Nestlé launches OptiXpress – a simple and rapid solution that contributes to digestive health

Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, through its Nestlé Health Science Division completes the OptiFibre® range with OptiXpress®. OptiFibre® and OptiXpress are part of a simple and effective solution for managing constipation and regulating intestinal transit in general. Nestlé Health Science makes a major contribution to Nestlé’s nutrition, health and wellness strategy. Thus, it has the mission to support a healthy lifestyle through nutrition for Romanian consumers as well.

OptiXpress® is a quick solution, which together with OptiFibre helps in the effective management of constipation and bloating. It is a natural juice obtained from prunes, has a quick effect, has a practical, ready-made packaging, can be consumed anywhere, has no milk, and can be used by adults, children over 3 years of age, pregnant or lactating women and the elderly. The laxative effect of plum juice combined with the prebiotic effects of guar gum from OptiFibre helps regulate intestinal transit.

Worldwide, 27% of adults experience gastrointestinal disorders, which can have an impact on health. Digestive manifestations vary from person to person and can alternate throughout life: 58% suffer from constipation, 53% have abdominal pain, 34% have diarrhea and 65% suffer from bloating.

Constipation is caused by various factors, such as low fiber consumption, lack of physical activity, stress, certain medications, pregnancy and / or breastfeeding, aging, certain medical problems (for example diabetes, hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome). The long-term effects of chronic constipation on quality of life can be multiple, both physically and emotionally, and often lead to much more serious ailments.

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Constipation management, from prevention to treatment, involves several stages: identifying the type of constipation and its causes (nutrition, lack of hydration, diseases, medication), recommendations on lifestyle changes (increasing the intake of water and fiber from the diet, exercise). If the symptoms persist, it is indicated to supplement the diet with fiber and change the lifestyle with increased physical activity and better management of stress. According to the World Health Organization, supplementing the diet with fiber is considered the most effective way to prevent and combat constipation.

“Elements of dietary intervention and lifestyle in the treatment of functional constipation can be: compliance with meal schedules, dining in a quiet atmosphere, an echilbrated diet in macronutrients (proteins, lipids and carbohydrates), increased fiber consumption, adequate hydration by eating at least 2 liters of water per day, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables and, of course, movement and exercise that stimulates internal muscles and accelerate intestinal transit”, says Nicoleta Tupiță, nutritionist-dietitian, Nutrition Manager at Nestlé Romania, Bulgaria and the Adriatic Countries.

In Romania, only 12% of the products intended for the regulation of intestinal transit are based on fiber. Fibers, such as partially hydrolyzed guar gum, wheat dextrin, inulin, wheat bran, celuosis, psyllium, have beneficial effects: increasing the volume of stools and decreasing the transit time of stool, absorbing water, which leads to improved stool consistency and at the same time have no adverse effects, being able to be used in the long term. Some fibers, such as hydrolyzed guar gum, have prebiotic effects, improving the intestinal microflora. Fiber has a positive effect on the entire digestive system, since it goes through the digestive tract, and together with digested food, it helps regulate normal bowel movements.

The recommended daily amount of fiber differs depending on gender and age: men under 50 years of age should consume 30 g fiber / day, over 50 years – 28 g fiber / day, women under 50 years – 25 g fiber / day, over 50 years – 22 g fiber / day. In children the situation is as follows: children between 1 and 3 years – 14 g fiber / day, children between 4 and 8 years – between 17 and 19 g fiber / day, boys between 9 and 13 years – 25 g fiber / day, girls between 9 and 13 years – 22 g / day, adolescents between 14 and 18 years – 25 g fiber / day girls and 30 g / day boys.

Guar gum belongs to the category of soluble fiber and has the following benefits on the body: it helps in the treatment of constipation, helps to reduce abdominal pain, prevents bloating and has a prebiotic effect. It has a neutral taste, is easy to administer and it is not necessary to ingest an additional amount of liquid. Guar is native to Africa and grows as a shrub. Both the leaves and the berries of this shrub are eaten fresh. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a fiber with prebiotic qualities and beneficial effects on the digestive system.

A 2-phase study in 39 patients with chronic constipation, for 2 weeks of fiber administration and 4 weeks of PHGG administration, demonstrated that 5g/day of PHGG reduced transit time by 12 hours. Another study in 90 patients with irritable bowel syndrome showed that 5 g/day of PHGG significantly improves the frequency of bowel movements between weeks 3 and 4.

Nestlé Health Science supports a healthier lifestyle through nutrition. As a global leader in the science of nutrition, we support those who need more attention in their diet, we cover special nutritional needs, providing innovative products for a healthier future, helping consumers and patients to enjoy life every day We support and educate Romanian consumers about a balanced diet,  with an adequate content of vegetable fibres. The transition to a diet rich in fiber can not be done suddenly, but over a certain period of time, gradually, and together with a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Our complete solution for regulating intestinal transit is the OptiFibre® range. Under the plan, start with one vial of OptiXpress® per day for quick effect and continue for mini-um 21 days with a measure of OptiFibre® per day. Over 95% of the Romanian consumers who tested OptiFibre® were satisfied with its effect and 89.48% said they would recommend it to their family and friends.

OptiFibre® is a versatile solution that helps regulate intestinal transit, contains 100% PHGG (partially hydrolyzed guar gum), with prebiotic effect, with multiple addressability. It is produced naturally from 100% soluble vegetable fiber, has a single ingredient (guar grains), does not increase its volume in water, does not change color, is easy to use, has a neutral taste and smell, which means that it can be added to any drink or food. It can be used by adults, children over 3 years old, pregnant or lactating women and the elderly. For OptiFibre®, guar grains are processed by a special hydrolysis process. Regular consumption of OptiFibre® helps to ensure the recommended daily intake of fiber. It is recommended to be taken for a minimum of 3 weeks for a sustained effect, and a measure of OptiFibre® dissolved in 200 ml of water or mixed with 150 ml of semi-solid food (for example, yogurt) is used. More than 44 clinical trials show that OptiFibre® helps regulate intestinal transit.