Inulin and oligofructose in lowering the risk of osteoporosis: a major concern for women's health

摘要

Inulin (average degree of polymerization DP=10) is afructan which is extracted from the chicory root. Oligofructose is made of shorter fructan chains (average DP= 4) by partial enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin. Long-chain inulin (average DP= 2 5) is obtained by means of a physical separation process of the longer inulin chains. Synergyl is a co-spray dried mixture ofoligofructose and long-chain inulin. In various experimental models it was consequently demonstrated that each of these fractions added to the diet significantly increase mineral absorption (Ca and Mg) to a varying degree, Synergy I being the most efficient substrate. Recent human research has confirmed these properties in human volunteers. At the one side Synergylwas shown in adolescents to significantly increased calcium absorption in both the short term (+18 percent; 8 weeks) and - notwithstanding the strong homeostasis for serum Ca- also in the long term (+20 percent; lyear). This increased Ca absorption resulted in a 45 percent higher increase in the mineral density of the skeleton after 1 year in those adolescents taken Synergy 1 compared to the change in bone mineral density of the placebo group (P< 0.05). This necessarily results in higher peak bone density at adulthood. At the other side it was shown that Synergyl consumption by elderly (and yet post-menopausal) women also resulted in increased Ca and Mg absorption (P<0.05 vs. placebo), and that markers of bone formation were up-regulated. These data convincingly demonstrate that chicory fructans and more particularly Synergy 1 are a valuable tool in reducing the risk for osteoporosis. As they are virtually applicable in all kinds of food products, these ingredients are a potent vector to improve public health.