New research shows prebiotics could improve heart health

Cutting edge research published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that inulin and oligofructose have important heart health properties. (adapted from Orafti.com)

The study, in mice at risk from heart disease, showed that diets supplemented with prebiotics inhibited the build-up of fatty deposits in the animals' arteries. The development of these fatty plaques, called atherosclerosis, is a key stage in the development of cardiovascular disease. Dietary factors that prevent atherosclerosis have a vital role to play in reducing heart disease rates. 

Study details
Inulin and oligofructose (both are found in equal amounts in smartfiberstixx) are well-known functional ingredients that deliver proven benefits for gut health and immune function due to their impact on our natural 'friendly' bacteria. 

In this new study, French researchers incorporated three prebiotic ingredients into test diets fed to mice. The ingredients were 10% long-chain inulin, oligofructose, or oligofructose-enriched inulin (smartfiberstixx). The control diet was supplemented with sucrose. The mice were specially selected because of their genetic tendency to develop atherosclerosis. 

After 16 weeks when the mice were sacrificed, their arteries were tested for degree of atherosclerosis. The scientists found that the mice displayed the smallest plaques in their arteries when they had been fed prebiotics. Diets supplemented with oligofructose-enriched inulin (smartfiberstixx) reduced plaque formation by more than a third.

In addition, all of the prebiotic diets lowered blood levels of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides. This may explain why prebiotics had such a beneficial impact on atherosclerosis, since high cholesterol levels are known to promote plaque formation. The scientists conducting the study concluded that inulin and oligofructose reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Future heart health products
Coronary heart disease is still the leading cause of death in Europe and North America. While death rates are declining at present due to action on smoking and improved medical care, this trend may not last. The rising tide of obesity brings with it new risk factors, including type 2 diabetes and high fat blood levels, which have a serious impact on the etiology of atherosclerosis. With millions of adults in Europe at risk, interest in heart health products is growing.

Traditionally, doctors have encouraged patients to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, plus oily fish at least once a week to keep heart disease at bay. It is also important to eat less saturated fat because it boosts blood cholesterol levels. It has been predicted that 80% of premature deaths from heart disease could be prevented if people made improvements to their diets.

However, such dietary advice is not followed by most adults in Western countries. Intakes of fruits and vegetables remain low at two portions a day, while oily fish is only eaten by a third of consumers. Intakes of saturated fat are 20% higher than recommended levels. Therefore, making smartfiberstixx a part of your healthy lifestyle could reduce your risk to heart disease.

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