Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
p
< 0.05 (Fukushima et al., 2002; Ohta et al., 1999; Uenishi et al., 2002). Increased
absorption was first measured at 4 hours and extended out to 8 and 12 hours. The
rapid fermentation of scFOS could influence this short-term effect. In these three
studies, increased calcium absorption was measured in urine calcium, which is
positively correlated with calcium absorption from the digestive tract (Ohta et al,
1999). Although not yet repeated in humans, increased calcium absorption pro-
moted by scFOS could enhance bone mineral content, as rat studies have demon-
strated increased bone calcium stores when fed scFOS (summarized in Ohta et al.,
1998b).
Rats:
•
A second mechanism has been proposed whereby scFOS could enhance min-
eral absorption. Active calcium absorption requires the participation of a calcium
transporter protein called calbindin-D9k, and there is a high correlation between
this protein and calcium absorption (Ohta et al., 1998a). Intact and gastrectomized
rats fed diets containing scFOS exhibited increased levels of calbindin-D9k in the
large intestine (Ohta et al., 1998a, 1998b). Studies on this biomarker have not yet
been repeated in humans.
2.3 CoMMErCIAl FooD APPlICATIoN oF scFos
scFOS ingredients have a long history of global food use. scFOS was first made
available as a commercial ingredient by Meiji Seika Kaisha Ltd. in Japan (Beghin-
Meiji, 2008). It was initially launched with a lower fiber content, but now has at
least 95 percent fiber on a dry weight basis, with the residual ≤5 percent (dry weight)
consisting of the sugars sucrose, glucose, and fructose. scFOS is currently marketed
under three different trade names globally: NutraFlora
®
in North America, South
America, Australia; Actilight in Europe; and Meioligo (formerly Neosugar) in Asia.
scFOS has been an approved food ingredient in Japan since 1980, and has
approved FOSHU (Foods for Specified Health Uses) status. In the European Union
(EU), scFOS has been recognized as a food ingredient since 1991, and has been
approved as a bifidogenic ingredient since 1997. scFOS was first made commer-
cially available in the United States in 1988, with the first food product containing
scFOS launched in 1994. In the United States, scFOS is considered GRAS approved
and natural, and is on the National Organic Standards Board list of approved sub-
stances. Currently, scFOS can be found in more than 500 food products worldwide
(Macfarlane et al., 2008; Spiegel et al., 1994).
scFOS is a useful food ingredient for three distinct reasons:
1. Nutritional enrichment.
With a high fiber content of ≥95 percent (dry basis), it
is an efficient and economical way to enrich with fiber. The fiber in scFOS is 100
percent soluble, so scFOS is an ideal “invisible fiber.” For example, 10 g of scFOS
can easily be mixed into an 8-ounce glass of water. Also, because scFOS is approxi-
mately 30 percent as sweet as sucrose, yet contains only 1.5 kcal/g, it is an effective
ingredient for calorie reduction, particularly sugar reduction.
2. Structure-function claims.
Due to the extensive body of scientific evidence under-
pinning scFOS, it has become a popular ingredient for structure-function claims
relating to digestive health and bone health. Example claims for digestive health
