Recent human intervention studies, combined with in vitro and metabolism data, have demonstrated that Litesse® functions particularly well as a prebiotic, sustaining its impact throughout the length of the colon. This provides food formulators with new options for innovative products targeted at digestive health.
As an effective prebiotic, Litesse® can make a useful contribution to digestive health. The main difference between a prebiotic and a fibre is that a prebiotic specifically mediates its effect via the gut microflora whereas a fibre may or may not influence the microflora. Unlike some prebiotics, Litesse® is well tolerated and is less likely to cause the rapid gas production and lactic acid accumulation that can lead to gastric discomfort. The positive effects of Litesse® as a sustained prebiotic are apparent at doses as low as 4 grams per day in humans.
Findings have indicated that Litesse®
- is not hydrolysed by human digestive enzymes and passes intact to the colon.
- is fermented slowly and consistently throughout the colon, thus mediating its effect also in the distal colon where disease risk may be greatest.
- enhances saccharolytic (carbohydrate) fermentation, thus reducing colonic pH.
- selectively stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
- enhances immune response, especially in combination with lactitol, where a synergistic effect occurs.
- promotes the generation of short chain fatty acids including acetic, propionic and butyric of which the latter two have specifically documented colonic health benefits.
- may reduce colon cancer risk, even in the distal colon.
- enhances mineral absorption.
For additional information on Danisco's ingredients for Digestive Health, please visit http://www.howaru.com
