Beyond Fiber: Gut health, Prebiotics and Immunity

Studies have shown that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for a strong immune system.  Caroline Perreau, Nutrition and Health Research Manager at Roquette, explained, “The gut microbiome contains millions of beneficial bacteria that help to regulate the immune system. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which serve as an energy source for the cells lining the gut and help to maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, a barrier which is a crucial part of the immune system.”

Different factors can influence the gut microbiota composition and its environment and these include age, lifestyle, medications, and diet, especially intake of fibers and/or prebiotics.

Most of the soluble fibers – like NUTRIOSE^® soluble fiber- are used as a substrate in the colon to be fermented by the bacteria. They are not digested by the body and serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. These beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and promoting overall health.

“Part of prebiotics are soluble dietary fibers that can modulate a selection of bacteria and demonstrate linked health benefits. All fibers are not prebiotics, and all prebiotics are not fibers. The health benefits of fibers are not the same for all fibers,” said Caroline Perreau.

In short, prebiotics can help to promote a healthy gut microbiome by providing food for beneficial bacteria. And a healthy gut microbiome is essential for a strong immune system.

Studies showed that NUTRIOSE^® soluble fiber can be considered as a prebiotic that supports the growth and effectiveness of beneficial bacteria. In short, NUTRIOSE^® helps keep the gut in good shape, all for our greater comfort! Its outstanding digestive tolerance makes it a good partner to fill the fiber gap and contributes to good gut health. As a prebiotic (based on the last scientific definition given by ISAPP) and with immunomodulatory properties, NUTRIOSE^® soluble fiber may support the immune system.

What is the role of fiber in health and the current big gap in consumption vs recommendation ?

“Fiber is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in promoting digestive health, blood glucose management, satiety, weight management, and sustained energy release” said Iva François, Global Market Manager Fiber at Roquette. Despite the growing consumer interest in fiber, many people around the world are not getting enough. “The World Health Organization recommends a daily fiber intake of at least 25g per day, yet studies showed that only a small percentage of people are meeting this recommendation.” she explained.

In the US, for example, while 55% of consumers consider a high-fiber diet important, only 5% of men and 9% of women are meeting their daily recommended intake of fiber (National Fiber Council – 2017). Similarly, in the UK, only 9% of adults are meeting recommended daily intake and only 1 out of 3 adults are aware of the recommended intake (National Diet and nutrition survey, UK – 2016-2019). This fiber gap is a concern given the important role that fiber plays in supporting overall health and wellbeing.

As more and more people seek to optimize their nutrition without sacrificing taste and convenience, the importance of fiber is likely to continue to grow. Through education and awareness initiatives, it is hoped that more people will be able to meet their daily recommended intake of fiber and enjoy the many health benefits that come along with it.

Developments in the prebiotic market

In recent years, there has been an increase in global awareness of prebiotics, said Iva François. Currently, 54% of global consumers are aware of prebiotics (FMCG Gurus, Prebiotics, 2022). Those who actively purchase prebiotic products, usually associate them with various health benefits including overall health, digestive health, and immune health.

Iva added “Furthermore, prebiotics as key ingredients are driving innovation. Between 2018 and 2022, the launch of new products featuring ‘prebiotics’ claims has grown at a CAGR growth of 13% globally.” Among the biggest segments of NPD with prebiotic claims are baby and toddlers, beverages, dairy and cereals (Innova, 2018-2022).

How can consumers target gut health and immunity through nutrition?

As can be seen, despite the benefits of fibers, adults are still consuming below the dietary recommendations. The link between fibers, gut health and prebiotics, and also immunity is becoming increasingly apparent through scientific research.

Consumers can target gut health and immunity through nutrition by first incorporating more portions of fruits and vegetables every day.  Lifestyles have been evolving over the past decade, as such, there is also a need for convenient products at different times of the day that can supply the need for fiber ingredients.

The fiber gap is so big today that we need fibers from different sources whether it be from fruits and vegetables or manufactured products. At Roquette, we are offering a complimentary solution equivalent to the provision of fresh products as the health benefits are the same in both sources.