FDBusiness.com

BENEO has announce that based on a 13.5 health claim application it has gained a positive EFSA evaluation for its prebiotic fibre inulin improving the effect on bowel function by increasing stool frequency. The application includes new and proprietary scientific research. EFSA’s positive evaluation allows the approval by the Commission, the Member States and the European Parliament within the health claim procedure and opens the way for new food and drink applications to benefit both the industry and consumers alike.

The recent positive evaluation proves that BENEO’s prebiotic fibre inulin maintains normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency without triggering diarrhoea. This is because inulin resists digestion in the small intestine and is fully fermented in the large intestine.

EFSA’s decision is based on six human intervention studies that have consistently proven that consumption of inulin increases stool frequency and thus supports digestive health. Significant results were demonstrated with a total intake of 12g per day. While the recommended daily intake of dietary fibre is 25g per day and actual intake is significantly lower, the positive evaluation shows that adding inulin to a formulation improves stool frequency and also helps to achieve the dietary goal of adequate fibre intake by the general population.

For many people, improved bowel function resulting from a more optimal fibre intake means a noticeable improvement of gastrointestinal health and general well-being. Thanks to this positive evaluation from EFSA, it will now be possible for BENEO’s customers to easily incorporate the company’s inulin into a wide range of applications to allow consumers to benefit from the positive effect it has on the bowel.

Anke Sentko, VP Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Communication, says: “The positive evaluation by EFSA shows once again that BENEO is on the right track to further invest in research and focus on sound scientific substantiation of its products’ benefits. Digestive health, including regularity, is an important element of feeling good, especially due to the fact we often have a “lazy” gut. Improved regularity in a natural way is a growing health target of consumers. The research shows that BENEO’s chicory fibres ‘function’ and contribute to digestive health, offering new diet related opportunities for the industry to respond to this consumer need.”

A division of the Südzucker Group, BENEO employs almost 900 people and has production units in Belgium, Chile, Germany and Italy.