Health Canada Approves Taiyo’s Sunfiber Health Claims for Treating IBS and Improving Childhood Constipation

Japan has already approved the claim that Sunfiber helps to improve intestinal regularity, including both occasional constipation and diarrhea. Taiyo is pursuing similar qualified health claims for IBS in both the US and Europe. 

 

Sunfiber is an all-natural, soluble, prebiotic powder that is clear and grit-free. It already has approved structure/function health claims in the US. The ingredient helps with absorption of both calcium and magnesium, and it is easily added to wide varieties of foods, beverages and supplements without altering texture, flavor, color and aroma.  Sunfiber has GRAS status and is the number one fiber used in medicinal foods.

 

Due to Sunfiber’s versatility and soluble qualities, it can easily be added to a wide variety of foods, beverages and supplements without impacting the flavor, color, texture or aroma. Sunfiber is certified Kosher, 100% gluten-free, vegetarian and non-GMO.

 

These IBS-related health claims follow Sunfiber’s successful approval by Health Canada as a dietary fiber with the qualified health claim in conventional foods of a 20% reduction in blood glucose.
 
Health Canada IBS claims
Sunfiber is the only fiber that can use the Health Canada-approved health claims for IBS. Specifically, a 5g serving of Sunfiber may help to:
• Improve bowel regularity in people with IBS.
• Relieve constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort in people with IBS.
• Reduce the frequency of bowel irregularity and abdominal discomfort in people with IBS, including flatulence, bloating, dyspepsia and altered bowel habits.
• Relieve bowel irregularity, bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms in people in IBS.
 
“Sunfiber is the only fiber that provides these IBS benefits without the negatives often associated with fiber such as gas or bloating” says Scott Smith, vice president of Taiyo International.  He adds: “While many fibers can relieve constipation, the scientific evidence shows that Sunfiber is uniquely effective at quieting diarrhea as well. Most fibers promote loose stools, especially at high doses and in consumers not accustomed to high dietary fiber intake."
 
Health Canada childhood constipation claims
Until now in Canada, only prunes could claim to benefit this uncomfortable condition. Now, Sunfiber can also claim that it:
• Helps to improve intestinal regularity in children.
• Provides a gentle relief of constipation in children.
• Helps to improve bowel regularity.
 
Japan claim approvals
Under the Standardized FOSHU (Food for Specified Health Uses), Japan already approved the claim that Sunfiber helps to improve intestinal regularity, including both occasional constipation and diarrhea.
 
“Taiyo has the safety and clinical evidence to support these IBS and true regularity benefits,” confirms Smith, “These include 14 clinical studies for constipation, 7 for diarrhea and 8 for IBS symptoms including regularity, abdominal pain, gas and bloating."
 
Taiyo claims that Sunfiber “allows product formulators to bring the real benefits of this truly regulating fiber to consumers who are looking for a unique, more comfortable fiber source”. Smith concludes: “Sunfiber’s focused benefits, at a lower dosage, clearly distinguishes this ingredient from other fiber options."