Fiber gets better

Much have been reported about the nutritional benefits of fiber, but not so many people are aware that fiber has superior efficiency in increasing calcium absorption in the human body.

A rigorous research done by Belgian firm Orafti Active Food Ingredients have led to the discovery of Inulin Fiber (or Raftilose Synergy-1), a high-grade ingredient composed of chicory inulin enriched with a specific fraction of oligofructose.

Inulin and oligofructose are found in more than 36,000 plants and in many common vegetables and cereals like onions, leeks and wheat. Both ingredients are obtained by hot water extraction, purification and spray drying.

As a natural and soluble fiber, Inulin Fiber is not digested in the stomach but is totally fermented by the bacteria in the colon. Experts say this wonder ingredient contain technological properties and surprising nutritional benefits.

Experts claim that because it is completely fermented in the colon, Inulin Fiber contributes to a better gut function, improves regularity and reduces constipation.

Inulin is selectively fermented by Bifidobacteria, and helps boost the total number of these microorganisms present in the colon. Bifidobacteria are known to have a number of beneficial effects on our health.

Enriched Inulin Fiber has three key nutritional benefits:

• It increases calcium absorption. This active ingredient supports the body growth of your kids by helping bone density and improving calcium uptake. It helps them build stronger bones for the rest of their lives.

• It stimulates good internal function. This active ingredient stimulates the growth of helpful bacteria that stimulate the good functioning of your kids. It is a well-deserved food with a built-in treasure of essentials your children need to build up their digestive resistance.

• It energizes the body and the mind. This active fiber really works for an energetic and balanced body functioning, ensuring a healthy body going with a healthy mind.

In essence, Inulin Fiber helps improve bone mineral density, supports a healthy gut and stimulates beneficial bacteria to the body.

Food applications

Having confidence in the health benefits of Inulin Fiber, food manufacturers all over the world have begun to reap these benefits.

Orafti works with its partners in the food industry to produce healthier foods which can be consumed as part of a normal diet, such as noodles, crackers and processed meat.

In the Philippines, CDO-Foodsphere Inc. recently incorporated enriched Inulin Fiber in its Bibbo! Hotdogs after tedious research done in cooperation with the Belgian company.

"The result is the first hotdog product in the world enriched with the high-grade fiber," says Raymond Koh, regional manager of Orafti, during a media forum.

According to Dr. Trinidad Trinidad, senior scientist of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), a person needs to have an intake of 20 to 25 grams of fiber a day. The World Health Organization also reports that almost everyone in the world eats less than the recommended dietary allowance of fiber.

Most Asians do not traditionally include fiber-rich foods in their breakfast menu, while most Asian children have great cravings for rice and processed meats in their morning meals.

The FNRI notes that a well-nourished child is healthy, strong and alert, has good disposition, and grows at a normal rate. A poorly nourished child exhibits sluggish, if not permanently delayed physical and mental development.

Orafti is a world leader in the marketing and production of prebiotic ingredients from chicory. Every year, the company transforms more than 400,000 tons of chicory roots into inulin and oligofructose, as well as fructose syrups.

Based in Tienen, Belgium, the company operates in more than 70 countries with an annual turnover of 200 million euros. Over the past 13 years, Orafti has invested more than 110 million euros in the production of its ingredients.