BENEO Secures 2nd Authorized 13.5 Health Claim in 2016 for its Chicory Root Fibers

15 Apr 2016 –- Functional ingredients manufacturer BENEO have announced that the Standing Committee on Plant, Animals, Food and Feed has agreed with the EU Commission in its meeting on April 12th to authorize a second 13.5 health claim for the company’s chicory root fibers.

The announcement comes just three months after the company received its first 13.5 health claim for its chicory inulin at the beginning of this year. The recent health claim confirms that inulin and oligofructose contribute to a better blood glucose management as they support a lower rise in blood glucose response.

The wording for the claim may read “Consumption of food/drinks containing inulin/oligofructose instead of sugars induces a lower blood glucose rise after their consumption compared to sugar-containing foods/drinks” when BENEO`s chicory root fibers are used. The EU Commission will now continue with the publication of the health claim in the EU Official Journal which is expected within 4 to 6 weeks. Consequently, the claim will be able to be used in the market soon.

In addition to the authorized 13.5 health claim, general health-related well-being claims under article 10.3 are also possible. Amongst others, these may include “lower and more balanced blood glucose rise”. A 30% sugar reduction needs to be obtained by replacement with non-digestible carbohydrates such as BENEO’s inulin and oligofructose according to the conditions of use. The authorization is based on several scientific studies all of which confirm that oligofructose and inulin have a significant part to play in the area of glycaemic control.

“The chicory root fibres inulin and oligofructose support a low glycaemic diet which is a decisive factor for people with diabetes but they also provide consumers with a wider choice of product varieties,” a BENEO spokesperson tells NutritionInsight, “Chicory root fibers have a mild sweet taste and are soluble which means taste and texture of food and beverage products stay the same or are even improved. They can be easily integrated in applications such as dairy, bakery, cereals, confectionery, beverages and baby food.”

About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, a number that is likely to more than double in the next 20 years. More than 90% of these people suffer from diabetes type 2 so preventative measures, such as healthy eating, are a key area of concern. Consumer research results from a study BENEO commissioned in Europe in 2015 show that 1 out of 3 consumers is afraid about diabetes. Also, the growing prevalence of diabetes (422 million people worldwide, WHO 2016) seems to be a reason for the growing sensitivity for diabetes and diabetes prevention. Nearly everybody knows somebody who is suffering diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Leading scientists agree that a low glycaemic diet reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and helps to control blood glucose levels, a factor that’s particularly important for people who already suffer from diabetes. Consumer awareness around the issue is growing and as a result, many more consumers are now seeking out low glycaemic products. The new health claim supports them in more easily identifying the respective products and also helps manufacturers to develop a greater variety of low glycaemic choices in response to this consumer need.

BENEO’s inulin and oligofructose, derived from chicory root, contribute to a lower glycaemic response of food and drink products because they are not digested in the human digestive system and thus no glucose is released into the blood stream. Replacing high glycaemic ingredients (e.g. sucrose, glucose, maltodextrin) using BENEO’s dietary fibers that do not cause a glycaemic response consequently lowers the blood glucose response of the final product and adds a valuable fiber source at the same time.

Anke Sentko, VP Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Communication says: “Blood glucose management is a key element in the promotion of long-term health from early on. Consumers are increasingly aware that carbohydrate-based, low glycaemic products contribute to healthy nutrition. The new health claim for BENEO’s dietary fibers inulin and oligofructose confirms once again the strong scientific evidence behind our ingredients. But, even more important than that, it offers manufacturers the opportunity to help consumers make better choices in their daily diet that support a low glycaemic nutrition.”

by Elizabeth Kenward