High-performance Inulin Research Articles

HP inulin-MCT dietary fiber improves lipid metabolism and prevents non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in obese mice

IntroductionRegular intake of dietary fiber (DF) can counteract the negative impacts of obesity on physical health and chronic disease risk. DF mitigates obesity by promoting fullness, reducing calories, slowing nutrient absorption, stabilizing glucose, preventing fat storage, and influencing gut microbiota. High-performance (HP) inulin, a highly fermentable water-soluble DF, shows promise, but its palatability is limited in powder form. Combining HP inulin with beneficial triglycerides like Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) could overcome this issue. Aim of studyThis study investigates the effects of HP inulin-MCT on lipid metabolism and immune modulation in high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet-induced obese mice. MethodsObese mice were orally administered with 20 % (w/v) HP inulin-MCT ad-libitum for 30 days. We measured their peripheral blood lipid profile, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Additionally, the atherogenic coefficient, a parameter for assessing cardiovascular disease risk, was determined by calculating the ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C. Flow cytometry was used to identify splenic regulatory CD4 + and CD8 + T cells (Tregs). The Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Score was assessed through histological examination. ResultsSignificant reduced body mass index, improved lipid profiles, and reduced cardiovascular disease risk were observed in the obese mice treated with HP inulin-MCT. Moreover, HP inulin-MCT appeared to ameliorate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a liver condition associated with obesity. These health improvements were linked to immune system modulation, associated with an increase of CD4+ T-regulatory cells after HP inulin-MCT supplementation. ConclusionHP inulin-MCT is a promising and palatable dietary intervention to combat obesity-related noncommunicable diseases, offering the potential for better overall health outcomes.

Inulin-type fructans with different degrees of polymerization improve insulin resistance, metabolic parameters, and hormonal status in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with reproductive disorders and adverse cardiometabolic risk factors that can negatively impact the general health of women. Inulin-type fructans (ITFs) are proposed to beneficially affect risk factors associated with metabolic disorders. Whether ITFs can help with the management of PCOS by modifying insulin resistance (IR) and androgen levels has not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ITFs with different degrees of polymerization on insulin resistance, blood lipids, anthropometric measures, and hormonal status in overweight and obese women with PCOS. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, seventy-five women with PCOS aged 18-40 years old were randomly assigned to receive 10 g/day of high-performance inulin (HPI) or oligofructose-enriched inulin (OEI) or maltodextrin for 12 weeks. Biochemical and clinical outcomes were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Participants in the HPI and OEI groups experienced improvements in waist circumference, total testosterone, free androgen index, sex hormone-binding globulin, and triglycerides compared to the placebo group. Also, the number of women with irregular menses or oligomenorrhoea decreased significantly in both ITF groups. Participants in the HPI group reported lower body mass, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR, as well as a higher quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. ITF supplementation, especially with long-chain ITFs, when given for 12 weeks may improve metabolic outcomes, androgen status and clinical manifestations in women with PCOS.

Effect of inulin supplementation on clinical symptoms, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in women with migraine: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMigraine is a complex, chronic, and debilitating multifactorial disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache and related symptoms. It typically begins in early ages and is more prevalent in women than in men. Recently, the gut–brain axis has emerged as a new candidate that may be linked to neurological diseases. We hypothesize that selective modulation of the intestinal microbiota, oxidative stress, and inflammation through inulin supplementation may improve clinical outcomes in these patients. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of high-performance inulin supplementation on clinical symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QOL), intestinal permeability, and inflammatory and oxidative stress factors in women with migraine.MethodsThis is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 80 women with migraine who meet the inclusion criteria (aged between 20 and 50 years with a diagnosis of migraine by a neurologist based on the ICDH-3). Participants will be assigned to receive a daily dose of 10 g of inulin for 12 weeks (intervention group, n = 40) or 10 g of maltodextrin as a placebo for the same duration (control group, n = 40). The primary outcome will measure the variations in the frequency of headache experienced by the patients. Secondary outcomes will encompass serum levels of zonulin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, nitric oxide, mental status, QOL, duration, and severity of migraine attacks.DiscussionThis clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of inulin supplementation on inflammatory status, oxidative stress, intestinal permeability, clinical symptoms, mental health, and QOL in women with migraine. The findings of this trial could contribute to the identification of mechanistic action and evidence-based clinical guidelines that address gut microbiota manipulation to maximize health benefits in the management of clinical outcomes in migraine patients.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) (ID: IRCT20121216011763N58). Registration date: 23 April 2023.Trial statusThe protocol is version 3.0, September 17, 2023. Recruitment began August 21, 2023, and is anticipated to be completed by March 22, 2024.

