Prebiotics inulin

Harmsen, H.J., Raangs, G.C., Franks, A.H., Wildeboer-Veloo, A.C.M., and Welling, G.W., The effect of the prebiotic inulin and the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum on the fecal flora of healthy volunteers measured by FISH and DGGE, Microb. Ecol. Health Dis., 14, 211-219, 2002. 

Inulin prebiotic Inulin dietary fiber Inulin ingredient Inulin ingredient Oligofructose prebiotic Fructose (crystallized)... 

Prebiotic (inulin and FOS enriched cookies, with ALA) vs. conventional cookies group (control)... 

Falony, G., Lazidou, K., Verschaeren, A., Weckx, S., Maes, D., and De Vuyst, L. 2009b. In vitro kinetic analysis of fermentation of prebiotic inulin-type fructans by Bifidobacterium species reveals four different phenotypes., 4pp v/ro A//cro6/o/ 75(2), 454-61. 

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). 

Inulin has no sweetness and possesses a bland taste. Physiologically, inulin behaves as a dietary fibre. At relatively high dose levels (15-40 g/day) it can have a prebiotic effect (i.e. it can selectively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon) and at high dose levels it may also have a laxative effect (Kolida el al., 2002). This is dependent on the specific composition of the product and the degree of polymerisation, which can vary. The caloric value for inulin is 1 kcal/g. Its use in soft drinks is as a fibre source, prebiotic and partial sugar replacer. 

FOS and oligofuctose are fructose oligomers that are either produced by enzymic conversion of sugar or extracted from chicory, as inulin, and then hydrolysed. These products behave as soluble fibres and prebiotics. In acid conditions, they can hydrolyse, but are usually sufficiently stable for short-shelf-life juices, near-water products with low acid levels or powdered soft drinks. Prebiotic activity varies with preparation and required daily dose can be as low as 2.5-5.0 g/day for shorter chain FOS preparations (DP 2 1). Some positive effects on magnesium absorption and calcium absorption (in some populations) have also been shown (Beghin Meiji, 2001). 

There is a growing interest in the inclusion of soluble fibre into the diet to help improve health. This is extending to drinks as well, with such fibre being added to milk- and fruit-based products such as smoothies . One source of soluble fibre which has attracted attention over the last few years is inulin or oligofiuc-tans. Inulin consists of oligosaccharides that are extracted from chicory or Jerusalem artichokes and that are claimed to improve colon function and to have prebiotic properties, enhancing the working of the gut. Inulin is a complex carbohydrate which can be assayed in a number of different ways. However, there are two published methods in the AO AC manual for its analysis (997.08 and 999.03). 

Abrams, A.S., Griffin, I.J., Hawthorne, K.M., Liang, L., Gunn, S.K., Darlington, G., and Ellis, K.J., A combination of prebiotic short- and long-chain inulin-type fructans enhances calcium absorption and bone mineralization in young adolescents, Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 82, 471 —476, 2005. 

Tuohy, K.M., Finlay, R.K., Wynne, A.G., and Gibson, G.R., A human volunteer study on the prebiotic effects of HP-inulin-faecal bacteria enumerated using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), Ecol. Environ. Microbiol., 7, 113-118, 2001. 

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. 

Pure culture studies are not sufficient to confirm the efficacy of a potential prebiotic. Batch cultures [35], single-stage continuous cultures [36], or a three-stage continuous culture [37], the latter representing the human colon, further validate the claim. However, the ultimate confirmation comes from the results obtained from human clinical trials. Various trials have been performed where inulin or FOS has been incorporated into the diet and the main outcomes from these studies are described in the following text... 

E. coli infections. If a prebiotic can be added to the daily feed and it subsequently stimulates the beneficial bacteria in the colon at the expense of pathogens, it is most probable that these bacteria, namely bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, adhere to sites on epithelial cells and ultimately prevent the binding of pathogenic bacteria [112]. In diets containing reasonable quantities of carbohydrates saccharolytic fermentation will prevail, thus the pH of the GIT will remain stable and subsequently reduce the onset of Clostridia infections, as a more alkaline pH is required by species of this genus. Inulin added to rabbit feed was fermented in the cecum, produced SCFA, and reduced the risk of clostridiosis [113]. 

Inulin [97,98,99,100] is the only commercial, water-soluble polysaccharide containing D-fruc-tose, a ketose. It is a linear molecule of 8-D-fmctofuranosyl units linked (2— 1). It is much smaller than other gums with chain lengths of only 15-22 units and is much more easily depolymerized under acidic conditions because its monomer units are in the furanosyl ring form. It is obtained mostly from roots of the chicory plant. Because of its small molecular size, hot solutions are relatively non-viscous even at concentrations of 50%. When hot solutions of > 25% concentration are cooled, a particulate gel forms. Inulin is used for its health benefits, viz, as a prebiotic. 

Inulin is a recognized prebiotic carbohydrate in its own right but is also used as a source of fructo-oligosaccharides by hydrolysis. Inulin, a fructan polymer is widely distributed in plants [264] and chicory Cichorium intybus) is extensively used as a source of inulin for commercial purposes [265]. The roots of chicory contain 15 to 20% inulin and 5 to 10%... 

Inulin is used as a diagnostic agent to measure the glomerular filtration rate. It has also entered the food supplement market as a prebiotic and as a noncaloric dietary fiber supplement. Radio-labelled forms of inulin are available as radiochemicals for research. 

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