They are the first and only ingredients recognized as prebiotics in the country. Beneo said the approval was made possible because of its research and effort in communicating the prebiotic effect of inulin and oligofructose to local authorities.
The claim is approved under the milk powder category for the general population, referring to healthy people above three years old, including teenagers, adults, and the elderly. The minimum required dose is 4.5 g/L on a ready-to-drink basis of inulin and oligofructose, in 30:70 ratio. By incorporating Beneo’s chicory foot fiber into milk powder applications, manufacturers can now meet consumers’ growing interest in products that promote the gut microbiome and digestive health.
The company said in Indonesia two thirds of consumers associate prebiotics with a healthy gut, according to an FMCG Gurus survey. It cited a further survey that revealed more than half of Indonesians are also seeking out food and drink products that can improve digestive health. The FMCG Gurus surveys revealed the top two health concerns among local consumers are immunity and digestive health — both of which are closely linked to the gut environment.
“We are pleased that the chicory root fibers inulin and oligofructose are the first prebiotics to be recognized by the Indonesia National Agency of Drug and Food Control. This ensures that Beneo’s prebiotic chicory root fiber can be claimed appropriately, which makes it easier for consumers to make a conscious choice to support digestive health,” said Caroline Bustandi, senior manager regulatory affairs Asia Pacific.
“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.”
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers impacting gut microbiota by selectively promoting the number of naturally-occurring good, beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Beneo said scientific studies have already established the efficacy of inulin and oligofructose in promoting the selective growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, thereby supporting digestive health and overall wellbeing.
Inulin and oligofructose are also the only scientifically-proven plant-based prebiotics. In comparison to other fibers that are synthetically produced, they are obtained from a natural source — chicory root — via hot water extraction.
Additionally, both inulin and oligofructose belong to the few internationally recognized and confirmed prebiotics according to the International Scientific Association on Probiotics and Prebiotics. An EU-approved health claim granted for Beneo and inulin, for instance, has confirmed its beneficial effect on digestive health and regularity.