Orafti synbiotic protects the elderly

Researchers looked at how adverse changes in gut composition (which cause DNA damage) can be prevented and the effects this had on well-being, by adding a combination of Raftilose Synergy1 and a probiotic to the diet.

New results from a large scale scientific study show that older people in particular will benefit from foods and drinks which contain Raftilose Synergy1, Orafti`s synbiotic ingredient which optimises the health of the digestive system. 

The CROWNALIFE project, a major initiative funded by the European Union, examined the bacterial composition of the gut of healthy people aged 65 and over, in comparison with that of healthy younger adults aged 20 to 45 years old. The researchers looked at how adverse changes in gut composition (which cause DNA damage) can be prevented and the effects this had on well-being, by adding a combination of Raftilose Synergy1 and a probiotic to the diet. The probiotic used in the Crownalife research was Bifidobacterium animalis which is produced by Danone, Davy Luyten at Orafti told FoodIngredientsFirst. The level of bifidobacteria increased significantly in the volunteers who took a supplementation with Raftilose Synergy1. Besides the better gut transit, other parameters of well-being were also positively influenced giving the elderly a better quality of life.

These new results add to the findings of the SYNCAN project, which examined people who had been treated for colon cancer or who had had intestinal polyps (precancerous lesions) removed.  Scientists working on the SYNCAN research have demonstrated that a combination of Raftilose Synergy1 and probiotic cultures can help to protect these patients against colon cancer.

One example of an innovative application for synbiotic is Metchnikoff`s Symbio yoghurt, available on the New Zealand market. The product contains inulin, which works together with l. casei cultures.