Two studies back up FOS efficacy
gut health has received a significant boost as two studies report
the prebiotic efficacy of the ingredient.
The studies, published recently in three different peer-review journals, support the efficacy of the ingredient, and add to an ever growing body of science reporting benefits for a range of health conditions including bone health, reduced risk of colorectal cancer, improved immunity, and increased satiety and weight management. The first study, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, investigated the benefits of prebiotic fiber supplementation in 30 patients with severe acute pancreatitis. The patients were randomly assigned to receive enteral nutrition with or without prebiotics. The researchers, from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in Turkey, report that supplementation with prebiotics was associated with a reduction in the length of the hospital stay by about five days, compared to the control group, and the period of enteral feeding was also reduced by two days. Supplementation with the prebiotic was also linked to a reduction in the time observed for C-reactive protein - a marker of inflammation - to normalize. "Enteral nutrition (EN) with prebiotic fiber supplementation in severe acute pancreatitis improves hospital stay, duration nutrition therapy, acute phase response and overall complications compared to standard EN therapy," concluded the researchers. The second study, published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, looked at the effects of FOS supplementation of the levels of immunoglublins in the mammary secretions of female dogs. The researchers, from four different research institutes in France, report that the prebiotics were associated with an increase in immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in the milk, while no increases were reported for IgG1, IgG2 and IgA. "The dietary supplementation with scFOS increased the IgM level in colostrums and milk of bitches by mechanisms which remain to be elucidated," they concluded. The research has been welcomed by members of the prebiotic industry. Patrick Smith, president GTC Nutrition - manufactures of the NutraFlora prebiotic fiber, said he was pleased with the results. "Consumers are increasingly demanding better-for-you food and beverage alternatives, and we are committed to providing healthy, value-added ingredients with proven science to meet this need," he said. Sources: World Journal of Gastroenterology Volume 13, Issue 19, Pages 2733-2737 "Comparison of early enteral nutrition in severe acute pancreatitis with prebiotic fiber supplementation versus standard enteral solution: a prospective randomized double-blind study" Authors: T. Karakan, M. Ergun, I. Dogan, M. Cindoruk, S. Unal Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition Volume 91, Pages 169-174 "Effects of dietary scFOS on immunoglobulins in colostrums and milk of bitches" Authors: V. Adogony, F. Respondek, V. Biourge, F. Rudeaux, J. Delaval, J.-L. Bind, H. Salmon