Improvement of myocardial injury and gut microbiota disturbance in type 2 diabetic mice by inulin with various degrees of polymerization

This study is to explore the effects of low-performance inulin (SI, DP < 10) and high-performance inulin (HI, DP > 10) on myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and its underlying mechanism. Six weeks of supplementation of type 2 diabetic mice with HI significantly improved blood glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels in comparison with SI (p < 0.05). HI had more advantageous effects in ameliorating myocardial injury by suppressing TNF-α, IL-1β, and CK-MB and promoting SDF-1β than SI. Compared to SI, HI more significantly reduced the abundance of Firmicutes from 60.5% to 36.3% in type 2 diabetic mice fed a HFD and increased the abundance of Muribaculum, Blautia and Ruminococcaceae UCG−011 at the genus level (p < 0.05). Metabolomics revealed that both SI and HI supplementation regulated tryptophan metabolism, bile acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism, whereas HI supplementation increased prostaglandin h2 compared to SI. In summary, HI exhibited superior positive regulation of myocardial injury and gut microbiota dysfunction compared to SI.

Effects of inulin-type fructans with different degrees of polymerization on inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. Prebiotics were proposed to beneficially affect risk factors associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of inulin-type fructans (ITFs), as well-studied prebiotics, with different degrees of polymerization, on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in PCOS patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Seventy-fivePCOS women were randomly assigned to receive 10 g/day of either high-performance inulin (HPI) or oligofructose-enriched inulin (OEI) or placebofor 12 weeks. Biochemical indices and blood pressure levelswere assessed before and after the intervention. In the intent-to-treat analysis, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) decreased in HPI and OEI groups, over the 12 weeks, and the changes were significant in the HPI group, compared to placebo (changes from baseline in the HPI group: -0.11 vs. placebo group: 0.004 mg/L [conversion factor to SI units (nmol/L): 9/5238]; p = .007). Serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) increased, and endothelin-1and total oxidant statusdecreased in HPI and OEI groups, at the end of the trial; however, these changes were not significantly compared to placebo (p = .07, .36 and .22, respectively). No differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found. Per-protocol analysis (n = 68) yielded consistent results for all endpoints, with the exception that the significant effect of ITFs on serum hs-CRP levels in the unadjusted ITT analysis became nonsignificant in the per-protocol analysis (p = .06). A 12-week supplementation with long-chain ITFs had favourable effects on inflammatory status among PCOS patients.

Pre-meal high-performance inulin supplementation reduce post-prandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A repeated single-arm clinical trial

Background and aimsHigh-performance (HP) inulin, a dietary fiber consists of more than 10 fructose polymers, have been shown to reduce post-prandial glycaemic response (PPGR) and could prevent the occurrence of Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Currently, there are no data on whether pre-meal HP inulin supplementation could decrease PPGR. Methods8 healthy adults consumed 20 g of formula that contain 60.2% inulin (w/w) dissolved in water. Blood glucose was measured in fasted participants and at 30–120 min after starting to eat a prepared meal. This test was repeated every week with different supplement formulas. Conclusionpre-meal HP Inulin formula supplementation could suppress the post-prandial glycaemic response.

The Relationship between Prebiotic Supplementation and Anthropometric and Biochemical Parameters in Patients with NAFLD-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

