Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin Effective In Infant Formula

TEINEN, BelgiumBENEO's Orafti®Synergy1, oligofructose-enriched inulin, is safe for use in infant formula, well tolerated and demonstrates a prebiotic effect in infants during the first four months after birth, according to new research.

The study was led by Ricardo Closa Monasterolo, M.D., Ph.D., professor at University Rovira i Virgili, director of the Neonatal Unit, Hospital University Joan XXIII of Tarragona, Spain and conducted at the university hospitals of Tarragona and Sant Joan de Reus in Spain.

The study was set up in a large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design that included 252 formula-fed, healthy infants recruited within the first four weeks of life and 131 breast-fed infants. The infant formula was either supplemented with 0.8 grams per 100 ml of OraftiSynergy1 or with maltodextrin in the control group and provided until the age of four months. During the intervention period, measurements included normal growth, formula intake and acceptance, water balance, blood and urine biochemical parameters to confirm the safety of the OraftiSynergy1 supplementation.

Results show that OraftiSynergy1 added to infant formula at a level of 0.8 grams/dL is well tolerated and supports the normal growth of a baby. Water balance and blood and urine biochemical parameters were similar in both formula groups. Findings also showed that neonates receiving a formula supplemented with BENEO's prebiotic fiber had a microflora composition close to that of breast-fed infants with a higher proportion of bifidobacteria, softer stools and a higher deposition frequency compared to the control group receiving maltodextrin. These results confirm the prebiotic effect of the supplement.

"With the study we were able to demonstrate that the supplementation with 0.8 grams/dL OraftiSynergy1 to formula milk during the first four months of life is safe and effective in terms of gut health," said Monasterolo.

These results follow a previous study published by Veereman-Wauters et al. in 2011 that proved the physiological benefits and prebiotic effect of OraftiSynergy1 in infants during a period a four weeks after birth.

"We're confident that this additional scientific data will give confidence and inspiration to manufacturers that are looking to improve their baby-food products," said Anke Sentko, vice president regulatory affairs and nutrition communications of BENEO. Results from this study confirm and extend the existing broad scientific knowledge of prebiotic inulin-type ingredients from chicory in infant and small children nutrition, added Sentko.