Allendale, NJ—Researchers from Kurfürstendamm and Analyze & Realize ag in Germany published a new study in Food and Nutrition Sciences showing that a branded prebiotic fiber is safe and well tolerated.

For 12 weeks, a larch arabinogalactan preparation (4.5 grams of ResistAid from Lonza, Inc., based here) was given to 101 healthy adults, and 98 people received a placebo. Three times during the study period, researchers asked about any adverse events (AEs), and rated their seriousness if they occurred. In addition, the team assessed participants’ heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature as well as took blood samples.

Overall, the clinical test results were about the same in both groups (though systolic blood pressure went down in the study group over the course of the study), and there was no difference in AE occurrences. In fact, none of the AEs were found to be related to larch arabinogalactan. The supplement was said to be “very good” or “good” by 98% of the subjects; investigators estimated it at 99% of the subject.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, February 2012 (online 12/17/12)