Much have been reported about the nutritional benefits of fiber, but not so many people are aware that fiber has superior efficiency in increasing calcium absorption in the human body.

A rigorous research done by Belgian firm Orafti Active Food Ingredients has led to the discovery of Inulin Fiber (or Raftilose Synergy-1,) a high-grade ingredient composed of chicory inulin enriched with a specific fraction of oligofructose.

Inulin and oligofrucose are found in more than 36,000 plants and in many common vegetables and cereals like onions, leaks and wheat. Both ingredients are obtained by hot water extraction, purification and spray drying.

As a natural and soluable fiber, Inulin Fiber is not digested in the stomach, but is totally fermented by the bacteria in the colon, Experts rule out that this wonder ingredient contain technological properties and surprising nutritional benefits.

Experts claim that because it is completely fermented in the colon, Inulin Fiber contributes to a better gut function, improves irregularity, and reduces constipation.

Inulin is selectively fermented by Bifordobacteria, and helps boost the total number of these microorganisims present in the colon. Bifidobacteria are known to have a number of beneficial effects on our health.

Enriched Inulin Fiber has three key nutritional benefits:

It increases calcium absorption. This active ingredient supports the body growth of your kids by helping increase bone density and improving calcium uptake.

It stimulates good internal function. This active ingredient stimulates the growth of helpful bactera that stimulates the good functioning of your kids. It is a well-deserved food with a built-in treasure of essentials your children needs to build up their digestive resistance.

It energizes the body and mind. This active fiber really works for an energetic and balanced body functioning, ensuring a healthy body going with a healthy mind.

In essence, Inulin Fiber helps improve the bone minerals density, support a healthy gut, and stimulate beneficial bacteria to the body.

Having confidence in the health benefits of Inulin Fiber, food manufacturers all over the world have begun to reap these benefits.

Orafti works with its partners in the food industry to produce healthier foods which can be consumed as part of a normal diet, such as noodles, crackers, and processed meat.

In the Philippines, CDO-Foodsphere, Inc. recently incorporated enriched Inulin Fiber in its Bibbo! Hotdogs after a tedious research work done in cooperation with the Belgian company.

"The result is the first hotdog in the world to enriched with the high-grade fiber," says Raymond Koh, regional manager of Orafti during a media forum.

According to Dr. Trinidad, senior scientist of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), a person needs to have an intake of 20 to 25 grams of fiber a day. The World Health Organization also reports that almost everyone in the world eats less than the recommended dietary allowance of fiber.

The FNRI notes that a well-nourished child is healthy, strong and alert, has good disposition, and grown at a normal rate. A poorly nourished child exhibits sluggish if not permanently delayed physical and mental development.

Orafti is a world leader in the marketing and production of pre biotic ingredients from chicory. Each year the company transforms more than 400,000 tons of chicory roots into inulin and oligofructorse, as well as fructose syrups.