DSM Introduces Lactose Intolerance Solution to Supplements

The science behind acid lactase is supported by a positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which has concluded that the "lactase enzyme contributes to breaking down lactose”.

25 May 2012 --- DSM is bringing its enzymes portfolio to dietary supplements manufacturers for the first time, as it looks to build on its position as a global leader in food enzymes. Tolerase L – a highly effective digestive aid for people who suffer from lactose intolerance – is the first enzyme to be launched to the market, as DSM looks to capitalize on increased consumer demand for products that support digestive health.

Tolerase L is an acid lactase that converts lactose, a milk sugar naturally present in dairy products, into glucose and galactose. Around half of the world’s population are lactose intolerant and do not produce any or sufficient quantities of lactase, leading to discomfort including bloating, gas, diarrhea and abdominal cramps once the undigested lactose reaches the large intestine. Tolerase L acts at a low pH (optimium activity from 3.5 to 5.5) to digest lactose in the stomach and relieve these symptoms. The science behind acid lactase is supported by a positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which has concluded that the "lactase enzyme contributes to breaking down lactose”.

"Lactase deficiency is a condition that causes significant discomfort and can have a negative effect on quality of life. People with lactose intolerance often choose to stop consuming dairy products which may lead to calcium deficiency as dairy products are a main dietary source for calcium. Deficiency in calcium can put bone health at risk,” explains Wouter Nieboer, global business manager. "The market for digestive health products is predicted strong growth. DSM is a global leader in food enzymes and has a well established presence in the dietary supplement market worldwide.  We look forward to combining our strengths in food enzymes and dietary supplements to give more consumers the freedom to enjoy dairy.”

Tolerase L offers a number of benefits to manufacturers, including a positive opinion from EFSA, strong scientific substantiation for acid lactase, regulatory compliance in key markets and provides almost instant relief in helping to reduce the discomforts associated with lactose intolerance.

DSM has also launched a new nutrient platform to help manufacturers meet the unique nutritional requirements of vegetarians and vegans.  Responding to growing consumer demand for targeted products that support health and well-being, ‘Essentials for vegetarians’ highlights a range of vitamins, minerals and functional ingredients geared towards the specific nutritional requirements of vegetarians.

The new Health Benefit Solution features life’sDHA™, a form of DHA derived from algae.  Essential for brain, eye and heart health, this omega-3 is often lacking in vegetarian diets as the primary food source is oily fish. Vegetarian consumers may also place added focus on other nutrients abundant in nutrient-dense animal foods. These include calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, protein for healthy tissue and vitamin B12 for normal red blood cell function. The portfolio will also include Tolerase™ P, a food grade phytase, which is a dietary enzyme that enhances essential mineral absorption in vegetable-based diets. Tolerase P is especially effective at enhancing Zinc and Iron availability in plant-based diets.

“A vegetarian diet offers a number of benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.  Additionally, vegetarian consumers have shown a higher degree of interest in value-added nutrition,” comments Doug Brown, marketing manager for Essentials for vegetarians. “With approximately 1.4 billion people following a vegetarian or near vegetarian diet for various reasons, demand for targeted products is increasing among consumers. Complementing our already extensive range of animal-free ingredient solutions, ‘Essentials for vegetarians’ enables food, beverage and dietary supplement manufacturers to develop successful products for this flourishing market.”

‘Essentials for vegetarians’ is one of three new Health Benefit Solutions launched by DSM in 2012. ‘Energize your mind’ and ‘Relax your mind’ focus on two key areas of mind health: wakefulness and energy and relaxation and sleep. Ingredients are available individually or as part of a customized Quali-Blends premix, delivering tailor-made nutrient blends that meet manufacturers’ individual needs.