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Advantages of using 95% short-chain fructooligosaccharides in medical foods |
K. A. GARLEB, Ross Products Div., Abbott Labs., 625 Cleveland Ave., 105600-RP3-2, Columbus, OH 43219 NutraFloraŽ is a blend of nondigestible oligosaccharides that are composed of sucrose molecules to which one, two or three additional fructose units have been added to the fructose unit of sucrose via the enzyme, b-fructofuranosidase. NutraFloraŽ possesses several characteristics that make it an ideal source of fermentable fiber for medical foods. Typically, medical foods are liquid, many of which are fed to patients through a tube. Liquid medical foods that are fed through a tube must be low in viscosity. NutraFloraŽ is soluble and will not clog feeding tubes and does not significantly increase the viscosity of the product. Also, NutraFloraŽ is composed of nonreducing sugars and will not undergo the Maillard browning reaction. Rationale for the use of NutraFloraŽ in medical foods includes: normalization of bowel function, maintenance of large bowel integrity, restoration of colonization resistance, alteration in route of nitrogen excretion, and improvement in calcium absorption. Normalization of bowel function refers to the treatment or prevention of constipation or diarrhea in patients receiving a medical food. NutraFloraŽ is fermented by colonic bacteria producing short chain fatty acids which may be useful in preventing large bowel atrophy or treating distal ulcerative colitis. NutraFloraŽ, by selectively supporting the growth of bifidobacteria or producing an environment in the colon (e.g., increased short chain fatty acid concentration or decreased pH) that is not conducive to the growth of certain pathogenic organisms, may help restore colonization resistance. Fermentation of NutraFloraŽ, leading to bacterial cell growth and a reduction in colonic pH, may shift nitrogen excretion from the urinary to fecal route. Improvements in calcium absorption may occur through mechanisms involving short chain fatty acid absorption and reduction in large bowel pH. Overall, compatibility with liquid products and numerous physiological benefits to the patient justify the use of NutraFloraŽ in medical foods.
Session 21, Health benefits and functionality of fructooligosaccharides
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