The European Union Commission has authorized a 13.5 health claim with proprietary use for Beneo’s chicory root fiber inulin promoting digestive health – ‘chicory inulin contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency’.
This claim has been available for use by BENEO’s customers since January 1, 2016 for helping consumers understand and benefit from the positive effect chicory inulin has on bowel function.
In addition to the health claim, general health-related well-being claims under article 10.3 are also possible. Amongst others, these include ‘chicory inulin promotes digestive health’ or ‘chicory root fiber supports a healthy and balanced digestive system’.
Manufacturers that want to use the claim should consider that the beneficial effect is achieved with a daily intake of 12 g chicory inulin and the consumer should be informed accordingly.
The amount of 12 g can be split up into several servings per day.
The science behind this health claim has been positively evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority and included six human intervention studies that have consistently proven that consumption of Orafti Inulin increases stool frequency and thus supports digestive health.
Significant results were demonstrated with a proprietary study of BENEO for a total intake of 12 g per day.
While the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber is 25 g per day and actual intake is significantly lower, the authorization shows that adding inulin to a formulation helps to improve stool frequency and at the same time to achieve the dietary goal of adequate fiber intake by the general population in an easy way.
The authorization confirms that BENEO’s prebiotic fiber inulin contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency without triggering diarrhea.
This is possible because inulin resists digestion in the small intestine and is fully fermented in the large intestine.
For many people, enhanced bowel function resulting from a more optimal fiber intake means a noticeable improvement of gastrointestinal health and general well-being.
Nearly three out of four European consumers were found to eat products supporting digestive health because they feel it is good for their overall health, finds Beneo’s digestive health research in 2015.
