Our intestinal flora plays a key role in the body's defence system.

Our digestive system contains billions of bacteria - some good, some bad. Therefore it is key to make sure that we stimulate the good bacteria as much as possible, in order to stimulate a good intestinal function and reduce digestive problems.

Scientific research shows that healthy food products carrying the BENEO™ label selectively stimulate the good bacteria, also called the bifidobacteria. These can thus get the upper hand and ensure that the bad bacteria cannot develop properly and we keep our digestive system in balance. This selective stimulation by inulin and oligofructose is called the “prebiotic effect”.

The healthy effects of bifidobacteria in our body are well-known. Products with the BENEO™ label help to reinforce your body’s defence system by protecting that delicate balance in your intestinal flora. This positive effect is a consequence of the 'bifidogenic' or the 'prebiotic' effect.

Inulin and oligofructose are by far the most studied and most efficient prebiotic food ingredients that we know at the moment.

The next figure clearly shows the prebiotic and bifidogenic effect of inulin when used daily.

Composition of the intestinal flora before and after intake of inulin

The following protective characteristics are attributed to bifidobacteria:

• production of vitamins (especially vitamin B)
• stimulation of the immune system
• production of antimicrobial compounds as protection against pathogenic bacteria