EU backs Beneo health claim on chicory inulin

THE EU Commission has authorized a 13.5 health claim with proprietary use for Beneo’s chicory root fiber inulin promoting digestive health^[1].

The official wording is “chicory inulin contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency”.  This proprietary claim is available for use by Beneo’s customers beginning 1 January 2016.

Incorporating Beneo’s chicory root fiber inulin into any food or beverage, as well as using the health claim, manufacturers can promote their products as beneficial to digestive health, and make sure that consumers understand the benefit of chicory inulin on bowel function.

In addition to the authorized 13.5 proprietary health claim, general health-related well-being claims under article 10.3 are also possible. 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 gram chicory inulin and the consumer should be informed accordingly. The amount of 12 gram can be split up into several servings per day.

Aside from the evaluation made by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), six human intervention studies that have consistently proven that consumption of Orafti® Inulin increases stool frequency were considered as supporting digestive health.

Significant results were demonstrated with a proprietary study of Beneo for a total intake of 12 gram per day. While the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber is 25 gram 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 3 out of 4 European consumers eat products supporting digestive health because they feel it is good for their overall health^[2].

“Improving regularity in a natural way is a growing health target of consumers. With the recent proprietary health claim for Beneo’s chicory inulin improving bowel function, our customers are well set to make the most of the ever growing consumer trend of digestive health. At the same time the approval shows once again that Beneo’s commitment to strong scientific evidence of its ingredients is the right approach to contribute to the long-term benefit of consumers,” explains Anke Sentko, VP Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Communication.

[1] http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32015R2314&qid=1450113112441&from=EN

[2] BENEO’s digestive health research, 2015