Inulin and oligofructose as dietary fiber: A review of the evidence

被引:232
作者
Flamm, G
Glinsmann, W
Kritchevsky, D
Prosky, L
Roberfroid, M
机构
[1] Flamm Associates, Vero Beach, FL 32963 USA
[2] Glinsmann Inc, Washington, DC 20024 USA
[3] Wistar Inst Anat & Biol, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
[4] Prosky Associates, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
[5] Catholic Univ Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
关键词
D O I
10.1080/20014091091841
中图分类号
TS2 [食品工业];
学科分类号
0832 ;
摘要
This critical review article examines the composition and source of inulin and oligofructose, the physiological effects of their consumption, and how these materials relate to the concept of dietary fiber. Inulin and oligofructose are fructans extracted on a commercial basis from the chicory root. Inulin has been defined as a polydisperse carbohydrate material consisting mainly, if not exclusively, of beta (2-1) fructosyl-fructose links ranging from 2 to 60 units long. Native chicory inulin has an average degree of polymerization (DP) of 10 to 20, whereas oligofructose contains chains of DP 2 to 10, with an average DP of 4. While a universally accepted definition for dietary fiber does not exist, it is generally agreed that this term includes saccharides (+ lignin) that are not hydrolyzed or absorbed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. These materials reach the colon, where they may be totally fermented, partially fermented, or remain unfermented. In addition, fibers contribute to fecal bulking. Inulin and oligofructose are not digested in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract or are they absorbed and metabolized in the glycolytic pathway, or directly stored as glycogen like 'sugars' or starches. None of the molecules of fructose and glucose that form inulin and oligofructose appear in the portal blood. These materials are quantitatively fermented by the microflora of the colon; further, it has been demonstrated that this fermentation leads to the selective stimulation of the growth of the bifidobacteria population. After reviewing their chemistry, origin, and physiological effects, it is the opinion of the authors that inulin and oligofructose are dietary fiber. They share the basic common characteristics of dietary fibers, that is, saccharides of plant origin, resistance to digestion and absorption in the small intestine, and fermentation in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids that are absorbed and metabolized in various parts of the body. Moreover, this fermentation induces a bulking effect.
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页码:353 / 362
页数:10
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