The National Agency of Drug and Food Control of Indonesia (Badan PengawasObat dan Makanan) has given consent to a prebiotic claim for chicory root fibres inulin and oligofructose. They are now the first and only ingredients recognized as prebiotics in the country. This approval was made possible due to Beneo’s incessant research and its continuous effort in disseminating the prebiotic impact of inulin and oligofructose to the local authorities.
The claim of Beneo has received approval under the milk powder category for the general population, referring to healthy people over three years old, including teenagers, adults, and the elderly. The least required dose is 4.5 g/L on a ready-to-drink basis of inulin and oligofructose, in the ratio of 30:70. By utilizing the company’s chicory root fibre into milk powder applications, manufacturers can now fulfill consumers’ rising interest in products that nurture the gut microbiome and digestive health.
This is a big advancement for Indonesia, the largest consumer market in Southeast Asia where two thirds of consumers relate prebiotics with a healthy gut. Over 50% of Indonesians are also in search of food and drink products that can ameliorate digestive health. Actually, the top two health concerns among local consumers are immunity and digestive health both of which are closely associated with the gut environment.
Caroline Bustandi, senior manager regulatory affairs at Beneo Asia Pacific stated- “We are pleased that the chicory root fibres inulin and oligofructose are the first prebiotics to be recognised by the Indonesia National Agency of Drug and Food Control. This ensures that Beneo’s prebiotic chicory root fibre can be claimed appropriately, which makes it easier for consumers to make a conscious choice to support digestive health.”
“This is especially key as close to a quarter of Indonesians found that the pandemic has made them more aware of their digestive health. We will continue working to support food and drink manufacturers in Asia Pacific to formulate products and to communicate about their respective health benefits for the sake of the consumers in the region,” Bustandi, Beneo, further informed.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that affect the gut microbiota by selectively boosting the number of naturally-occurring good, beneficial bacteria in the intestine. A significant number of high-quality scientific studies have already established the effectiveness of inulin and oligofructose in promoting the selective growth of advantageous bacteria in the colon, thus sustaining the digestive health and overall wellbeing.
Additionally, inulin and oligofructose are the only scientifically proven plant-based prebiotics. When compared to other fibres that are synthetically produced, they are sourced from a natural source chicory root via a gentle hot water extraction.
Furthermore, both inulin and oligofructose belong to the few internationally recognized and ratified prebiotics in line with the International Scientific Association on Probiotics and Prebiotics. An EU authorized health claim granted for the company and inulin, for instance, has confirmed its beneficial influences on digestive health and regularity.