Abstract
Inulin-type fructans (ITF), also known as oligofructose or fructo-oligosaccharides are indigestible fructose oligomers with chain lengths varying from 2-65. ITF occur naturally as inulin in a number of plants including onions, bananas, chicory and artichokes, and are also available as food ingredients and supplements. Health benefits of dietary ITF in humans include improving gut health, ameliorating plasma lipid profiles and enhancing mineral absorption. There is also increasing evidence from human and animal studies, that dietary ITF can enhance satiety and decrease energy intake leading to improved control of body weight. These human studies are reviewed and briefly compared with data from animal models. The potential role of gut hormones in mediating the effects on satiety and intake is discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 4-6 |
| Journal | Agro Food Industry Hi-Tech |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 5, Sup |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - Sept 2008 |
