Barley Betafiber Product Shows Heart-Health Benefit Potential in Beverages

In a scientific opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in October 2009, the relationship between consuming beta-glucan and healthy blood cholesterol was confirmed: a significant step in enabling a health claim in the EU.

26 Mar 2010 --- Several months after receiving a favorable opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Cargill’s Barliv barley betafiber stands out as a solution for beverage manufacturers who are looking for an entry point into Europe’s flourishing heart health market. Barliv barley betafiber is a beta-glucan soluble fiber derived from whole grain barley, and has been clinically shown to lower cholesterol.

“Barliv barley betafiber has opened the beverage category with its cholesterol health claim. Its purity and unique low viscosity make it virtually invisible in beverage applications,” says Olivier Duchatelier, EU sales director, Cargill Health & Nutrition. “Barliv barley betafiber provides the same heart health benefits as oatmeal and can now be formulated in beverages for on-the-go convenience. The fact that it is a naturally-derived soluble fiber will make it easy for consumers to trust the brand and to understand its health benefits,” he says.

In a scientific opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in October 2009, the relationship between consuming beta-glucan and healthy blood cholesterol was confirmed: a significant step in enabling a health claim in the EU.  The potential Article 13 claim language for products containing beta-glucans that are manufactured for the European market is, for example: “three grams per day of barley beta-glucans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat, and a healthy lifestyle, can help maintain normal blood cholesterol.  One serving of this food contains 0.75 grams of beta-glucan.” 

Cargill report that you can expect to see Barliv barley betafiber begin to appear in beverages as early as this spring in Europe, as well as in the United States, on food labels of products from beverages to snacks and cereals.