We aim to systematically review the efficacy of prebiotics in reducing anthropometric and biochemical parameters in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A systematic search using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov, Cinahl, and Web of Science of articles published up to 20 March 2020 was performed for randomized controlled trials enrolling >20 adult patients. Random-effect meta-analysis for metabolic outcomes in NAFLD patients was performed for anthropometric data in addition to liver enzyme, carbohydrate, and lipid parameters. We found six trials (comprising a total of 242 patients) with NAFLD, with subjects aged 38–52 years. The mean time of fiber administration varied between 10 and 12 weeks. The main fiber types were psyllium (seeds or powder), Ocimum basilicum (seeds), and high-performance inulin and oligofructose powder at doses of either 10 or 16 g per day. The control group received either maltodextrin (powder or capsules) or crushed wheat (powder). Patients on the diet with added fiber had improvements in body mass index (BMI) (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.494, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.864 to −0.125, p = 0.009); alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD = −0.667, 95% CI: −1.046 to −0.288, p = 0.001); aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD = −0.466, 95% CI: −0.840 to −0.091, p = 0.015); fasting insulin (SMD = −0.705, 95% CI: −1.115 to −0.295, p = 0.001); and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD = −0.619, 95% CI: −1.026 to −0.211, p = 0.003). Hence, the results show that fiber supplements result in favorable changes as reflected in the measurement of anthropometric, metabolic, and liver-related biomarkers, i.e., body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). These effects suggest the potential benefits of fiber consumption for NAFLD populations. More prospective, controlled studies should be conducted to reveal specific details regarding the fiber type, dosage, and duration for optimal intervention.

Effects of oral butyrate and inulin supplementation on inflammation-induced pyroptosis pathway in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

PurposePyroptosis, a form of inflammatory programmed cell death, is activated in diabetic patients. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of daily consumption of sodium butyrate (NaBut) and high-performance (HP) inulin supplementation, individually or in combination, on the expression of pyroptosis-related genes, microRNA (miR) 146a-5p, miR-9-5p and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). MethodsIn this study, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical involving sixty patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants received 600 mg/d of NaBut (group A), 10 g/d of HP inulin (group B), 600 mg/d of NaBut + 10 g/d of HP inulin (group C) or placebo (group D) for 45 consecutive days. We assessed the pyroptosis-related genes mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as the plasmatic levels of miR-146a and miR-9 before and after the intervention. Moreover, blood samples of the patients at baseline and following the intervention were tested for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website (identifier: IRCT201605262017N29; https://www.irct.ir/). ResultsFollowing butyrate supplementation, the relative expression levels of TLR2/4, NF-κB1, Caspase-1, NLRP3, IL-1β & IL-18 were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). Furthermore, butyrate and concomitant use of butyrate and inulin caused a significant increase in the fold change of miR-146a and miR-9 compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the changes in total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.047) and superoxide dismutase (p = 0.006) were significantly increased after butyrate and concomitant use of butyrate and inulin supplement, respectively. ConclusionIn summary, the change in expression level of miR-146a-5p and miR-9-5p due to butyrate supplementation may have a pivotal role in alleviating of diabetes via inhibiting pyroptosis by targeting TLR2 and NF-κB1. These microRNAs might be considered as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of type 2 diabetes but further researches is required to prove the link.

Supplementation of Inulin with Various Degree of Polymerization Ameliorates Liver Injury and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in High Fat-Fed Obese Mice.

The chain length of fructan determines its different physiological effects. This study is to explore the effects of low-performance inulin [LPI, degree of polymerization (DP) ≤ 9] and high-performance inulin (HPI, DP ≥ 23) on obesity-associated liver injury of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding mice and its underlying mechanism. Eight weeks of supplementation of C57BL/6J mice with HPI, relative to LPI (p < 0.05), caused the more efficient improvement against the HFD-induced liver insulin resistance through activating IRS1/PI3K/Akt pathway and reduced protein expressions of inflammatory factors nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the liver. HPI exhibited the more positive effects on liver steatosis by inhibiting acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) in comparison with LPI (p < 0.05). HPI also increased acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid levels in the colon of HFD-fed mice (p < 0.05). Compared to LPI, HPI feeding of HFD-fed mice led to the more effective decrease in the Firmicutes abundance from 72.1% to 34.5%, but a more significant increase in the Bacteroidetes population from 19.8 to 57.1% at the phyla level, and increased the abundance of Barnesiella, Bacteroides, and Parabacteroides at the genus level (p < 0.05). Depending on DP, HPI exerts the more positive regulation on liver injury and gut microbiota dysfunction than LPI.

Assessing the Effect of High Performance Inulin Supplementation via KLF5 mRNA Expression in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trail.

