Discover inavea™
Nexira’s acacia-based range of prebiotic fiber ingredients not only meets consumer expectations in terms of nutrition, sustainability, and gut health benefits, it offers important technical advantages too. Here’s what you need to know.
Evolving prebiotic landscape
Prebiotics is a vibrant category, fuelled by growing consumer awareness of the science-backed health benefits of these powerful ingredients – particularly in relation to gut health which remains the number one purchasing driver according to recent research.
These are exciting times with huge scope for product innovation and significant untapped market demand for prebiotics in functional food and beverages, as well as nutritional supplements. But to make the most of this opportunity, manufacturers and brand owners need to know what consumers are looking for and how to select the best prebiotic ingredient for product applications.
Consumer connection
Research recently presented by the Global Prebiotic Association (GPA) tells us this is an intelligent and well-informed audience, with clear preferences when it comes to consuming prebiotics to support health concerns. Gut health leads the way, but reasons for making this dietary choice also include immunity, anxiety, and sleep problems (among many others) – suggesting growing recognition of the far-reaching importance of a diverse gut microbiome and the positive role prebiotics play.
At the same time, consumers are increasingly leaning into on-pack messaging that resonates with their social, environmental and lifestyle values. According to the same study, sustainability is a major influential factor across the board, while ‘organic’ and ‘made from food ingredients’ both feature in the top three sought-after labelling claims for prebiotics in food and beverage products.
So, what does this mean for product formulations?
Technical challenges
The first thing to note is that there are many different types of prebiotics. Acacia, inulin, and fructo-oligosaccharides (fos) are among the most established and well-known but, as consumer interest in gut-friendly foods has surged, so too has investment in the development of new sources. Lactulose, pectin, and yeast hydrolysate are among those to recently enter the market. However, although these prebiotics are said to nourish the beneficial bacterial that resides in the gut – there are important differences.
From a technical perspective, issues to be aware of include sensitivity to low pH and high temperatures, which may create problems during processing as well as the fiber content declaration. While the fact that some are derived from animal sources, chemically processed, or known to cause digestive discomfort when consumed at certain levels are significant drawbacks for product positioning.
This complex picture means that developing products that fulfil consumers expectations in terms of nutrition, health, and sustainability is challenging, but it can be achieved with Nexira’s inavea™ range of acacia -based prebiotic ingredients.
Innovative and sustainable prebiotic solutions
Nexira’s inavea™ range comprises four organic, all-natural, prebiotic ingredients. Each product provides a rich source of clean label acacia fiber – either alone or in combination with carefully-selected, synergistic raw materials – and an evidence-based prebiotic effect that benefits gut health, microbiome diversity, and general wellbeing.
Easy to use, these ingredients offer a range of valuable functional and digestive properties that many alternative prebiotic fibers do not; making them a highly effective, well tolerated, and versatile solution across a diverse range of food, beverage, and supplement applications.
That’s not all. inavea™ range is also supported by an equally compelling sustainability platform. In fact, inavea™ is the first carbon neutral ingredients brand, which means it has zero impact on the carbon footprint of the finished product. This pioneering position not only supports our customers green ambitions, it also appeals to increasingly eco-conscious consumers.
inavea™ PURE ACACIA: The gentle prebiotic fiber
Certified GMO-free and FODMAP friendly, inavea™ PURE ACACIA is sourced from two carefully selected acacia tree species found in the Sub-Saharan Sahel region known as the ‘Gum Belt.’ With a guaranteed minimum 90% fiber content of dry weight, it has a strong prebiotic effect at a dose of 10g per day. Clinical studies show:
- High digestive comfort – gradual fermentation in the gut enables high tolerability compared to other fibers
- Improved stool frequency – helps to reduce occasional constipation
- Gut barrier reinforcement – supports immunity
- improved general wellbeing.
inavea™ BAOBOB & ACACIA: The prebiotic African superfood
A synergistic formulation of two African treasures, inavea™ BAOBOB & ACACIA contributes to a balanced microbiome for enhanced digestive health and general wellbeing. Nexira’s proprietary study shows:
- Complementary and significant prebiotic activities at 5g/day – two times lower than with baobab or acacia alone
- Modulation of oxidative and inflammatory markers – supports metabolic health
- Gradual fermentation across the entire intestine – makes it suitable for a low FODMAP diet
- Promotion of beneficial bacteria – enhances immune system activity.
- Boost of Akkermansia, the bacteria linked to weight management
inavea™ CINNAMON & ACACIA: The metabolic health activator
Providing prebiotic fibers from acacia and polyphenols (including PACs) from cinnamon, this synergistic formulation plays a significant role in microbiome modulation. A recent in vivo study designed to mimic the conditions of dysbiosis induced by a high fat, high sucrose (HFHS) diet, evaluated the prebiotic effect of inavea™ CINNAMON & ACACIA. Results show:
- Modulation of the overall gut microbiota population – enhances general wellbeing
- Increased production of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) propionate and butyrate – benefits gut health and metabolic health
- Promotion of beneficial bacteria – supports good metabolic health markers
- Improved glycaemia and insulinemia levels – boosts positive metabolic health management.
inavea™ CAROB & ACACIA: For a healthier microbiome
Our integrated formulation brings together two exceptional dietary fiber ingredients – galactomannan and arabinogalactan polysaccharides – each sustainably sourced from carob and acacia respectively. Providing over 75% fiber content on dry weight and complementary prebiotic activities, inavea™ CAROB & ACACIA boosts microbiome diversity. Studies show:
- Full spectrum fermentation across the entire intestine – ensures high digestive comfort
- Improved microbiota diversity – adds more than 29 different bacteria species
- Synergistic effect on Prevotella bacteria – supports propionate synthesis
- Complementary effect on SCFA production (especially propionate and butyrate) – improves immune response.
inavea in action
With so many sought-after benefits, our groundbreaking inavea™ prebiotic range can be used in an (almost) endless number of gut-friendly applications. From biscuits and breakfast cereals to dairy shakes and dietary supplements, Nexira’s technical experts can help you find the best prebiotic solution for your product concept.
To inspire, inform and shape your next product development journey, we’re delighted to share just a few of the possibilities.
- Refreshing prebiotic sodas: Low calorie, gluten-free, clean tasting and 100% soluble, inavea™ PURE ACACIA provides high stability and low viscosity for gut-friendly health and hydration.
- Satisfying snacks with inavea™ BAOBAB & ACACIA: The binding, compression, and stabilizing properties of acacia, together with the subtle tangy flavor of baobab create a cereal bar with consumer-winning texture, taste, and gut health benefits.
- Nutritional powder sticks: inavea™ CINNAMON & ACACIA boosts fiber content, positively modulates the microbiome and adds a subtle cinnamon flavour to 100% soluble powdered supplements.
Ready to learn more about the consumer-winning benefits of inavea™ acacia fiber solutions?
Contact us for more information or sample request.
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This communication is not intended to the final consumer. It provides scientific information for professionals only. Communications to the final consumer have to be checked according to local regulations in force, since the conditions of use are beyond our control. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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