ORAFTIs Beneo Synergy1 Helps Curbs Excessive Weight Gain in Healthy Adolescents

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J.A new study has shown the long-term benefits of prebiotics (as Beneo Synergy 1, from ORAFTI Active Food Ingredients), including modulating body mass index (BMI) and body composition changes during pubertal growth, as well as avoiding undesirable weight gain during this critical stage of life. The new study (J Pediatrics. 2007;151(3):293-8) from Steven Abrams, M.D., professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, is part of a larger intervention measuring bone health parameters.

The study involved 100 healthy, non-obese adolescents aged 9 to 13 years, who took either 8 g/day of Beneo Synergy1 or a maltodextrin placebo (both via orange juice or milk) with their breakfast for one year. The subjects were then kept under study for another year without the supplementation.

Results showed over the intervention year BMI was much lower for the Beneo Synergy1 group compared to the control group, as were body weight and body fat mass. The benefit to the Beneo Synergy1 group was greatest in the presence of adequate calcium intake. Also, in the follow-up period, the difference in BMI between the two groups was maintained and even increased after stopping the Beneo Synergy1 supplementation for an entire year.

According to the researchers, the findings are particularly noteworthy because BMI normally increases during puberty at a specific yearly rate. They concluded the study demonstrates the potential of a dietary intervention with Beneo Synergy1 for beneficially modulating BMI and body composition changes during pubertal growth, and for avoiding undesirable weight gain during this critical stage of life.

For more information, visit www.Orafti.com or Booth #15006 at SupplySide West.