New EU Health Claim for Sensus Chicory Root Fiber and Blood Glucose Management
20 Apr 2016 --- The new health claim authorized by the European Commission confirms that non-digestible carbohydrates, such as chicory root fiber, also labeled as inulin or fructo-oligosaccharides, contribute to better blood glucose management, as they support a lower rise in blood glucose response.
Scientific evidence jointly submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) by Sensus together with other chicory root fiber manufacturers prompted the change in regulation.
The new regulation, which is based on scientific evidence, falls under article 13.5 of the EU Regulation on nutrition and health claims. After publication of the new claim in the EU Official Journal (expected within four to six weeks), manufacturers may state the following when their products contain Sensus chicory root fiber: "Consumption of food and drinks containing chicory root fiber instead of sugars induces a lower blood glucose rise after their consumption compared to sugar-containing foods and drinks”.
In addition to the authorized 13.5 health claim, general health-related well-being claims under article 10.3 are also possible along with the main claim, such as "lower and more balanced blood glucose rise".
“The authorization is based on a human study led by Sensus followed by a human study jointly funded by the chicory root fiber manufacturers, and besides, other scientific evidence clearly showed that chicory root fiber has a significant part to play in controlling glycaemic response,” said Elaine Vaughan, who is responsible for Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at Sensus. “European food manufacturers now have the opportunity to communicate and educate consumers on this health benefit when applying this claim to their new products.”
Glycaemic response refers to the changes in blood glucose level, which occur as a consequence of consuming a food. Not all foods trigger the same glycaemic response in terms of level and duration of the blood glucose peak that follows their ingestion. Their effect can be measured and compared through their Glycaemic Index (GI). Foods with low GI lead to a lower and slower increase in blood glucose levels. Chicory root fiber is a carbohydrate that is not broken down or digested into simple sugars by the upper digestive tract, but is fermented by gut microbiota in the intestinal tract. As a result, they do not affect blood glucose level and trigger a minimal glycaemic response. Glucose has a GI of 100,sucrose is 68, but pure chicory root fiber has a GI of almost 02.
“In addition to a low GI, chicory root fiber has a natural sweetness and less than half the calories of sugar, which means that it can be used to reduce the amount of processed sugar and fat needed within food products” added Elaine. “It also enhances the taste and texture of foods, and with the new health claim approved, manufacturers now have a strengthened opportunity to encourage consumers to opt for healthier food and drinks”.
Sensus is a leading supplier of chicory root fiber worldwide, with its head office in the Netherlands. This prebiotic fiber contributes to a healthy microbiome and is an effective fat and sugar replacer. To be able to serve you internationally, we have regional sales offices for North America, in New Jersey, USA and for Asia Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our committed team of experts actively helps you to develop new products. We have an extensive network of business partners specialized in marketing and distributing high value-added food ingredients and covering more than 45 countries worldwide.
Sensus is part of Royal Cosun. This global, agro-industrial cooperative was established in 1899 and is an international developer, manufacturer and supplier of natural food ingredients. Other companies within Royal Cosun are Aviko, Cosun Beet Company, Duynie Group and SVZ. The Cosun Innovation Centre provides Sensus with R&D expertise in all foods and beverages.
We are inspired by inulin and this inspiration is our drive to create great tasting healthier products.
Chicory inulin is a functional food ingredient that can replace sugar and fat while improving taste and mouthfeel. It also promotes digestive health by enriching the fiber content of food. Moreover, it has a prebiotic effect, stimulating the production of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Chicory inulin is recognized as the only plant-based prebiotic by The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP).
Frutafit® inulin and Frutalose® oligofructose are plant-based, prebiotic, soluble dietary fibers with texturizing properties and a great taste that provide added health benefits. These ingredients are currently used in many applications, including dairy, bakery, cereals and cereal bars, infant nutrition, beverages, confectionery, ice cream, savory and healthcare nutrition.
The full range of Sensus chicory inulin and oligofructose products qualifies as natural according to the ISO 19657:2017 guideline. Chicory root fiber is today the only dietary fiber that is verified as natural according to ISO.
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