Bifidogenic claim for 1.25g of inulin per serving approved in Malaysia

Thanks to the efforts of Sensus it is now possible to make a bifidogenic claim in Malaysia on foods containing 1.25g of inulin per serving. Based on the dossier set up by Sensus, the Dutch inulin producer, the Malaysian Ministry of Health has approved this adaptation.

The former claim for native inulin could only be made with a dosage of 2g per serving.

A lower dosage of 1.25g per portion was sufficient for oligofructose containing products. Recent human studies have shown that also with lower dosages of inulin a bifidogenic effect can be obtained. These studies and other data were presented to the relevant authorities in Malaysia together with the request to adapt the bifidogenic claim for inulin. In October 2008 the approval became available.

With this new claim the food industry has more opportunities to choose inulin for their applications and make a prebiotic claim. Inulin can be chosen for those applications in which mouthfeel is important, whereas oligofructose is the best choice in products in which optimal solubility is essential. It is now possible to make the same bifidogenic claim at the same usage level for inulin and oligofructose.

This shows again Sensus’ commitment in helping the global food industry to use inulin and oligofructose in food products with a health claim. Recently, Sensus also was involved in setting up the list of generic inulin-based claims within the framework of EU Regulation 1924/2006 for the use of nutrition and health claims on foods.

23 Dec 2008, www.ingredientsnetwork.com

2008 round-up: This year’s top five science

As the year draws to a close, NutraIngredients thought you functional food and supplements industries. First up is the science.

Taking top spot for the year’s most read article was our coverage of the second arm of the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT II). Researchers, led by Allen Sawitzke from the University of Utah, School of Medicine in Salt Lake City reported in September that supplements of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, alone or in combination, may not positively affect joint health.

Almost 400 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee participated in the 24-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The findings were published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.

However, the study’s findings were dismissed by the industry as meaningless. Limitations admitted by the researchers included a smaller than expected number of participants, large variations in measurements, and slower decline in the knee joint.

Antioxidants questioned
Another controversial study came in at number two of most read science articles for 2008. A meta-analysis of 67 randomised trials with antioxidant supplements has reported that vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene may increase mortality risk by up to 16 per cent.

The meta-analysis was published in the prestigious Cochrane Systematic Review, and was essentially a republishing of results published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2007, Vol. 297, pp. 842-857) last year.

The original study attracted criticism from both inside and outside of the dietary supplements industry.

"The findings of our review show that if anything, people in trial groups given the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E showed increased rates of mortality. There was no indication that vitamin C and selenium may have positive or negative effects. So regarding these antioxidants we need more data from randomised trials," said lead author Goran Bjelakovic from the Copenhagen Trial Unit at the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark.

The meta-analysis was slammed for several reasons, most notably for excluding 405 clinical trails because they did not report any mortality in the study groups.

Amazing omega-3
The third most popular science article was “Science: Is omega-3 omnipotent?”, which formed part of our omega-3 news focus. NutraIngredients.com reviewed the science behind the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) from marine sources, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 n-3) from plants like flax.

The review also covered the main health areas with the strongest science, including cardiovascular health, cognitive performance and reducing the rate of age-related cognitive decline, improved mood and behaviour, reduced risks of certain cancers, improved eye health, and benefits to mother and child.

Shining the light on death
Fourth on the top five list was taken by our coverage of how low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of death. A study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, reported that low levels of the vitamin may increase the risk of death by 26 per cent.

Over 13,000 initially healthy men and women took part in the study.

“This is the first study, to our knowledge, to explore the association between 25(OH)D levels and mortality in the general population,” wrote the authors, led by Michal Melamed from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

“Further observational studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish the mechanisms underlying these observations. If confirmed, randomized clinical trials will be needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation at higher doses could have any potential benefit in reducing future mortality risk in those with 25(OH)D deficiency,” they added.

Gut health and obesity
Bringing the top five to a close, was the article “Gut microflora and obesity - Nestle expands the possibilities”. Researchers from the Nestlé Research Center reported in May that modification of the population of bacteria in the gut may improve the regulation of glycemic control and reverse the insulin resistance that occurs with obesity.