Purpose: The worldwide prevalence of metabolic disorders such as diabetes is increasing rapidly. Currently, the complications of diabetes are the major health concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high performance (HP) inulin supplementation on glucose homeostasis via KLF5 mRNA expression in adults with type 2 diabetes.Methods: In the present clinical trial conducted for a duration of 6 weeks, 46 volunteers diabetic patients referring to diabetes clinic in Tabriz, Iran, were randomly assigned into intervention (n= 23, consuming 10 gr/d HP inulin) and control groups (n= 23, consuming 10 gr/ d starch). We assessed glycemic and anthropometric indices, blood lipids and plasmatic level of miR-375 as well as KLF5 mRNA expression before and after the intervention.Results: Findings indicated that inulin supplementation significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in comparison to the placebo group (P<0.001). Also Intra-group and between group results showed that inulin supplementation resulted in significant decrease in KLF5 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (Fold change: 0.61± 0.11; P-value= 0.001) and significant increase in plasmatic level of miR-375 (Fold change: 3.75± 0.70; P-value=0.004).Conclusion: Considering the improvements of FPG level in diabetic patients, it seems that HP inulin supplementation may be beneficial in controlling diabetes via the expression of some genes. However, further studies are needed to achieve concise conclusions.

The effects of sodium butyrate and high-performance inulin supplementation on the promotion of gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila growth and alterations in miR-375 and KLF5 expression in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of sodium butyrate and High-Performance (HP) inulin supplementation on the promotion of gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila growth and alterations in microRNA-375 and Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) expression in patients with T2D. MethodsIn this clinical trial, 60 patients with T2D were recruited and randomly allocated into four groups of equal size to receive 600 mg/day sodium butyrate (Group A), 10 g/day inulin powder (Group B), concomitant use of inulin and sodium butyrate (Group C), or placebo (Group D). Blood and stool samples were collected pre- and post-intervention. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis targeting the 16S rRNA gene of A.muciniphila was performed to determine its presence in the patient’s stool. In addition, we assessed the KLF5 mRNA expression and the plasmatic level of the microRNA-375 before and after the intervention. ResultsThe results showed that A. muciniphila percent change increased significantly after supplementation with HP inulin (p = 0.017) and butyrate (p = 0.036). Also, supplementation with HP inulin significantly decreased the KLF5 fold change after intervention (fold change 0.42 ± 0.15, p = 0.037). In particular, in comparison to the placebo group, an increased expression of miR-375 was seen after butyrate and butyrate+ inulin supplementation (P = 0.003 and P = 0.007 respectively). ConclusionsWe concluded that inulin and butyrate may potentially promote gut health and can be considered as novel therapeutic approache for the prevention and control of diabetes.

Effect of Butyrate and Inulin Supplementation on Glycemic Status, Lipid Profile and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Studies on humans with diabetes mellitus showed that the crosstalk between the intestinal microbiota and the host has a key role in controlling the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate and high performance inulin supplementation simultaneously or singly on glycemic status, lipid profile, and glucagon-like peptide 1 level in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sixty patients were recruited for the study. The participants were randomly allocated, using randomized block procedure, to one of the four treatment groups (A, B, C, or D). Group A received sodium butyrate capsules, group B received inulin supplement powder, group C was exposed to the concomitant use of inulin and sodium butyrate, and group D consumed placebo for 45 consecutive days. Markers of glycemia, lipid profile, and glucagon-like peptide 1 were measured pre- and post-intervention. Dietary supplementation in groups A, B, and C significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure in comparison with the placebo group (p<0.05). Also, intra-group statistical analysis showed that only treatment with sodium butyrate + inulin (group C) significantly reduced fasting blood sugar (p=0.049) and waist to hip ratio (p=0.020). Waist circumference in groups B and C reduced significantly after the intervention (p=0.007 and p=0.011; respectively). The post hoc Tukey tests showed significant increase in glucagon-like peptide 1 concentration in groups A and C in comparison with group D (p<0.05). The results suggest that inulin supplementation may be useful to diabetic patients and these effects could be increased with butyrate supplement.

