low-calorie carbohydrate to combat obesity and diabetes. Inulin also has myriad industrial applications, including ethanol production — making Jerusalem artichoke a potential source of biofuel. With its ready cultivation and minimal pest and disease problems, Jerusalem artichoke is an underutilized resource that possesses the potential to meet major health and energy challenges. 

Sauerkraut enhances intestinal health, promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal organisms, and improves nutrient absorption. It s also high in antioxidants—especially vitamin C. 

Two types of edible fiber co-products are produced from soybean processing operations—soy hulls (seed pericarp) and soy cotyledon fiber (cotyledon cell walls). Dietary fiber is becoming increasingly recognized as important to good intestinal health. 

Polysaccharides are composed of more than 20 monosaccharide units. Polysaccharides often are classified as being starch or nonstarch. Starch polysaccharides represent a source of energy in human beings while nonstarch polysaccharides generally are nondigestible and are important in maintaining intestinal health. 

Psyllium has been known in the history well before the birth of Christ and has been reportedly used for different medicinal purposes. It has been known by the Chhese as long ago as 250 BC both for the plant and its seeds. Psyllimn plant has also been popular for its excellent bio-medicinal properties in early days of English history and has been called the "mother of herbs" in Anglo Saxon poems. The seeds have also been used in Europe for intestinal health since the 16th century (5). 

Given that probiotics are consumed, it is not surprising that the prime target for probiotic use has traditionally been various diarrhoeas, with intestinal health as the main benefit. 

Cencic A, Chingwaru W (2010) The role of functional food, nutraceuticals, and food supplements in intestinal health. Nutrients 2 611-625... 

In vitro studies have demonstrated the potential beneficial effect of pectic substances on the intestinal health. Regarding bacterial adhesion in epithelial cells, pectin promotes adhesion of beneficial bacteria such as LactxybaciUus rhamnosus, and decreases the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella typhimurium [72]. Similarly, the effect of prebiotic oligosaccharides as pectin, showed increment in the population of Bifidobacteria and Eubacterium rectal as well as the increment in butyrate concentrations was demonstrated, which positively health impacts [58]. 

At this stage we suggest to review and analyse the large amount of available information to identify the most promising fibre characteristics and validate and quantify the effects on intestinal health and growth performance. This may allow to optimise animal diets with regards to the effect of common feed ingredients on intestinal health. 

Besides the effect on intestinal health, there are many more interactions between feed and health of poultry and pigs. These interactions represent possible additional values for specific nutrient or ingredients. These include both the influence of (suboptimal) conditions of animals on nutrient requirements as well as specific effects of diet components on animal health. For example, several studies have shown that withdrawal of antibiotics from the diet may influence the optimal amino acid to energy ratio (Bikker et al, 2003) and optimal amino acid pattern, especially with regard to... 

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