DIGESTIVE HEALTH

METABOLISM OF CHICORY FRUCTANS

FIBRULINE™ chicory root fibres are dietary fibres that are not hydrolyzed, digested, absorbed or excreted through the gastro-intestinal tract. In that way they are 100% fermented in the colon. The large intestine is often unjustly be seen as a forgotten organ, because many important metabolic actions take place, mainly saccharolytic fermentation for carbohydrates in the ascending colon and proteolytic fermentation for proteins in the descending colon. The microbiota or living organisms inside the gut or microbiome have an impact on the metabolism, immune system, and hormone excretion. In the large intestine, the colonic microflora is responsible for fermentation of the chicory root fibre to 10% CO2, H2 and CH4, 40% bacterial biomass and 50% SCFA’s (short chain fatty acids). These SCFA’s, named propionate, acetate and butyrate (among others) may play a role in many health issues as they give fuel to colon cells, lowering blood cholesterol and possibly protect against colon cancer.

GUT HEALTH AND GUT MICROBIOTA

The gut microbiota is the community of micro-organisms that are present in the gut. These microbiota are of raising interest for markets and consumers as there is a lot of scientific evidence for the link between microbiota and health. Gut microbiota are partially influenced by a heritage component but larger determinants are environmental factors like medications, location and diet. In fact, diet is the crucial contributor to maintain a balanced gut microbiota. In addition to the metabolic role, the gut microbiota also function as:

• barrier: shield against pathogens and production of protective mucus;
• defense: development of the intestinal immune system;
• maintenance: maturation of GI tract, maintenance of intestinal mucosa.

In case of an unbalanced microbiota between good and pathogen micro-organisms (also called dysbiosis), inflammatory conditions will appear and lead to the development of chronic diseases. A western diet, for example, too high in sugar and fat, will lead to many unfavourable health conditions.

PROBIOTICS, PREBIOTICS, AND SYNBIOTICS

Probiotics are live strains of strictly selected microorganisms which confer a health benefit when consumed or applied to the body. Probiotics need a substrate to grow. We call these substrates prebiotics and they are as important for the health and balance of the microbiome as probiotics.

Chicory root fibers like FIBRULINE™ are not digested in the small intestine and reach the colon intact where they are totally, and selectively, fermented by intestinal microflora (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) and confer a health benefit to the host. Hence chicory root fibres meet the scientifically recognized definition of “prebiotic”.

They have following different functions:

• Stimulation of beneficial bacteria growth;
• Stimulation of the bacteria activity and SCFAs production;
• Improve host health.

VEGETARIANS & VEGANS

Whether it is to save the planet, protect animals, care for their own health… these and many more reasons are driving more and more consumers to turn to flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan diets. However, reducing or even eliminating animal proteins from one’s diet does have an impact on the daily nutrient intake. This is why manufacturers are taking a fresh approach to meeting nutritional requirements through food products, be it mainstream or specific products.

With PISANE™ pea protein, you offer consumers a vegetable protein with a high nutritional value, an alternative source of protein that is plant-based, more sustainable, and products that are tasty thanks to its functional properties, but also good for the planet and health because of the way it is sourced!

A HIGH-QUALITY PROTEIN

 

• AAS = 0.96
• PDCAAS = 0.94
• Very high digestibility: 98% of PISANE™ proteins are absorbed into our body
• Contains very low levels of anti-nutritional factors

A SUSTAINABLE PROTEIN

 

Pea proteins are among the most sustainable plant proteins: “clean” cultivation, optimal use of natural resources and many other benefits for the planet!

Blood glucose management

Since they are not digestible, chicory root fructans do not affect blood glucose levels after meals or the response to insulin. They are therefore an ideal ingredient in the prevention of diabetes, which is more and more prevalent in the world population.

FIBRULINE™, chicory root fibre, can be used as a healthy substitute for digestible carbohydrates (including free sugars) in foods formulated to help prevent blood sugar (glucose) disorders in sufferers.

When at least 30% of the sugars are replaced by non-fermentable target carbohydrates, such as chicory root fibre, “consumption of foods/drinks containing inulin or oligofructose instead of sugars induces a lower blood glucose rise after their consumption compared to sugar-containing foods/drinks,” as explained by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).

Pea protein and weight management

PISANE™ pea protein has a particularly high nutritional value and plays a major role in weight management: indeed, proteins are involved in managing the feeling of hunger, in improving blood glucose control and in maintaining muscle mass.

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION

 

• High protein content (86% protein in dry matter)
• High levels of branched chain amino acids (which play a key role in controlling blood glucose levels during a diet)
• Very high levels of leucine (an essential amino acid involved in maintaining muscle mass during weight loss)

DIGESTIBILITY

 

• High digestibility: 98% of the proteins contained in PISANE™ will be absorbed into the metabolism!
• With a protein absorption rate that is slower than for certain animal proteins, it delays gastric emptying and decreases the feeling of hunger (increased satiety).

SPORTS NUTRITION

Proteins play an essential role in the nutrition of athletes. And it’s not just a question of quantity: the nutritional quality of the proteins is paramount. Why do you need to consume more protein before, during or after you practice a sport? Muscle protein synthesis, muscle mass gains or to facilitate recovery after training… Plenty of reasons to ingest protein, also determined by the time of the food intake.

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION

 

• A balanced composition of essential amino acids with particularly high levels of branched chain amino acids
• Very high iron content (>170 μg/g protein)
• Very high arginine content (> 8.5% in PISANE™), an amino acid involved in the muscle recovery process
• Very low levels of anti-nutritional factors thanks to a unique extraction process

DIGESTIBILITY

 

• High digestibility: 98% of the proteins contained in PISANE™ will be absorbed into the metabolism!
• The combination of whey protein and pea protein provides an optimal protein digestibility profile for prolonged amino acid uptake

FOOD ENJOYMENT AND NUTRITION FOR SENIORS, IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Thanks to its high nutritional value, PISANE™ pea protein has proven to be a great success in the formulation of products for seniors. In particular, with its high leucine content (~ 8% in pea protein), PISANE™ helps maintain muscle mass in older populations. Indeed, sarcopenia (loss of skeletal muscle mass) is more prevalent with ageing.

The high digestibility of PISANE™ (~ 98%) is a great asset for this type of product. Finally, because of its unique functional properties, PISANE™ can be used to formulate any type of product supplemented with protein – from ready-to-drink beverages to soups, including desserts.

SENIORS AND BONE HEALTH

It has been scientifically proven that FIBRULINE™ chicory root fibre stimulates calcium absorption and retention, as well as bone mineralisation in humans. Complementing these fibres, the PISANE™ pea protein has a particularly high lysine and arginine content – two amino acids involved in the maintenance of bone density.