Introducing Inavea – An Organic, Sustainable Low FODMAP Fiber Beneficial To The Gut Microbiome

inavea is the first premium brand of organic and sustainable ingredients preserving natural resources, supporting local communities and aiming for a carbon-neutral footprint. Their new ingredient inavea PURE ACACIA is an all-natural, organic and GMO-free dietary fiber sourced from carefully selected acacia trees.

inavea PURE ACACIA offers an excellent low FODMAP prebiotic fiber to enrich food and drink products in a large array of applications such as baked goods, snack foods and dairy based food and beverages. It is 100% soluble, tasteless, colourless and odorless, has a low viscosity and has a low caloric value. inavea PURE ACACIA also remains stable when stored and under extreme processing conditions (pH alterations, heat treatment and yeast fermentation), making it a suitable fibre with minimal affect on the flavour, texture and nutritional value of food and drink items.

 

 

What is acacia?

Acacia is a genus of plant comprised of over 1000 different species of shrubs and trees. Acacia species are native to subtropical climates around the world, notably the acacia ‘gum belt’ region in Africa and also found in Australia, the Americas and Asia-Pacific region. Traditionally, all parts of the acacia plant have been used in food, woodwork, tools and medicines.

Recently, acacia has become a common ingredient in food products due to it’s high dietary fibre content and prebiotic potential.

 

What impact does acacia have on gut health?

With a minimum of 90% fiber content guaranteed on dry weight, inavea PURE ACACIA is an ingredient for fiber fortification. The prebiotic effect of acacia fiber has been largely demonstrated for 40 years in more than 40 studies. inavea PURE ACACIA has a strong prebiotic effect, promoting healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and has been shown to contribute to the production Short Chain Fatty Acids, which are known to have a beneficial impact on the gut and overall health.[1] Consuming 5-40g acacia gum has been shown to increase beneficial bacteria species (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) at higher levels compared to an equal dose of inulin fibre, while producing less gastrointestinal side effects.[2] A dose of 10g per day was considered optimal for these effects.[2]

Due to it’s highly branched structure being a longer chained molecule, inavea PURE ACACIA is fermented gradually across the transverse to descending colon. This makes it a higher tolerated form of fibre which can be consumed at serves of up to 50g daily.

 

With a commitment to sustainability, the sourcing of acacia fibre and production of inavea PURE ACACIA is targeting carbon-neutral footprint. inavea is involved in the preservation of natural resources and community care. In association with the French NGO, SOS SAHEL and partners, inavea is involved in sustainable development of acacia forests by actively preventing deforestation and desertification, increasing biodiversity and soil fertilisation and supporting local communities with economical and social development. Taking one step further, inavea is committed to two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; Life on Land and Partnerships for the Goals (Sustainable Development Goals 15 and 17).

Are you interested in using inavea PURE ACACIA in your next FODMAP Friendly product? Visit the Nexira website.

 

 

References:

1. Alarifi S, Bell A, Walton G. In vitro fermentation of gum acacia – impact on the faecal microbiota. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Sep; 69(6):696-704.
2. Calame W, Weseler AR, Viebke C, Flynn C, Siemensma AD. Gum arabic establishes prebiotic functionality in healthy human volunteers in a dose-dependent manner. Br J Nutr. 2008 Dec;100(6):1269-75.