Beneo's functional carbohydrate gains Argentinian approval 

16 Apr 2018 --- Beneo’s Palatinose functional carbohydrate (isomaltulose) has been approved for use in all food and drink categories in Argentina, the company has reported. Palatinose is naturally-sourced and delivers full carbohydrate energy (4kcal/g) in a more balanced way, due to a slower and more sustained uptake. This results in higher fat oxidation and a low glycemic effect which can aid diet-related problems such as obesity and diabetes.

In addition, Beneo reports that Palatinose is the first non-cariogenic sugar, making it tooth-friendly. It already carries a range of other FDA and EU health claims: “Palatinose is low glycemic yet fully digestible and thus provides glucose in a balanced and sustained way,” and the product is kind to teeth as it “…contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralization” (EU health claim) and it “does not promote tooth decay” (FDA health claim).

“The physiological benefits of isomaltulose have been assessed in approximately 40 published human intervention studies, according to Beneo, with over 30 additional blood glucose response trials supporting the ingredient’s steady and sustained blood glucose supply,” Monica Montani, Area Sales Manager SAM at Beneo tells NutritionInsight.

Beneo’s application to the Argentinian National Commission of Foods (CONAL) was approved and subsequently published on February 7th 2018 in the Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina No33.808. This publication results in the inclusion of isomaltulose in the Argentinian Codex Alimentarius, Section XXII Miscellaneous, article 1417.

The quality parameters laid down in Article 1417 cover those of PalatinoseTM (isomaltulose) manufactured by Beneo and reflect those of the isomaltulose monograph in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), as well as other international legislation for isomaltulose. Palatinose will be labeled on-pack in Argentina as “isomaltulosa.”

“We are very pleased that CONAL has approved the use of Palatinose in Argentina.  As a partial, or full, substitute for other carbohydrates in food and drink products, Palatinose is better than the traditional, refined starches and sugars which lead to high blood sugar responses, thus an improved physiological profile can be achieved with Palatinose,” notes Anke Sentko, Vice-president Regulatory Affairs & Nutrition Communication at Beneo.

“It can deliver many benefits to consumers, including a lower blood glucose response, which is useful in counteracting the development of diet-related problems like obesity and diabetes by healthier eating. We look forward to helping Argentinian food and drink manufacturers make the most of consumer trends for weight management, supporting a low glycaemic diet and an active lifestyle where sustained energy delivery is helpful and dental health using Palatinose,” Sentko concludes.

By Lucy Gunn