Originally published January 9 2006
Studies boost the Inulin market after the discovery of its health benefits
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A long-term trial reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has confirmed the health benefits of a soluble fiber known as Inulin, which boosts bone density and helps to reduce cholesterol.
Most commonly used as a fat and sugar replacer, and increasingly to make claims for gut health benefits, the fibre can also boost bone strength, help control blood sugar levels and may even reduce cholesterol.
One of the leading inulin makers, Orafti has been influential in building the science behind this ingredient, backing the research on inulin's interaction with calcium.
It is now set to benefit from the results of a long-term trial, reported in the August issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 82, issue 2, pp 471-6), which found that daily consumption of a combination of short- and long-chain inulin-type fructans increased calcium absorption and enhanced bone mineral density among teenagers by about 15 per cent.
"It is the only ingredient, apart from calcium, that can make the claim that it improves bone mineral density," Dominique Speleers, VP of sales and marketing, told NutraIngredients.com.
"And with 'enriched with calcium' claims becoming so common, we can offer a point of difference to food makers seeking to enter this market."
The results showed that inulin had a significantly lower GI than sucrose when it replaced sugar in chocolate or ice cream.
"We've also seen some indications that it lowers cholesterol, although we aren't promoting this yet as we have only done animal studies and this is not enough for us," added Speleers.
These new research directions will give Orafti and other inulin makers significant room for growth, particularly as they face growing pressure from other fibres making prebiotic claims.
Orafti says its ingredient brand Beneo -- now replacing the trade name of its inulin and oligofructose (Raftiline and Raftilose) as well as being used on product packaging -- will help it stand out from other prebiotics and also give its smaller customers a hand in communicating the health benefits.
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