Synergism of GOS and polyfructose

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of prebiotics. Provided are uses for compositions comprising synergistically effective amounts of polyfructose and galactooligosaccharides (GOS).

1 . Use of galacto-oligosaccharides and polyfructose for the manufacture of a composition for the treatment or prevention of abdominal bloating, gas formation, abdominal pain and/or flatulence. 
     
     
         2 . Use of galacto-oligosaccharides and polyfructose for the manufacture of a composition for the treatment or prevention of allergy, eczema or atopic diseases 
     
     
         3 . Use of galacto-oligosaccharides and polyfructose for the manufacture of a composition for the relaxation of contractions of the colon, preferably the tonic and/or phasic contractions. 
     
     
         4 . Use of galacto-oligosaccharides and polyfructose for the manufacture of a composition for the treatment or prevention of irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. 
     
     
         5 . Use of galacto-oligosaccharides and polyfructose for the manufacture of a composition for the increase of intestinal barrier functioning and/or mucus production of the large intestine. 
     
     
         6 . Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
 intestinal and/or faecal short chain fatty acid levels are increased,   intestinal and/or faecal acetate levels relative to total short chain fatty acids are increased,   intestinal lactate levels are increased,   intestinal and/or faecal pH is decreased,   the sum of intestinal and/or faecal butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate and/or isovalerate relative to total short chain fatty acids is decreased and/or   intestinal gas production is decreased,   
       without having a significant effect on the total and/or relative number of intestinal bifidobacteria. 
     
     
         7 . Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of galacto-oligosaccharides:polyfructose has a ratio of 3:97 to 97:3, preferably 5:95 to 95:5, more preferably 90:10 to 45:55. 
     
     
         8 . Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the galacto-oligosaccharide is transgalacto-oligosaccharide and/or the polyfructose is inulin. 
     
     
         9 . Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polyfructose is inulin with an average degree of polymerisation of 20 or above. 
     
     
         10 . Use according any one of the preceding claims, wherein said composition is suitable for decreasing the faecal and/or intestinal pH to below pH 6, preferably to pH 5.75 or less, and wherein said composition is suitable for oral administration to an infant. 
     
     
         11 . Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said composition is suitable for increasing the intestinal and/or faecal lactate to above about 10 mmol/kg faeces, and wherein said composition is suitable for oral administration to an infant. 
     
     
         12 . Use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said composition is suitable for increasing the intestinal and/or faecal acetate to above about 85% of the total SCFA. 
     
     
         13 . Use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said composition is suitable for decreasing the sum of intestinal and/or faecal butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate and isovalerate to below 7% of total SCFA. 
     
     
         14 . Use according to any of the preceding claims for promoting the production of short chain fatty acids at the beginning, middle and end of the colon. 
     
     
         15 . Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is a food composition or food supplement composition, preferably an infant nutrition, more preferably an infant or follow-on formula.