An enhancement of oral glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity was observed in obese, diabetic animals following administration of antibiotics to modify the gut microflora, according to results published in the FASEB Journal.

The results build on earlier reports from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri, and suggest a potential role for food-based approaches to modify gut microflora in obese people.

"The next questions for Nestlé Research to answer are: Is there a gut microbiota profile that lowers the risk of obesity and diabetes development? And can we modulate gut microbiota accordingly, with food-based interventions, to improve metabolic regulation and glucose control?" said Dr. Chieh Jason Chou from Nestlé Research.

By Stephen Daniells, 15 Dec 2008, ap-foodtechnology.com

Functional drinks show greatest global growth

UK-based Market researcher Zenith International reports regular carbonated drinks are no longer the world’s biggest beverage category as they were surpassed by bottled waters in volume terms in 2007.

But functional beverages are growing at the fastest rate – 6.4 per cent in the past year – as more consumers internationally embrace healthy dieting.

"Health continues as an increasingly important factor driving purchasing behaviour around the globe," said Zenith market intelligence director, Gary Roethenbaugh.

"In 2007, bottled water beat carbonated soft drinks and became the largest market by volume. In the context of rising concerns about obesity and greater interest in health, consumers are re-evaluating their choices and turning to healthier refreshments. Still fruit, tea and sports drinks enjoyed the highest growth of all.”

All categories saw overall growth with soft drinks rising 3.9 per cent in 2007 to 552 billion litres, equivalent to 82.5 litres per person. By 2012, Zenith predicts global soft drinks consumption will reach 675 billion litres and 95 litres per person.

Only Western Europe, in bottled water, saw a decline.

In terms of bottled water consumption, Eastern Europe notched the fastest growth with per capita volumes swelling by 35.6 litres since 2002.

Overall share saw bottled water claim 37.3 per cent in 2007, inching past long-term leader, carbonated beverages, which had 36.8 per cent. Still drinks captured 12.7 per cent, followed by fruit juice/nectars on 7.1 per cent and dilutables on 6.1 per cent.

Asia Pacific had the highest regional share at 23.7 per cent, shading North America on 23.6 per cent but expected to have 35 per cent of the market by 2012.

Between 2002 and 2007, Indonesia achieved the highest growth, with volume increasing by 117 per cent. The Ukraine beverages sector grew 92 per cent growth, followed by Bulgaria on 87 per cent.

By staff reporter, 08 Dec 2008, foodqualitynews.com

Segments driving the health market

The market for healthy and organic products is largely driven by two active consumer groups, according to research which splits shoppers into five categories based on their attitudes and habits.

The health and wellness trend is strong among nearly a third of consumers according to Nielsen & Natural Marketing Institute (NMI)’s segmentation analysis based on 63,000 shoppers in the US.

The research identified five specific groups of consumers based on attitudes and behaviors toward health, wellness, organic products, supplements, exercise and associated topics.

It showed that the most health aware group, dubbed the “Well Beings”, make up 25 percent of the population and spend more on natural, organic and healthy products than other groups.

Nielsen said: “In their pursuit of health, Well Beings seek out more alternative healthcare services than other cohorts and demonstrate a stronger commitment to environmentally sound solutions.”

This segment also appears indifferent to cost, although they are unlikely to be swayed by brand image. However, they tend to patronize companies that share core values.

They are followed by the so-called “Food Actives”, which are dedicated to achieving health through proper nutrition and make up 16 percent of the population.

Nielsen said: “Balance best describes their attitude toward wellness, as they take a holistic approach factoring in exercise, nutrition and weight management.”

Food Actives are calorie-conscious and look for ways to reduce their calorie count, such as substituting artificial sweeteners for sugar.

Consumer segments
At the other extreme is the “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” group, which accounts for 23 percent of the population, who do not care much or know about healthy eating.

Meanwhile the “Magic Bullets” (19 percent of the population) prefer to take a supplement rather than concentrate on a healthier diet.

And the “Fence Sitters” (17 percent of shoppers) tend to be younger and are more concerned with the family budget than diet.

4 Dec 2008, Foodnavigator-usa.com