Effect of High Performance Inulin (Fructo oligosacharride) on Glycemic Control in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

The purpose of this study was to carried out to investigate the effect of inulin extracted from Jerusalem artichoke(Helianthus tuberosis)on decrease the blood glucose in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The oral administration of inulin decreased blood glucose , implying the utility of inulin as a bioactive material to prevent metabolic diseases oh humans. In the experiment, a total of 60 white rats were completely randomly allocated into 10 groups and six rats were used in each group (54 diabetic rats and six normal rats) were used. Diabetes was induced three days before starting the experiment. Concerning growth performance, in comparison with the control group, daily weight gain in the inulin administrated rats increased and recovered to the normal level. The average weight gain in treated group ranged from 19 g (T 1 ) to 36g (T 2 I) after 28 days of study period. Blood glucose was significantly lowered in the inulin administrated group from 204.16 ± 3.57 to 121.16 ± 3.4 mg/dL (a reduction of 40.65%) at the end of four weeks feeding trials.

Effects of high performance inulin supplementation on glycemic status and lipid profile in women with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, as a noncommunicable disease, is the main public health challenge in the 21st century. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus adjusted for the world population in Iran was 8% until the year 2010.Lipid levels are considered as important parameters to be evaluated, as high serum lipid levels are often reported as a complication in patients with diabetes mellitus.It is claimed that functional foods may improve complications of diabetes mellitus, so this study was designed to evaluate the effects of high performance inulin on glycemic status and lipid profile of women with type 2 diabetes. The study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty-nine type 2 diabetic females (fiber intake <30g/d, 25<BMI<35 kg/m2) were divided into two groups. Patients in the intervention group (n=24) received 10g/d inulin and patients in the control group (n=25) received 10g/d maltodextrin for 8 weeks.Glycemic status and lipid profile indices were measured pre and post intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (verision11.5). Paired, unpaired t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare quantitative variables. Supplementation with inulin caused a significant reduction in FBS (8.50%), HbA1c (10.40%), total cholesterol (12.90%), triglyceride (23.60 %), LDL-c (35.30 %), LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (16.25%) and TC/HDL-c ratio (25.20%) and increased HDL-c (19.90%). The changes for the control group parameters were not significant at the end of study. Inulin may help to control diabetes and its complications via improving glycemic and lipid parameters.

Effects of High Performance Inulin Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Antioxidant Status in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of high performance inulin supplementation on blood glycemic control and antioxidant status in women with type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn a randomized, triple-blind controlled trial, 49 females (fiber intake <30 g/day, 25<body mass index <35 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes were recruited from the Iran Diabetes Society and from endocrinology and metabolism clinics associated with the Tabriz University of Medical Science. The participants were divided into one of two groups in which the participants either received 10 g/day of inulin (intervention, n=24) or maltodextrin (control, n=25) for 2 months. Fasting blood samples were obtained and both glycemic control and antioxidant status were determined at baseline and at the end of the study.ResultsAt the end of the study period, there were significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose (8.47%), glycosylated hemoglobin (10.43%), and malondialdehyde (37.21%) levels and significant increases in total antioxidant capacity (18.82%) and superoxide dismutase activity (4.36%) in the inulin group when compared to the maltodextrin group (P<0.05). Changes in fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and catalase activity were not significant in the inulin group when compared with the maltodextrin group. Glutathione peroxidase activity remained unchanged in both groups.ConclusionInulin supplementation may improve some glycemic and antioxidant indices and decrease malondialdehyde levels in women with type 2 diabetes. Further investigations are needed in order to confirm the positive effects that inulin may have on the glycemic and antioxidant indices of patients with type 2 diabetes.

High-performance inulin and oligofructose prebiotics increase the intestinal absorption of iron in rats with iron deficiency anaemia during the growth phase

Considering the high frequency of anaemia due to Fe deficiency, it is important to evaluate the effects of prebiotics on the absorption of Fe. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of high-performance (HP) inulin, oligofructose and synergy1 during recovery from anaemia in rats through the intestinal absorption of Fe, food intake, body growth, caecal pH and weight of the intestine. Wistar rats (n 47) were fed with rations of AIN93-G with no Fe to induce Fe deficiency anaemia. At 36d of life, anaemic rats were divided into four groups: (1) the HP inulin group; (2) the synergy1 group; and (3) the oligofructose group, all with 100g of the respective prebiotic per kg of ration; and (4) a control group, in which the prebiotic was replaced by maize starch. Then, 25 mg of elemental Fe/kg of ration was added to all rations to allow recovery from anaemia. The final values of Hb in the HP inulin, synergy1, oligofructose and control groups were, respectively: 98 (94-99); 83 (81-92); 100 (90-114); 77 (72-81) g/l, with a statistically significant difference (P≤0·001) between the oligofructose and control groups and the HP inulin and control groups. The four groups had an increase in weight and body length and had similar consumption of rations. The intestinal weight and caecal pH were significantly different between the groups that consumed prebiotics and the control group. HP inulin and oligofructose increased the intestinal absorption of Fe in rats.

