Beneo’s Palatinose and chicory root fiber synergistically improve metabolic health via gut

09 Mar 2022 --- Beneo’s Palatinose and chicory root fiber Orafti Synergy1 have a synergetic effect in impacting both blood glucose and the microbiota, a citizen study has revealed. The research highlights the holistic approach of the ingredients, which pave the way for personalized nutrition and functional ingredients.

“These latest findings demonstrate that the combination of Palatinose and Orafti Synergy1, independently of each other, support blood glucose management for improved metabolic health,” Anke Sentko, vice president regulatory affairs and nutrition communication at Beneo, tells NutritionInsight.

“Incorporating these functional ingredients as part of an individual’s normal diet can improve the physiological response of the diet, such as improving the quality of the diet.” 

The results further reveal Orafti Synergy1 can beneficially modulate gut microbiota through a significant increase in beneficial bifidobacteria, Beneo notes.

Eying functional ingredients
Sustaining the gut microbiome with prebiotics is a key recommendation to support immunity.Consumers are interested in health aspects that concern them individually, Sentko underscores. This can be observed, for instance, in interest around supporting the immune system as a key element of healthy aging, which also highlights the holistic approach consumers are seeking. 

For instance, unstable blood sugar levels also impact healthy aging, with Beneo flagging the NPD potential its Palatinose item can offer.

“As a result, manufacturers are increasingly looking to functional ingredients, such as slow-release carbohydrates and prebiotic fibers like chicory root fibers, inulin and oligofructose to support consumer health goals.” 

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the role nutrition can have in promoting health and wellness, which is also tapping into personalization trends.

“Palatinose and chicory root fiber Orafti Synergy1 are demonstrated to be suitable nutritional tools in a personalized nutrition approach. Such a diet approach is appreciated by more and more consumers when it comes to topics such as blood sugar management, weight management or supporting a healthy body and mind.”

The study reveals microbiota composition and blood sugar management are closely interrelated.

Testing in real conditions
The study is described as the first of its kind that investigates the effects of a Beneo diet combining Palatinose and Orafti Synergy 1 in healthy adults in a real-life situation using the citizen science approach. Instead of controlled conditions, participants in the study consumed Beneo’s ingredients in addition to their normal diet.

The participants took part in a test phase over 14 days. In addition to the habitual diets, over three days, they consumed drinks with either 30 g sucrose or 30 g Palatinose twice a day, for breakfast and lunch, together with the habitual meal.

Orafti Synergy1 was added to their usual dinner for 11 days at a dosage of 10 g per day. Continuous blood glucose monitoring was applied to evaluate the blood glucose response throughout. 

Stool samples were collected at the beginning and end of the test phase and analyzed using a gut microbiome RNA sequencing technique to measure the compositional changes of the gut microbiota.

After 14 days, Palatinose showed a lower blood glucose response, a lower and more balanced blood glucose profile for the day, plus a slow-release and sustained glucose supply. Orafti Synergy1 supplementation resulted in a: “significant increase in beneficial bifidobacteria and a significant decrease in glycemic variability over time.” 

“The decrease in glycemic variability over time was irrespective of the carbohydrate consumed and therefore is a beneficial effect that can be regarded as synergistic to the Palatinose related effects on blood glucose management,” Beneo notes. The findings reflect research carried out to date in controlled settings, Sentko adds.

By Andria Kades