Effect of thermal and mechanical factors on rheological properties of high performance inulin gels and spreads

The aim of this study was analysis of a number of factors affecting the rheological properties of high performance inulin gels and spreads in comparison with commercial products. Inulin gels (20%, 25%, 30%), commercial and inulin model spread (20% canola oil, 20% inulin, 3% emulsifier) were analysed. Inulin particles in water environment absorbed water which caused an increase in viscosity of the inulin suspensions. Different temperatures of preparation, cooling rates and viscosity increase which appeared during the stirring of inulin suspensions did not significantly change the rheological parameters of the final gels in contrast to heating rates ( p ⩽ 0.05). In spite of rigid laboratory conditions high standard deviation for hardness and apparent viscosity showed how difficult the process of an inulin crystallization is to control. Rheological properties of inulin model spread exhibited thixotropic and shear thinning behaviour which made it similar to commercial spread. The applied structure destruction step in the manufacturing process should be applied to make inulin model spread comparable to commercial spreads.

Addition of inulin to a moderately high-carbohydrate diet reduces hepatic lipogenesis and plasma triacylglycerol concentrations in humans

A high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet is recommended for the prevention of atherosclerosis, because it reduces plasma cholesterol concentrations. However, such a diet can increase plasma triacylglycerol concentrations--an undesirable side effect. The addition of nondigestible carbohydrate could reduce the risk of elevated triacylglycerol concentrations. The objective was to determine whether the addition of a moderate dose of inulin to a moderately high-carbohydrate diet would decrease hepatic lipogenesis and plasma triacylglycerol concentrations and have a cholesterol-lowering action. Eight healthy subjects were studied twice in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study after consuming for 3 wk a moderately high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet (55% of total energy) plus an oral placebo or 10 g high-performance inulin/d. Hepatic lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis (deuterated water method), plasma lipid concentrations, fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, and sterol responsive element binding protein 1c messenger RNA concentrations were measured in adipose tissue at the end of the 2 diet periods. Plasma triacylglycerol concentrations and hepatic lipogenesis were lower after inulin than after placebo ingestion (P < 0.05), but cholesterol synthesis and plasma cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups. None of the adipose tissue messenger RNA concentrations changed significantly after inulin ingestion. The addition of high-performance inulin to a moderately high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet has a beneficial effect on plasma lipids by decreasing hepatic lipogenesis and plasma triacylglycerol concentrations. These results support the use of nondigestible carbohydrate for reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Effect of high performance chicory inulin on constipation

It is known that chicory inulin (average degree of polymerisation DP=10) and oligofructose (DP=4) affect bowel function. Whereas transit time is not affected with daily doses ranging between 4 and 15g, such doses increase stool frequency and have a faecal bulking effect in healthy volunteers. Recently a new type of chicory inulin with higher average chain length (DP=25) has become commercially available. From a nutritional point of view this is an interesting carbohydrate, as it is fermented more slowly than the native product, giving it the opportunity to arrive in more distal parts of the colon. In this placebo controlled study, we investigated the effect of this high performance inulin on bowel function in healthy volunteers with low stool frequency (1 stool every 2 to 3 days). Subjects were administered 15g of the product/day for 2 weeks. Besides macroscopic observations (stool frequency, faecal bulking, etc.), or-caecal transit time, effect on intestinal permeability, amount of faecal fat, bile acids, dry solids, etc. were monitored. There was a significant increase in stool frequency with the high performance inulin ( p=0.02). The earlier observed trend to increase faecal bulk with 1.5 to 2g per g inulin ingested was observed in present study as well. There were no effects on the other measured parameters.