Nexira Defends Dietary Fiber Labeling for Acacia Gum Amid New FDA Rules

21 Mar 2017 --- Nexira, the world leader of acacia gum, along with other partners and regulatory advisors, has been working to highlight the benefits of its key ingredient ahead of FDA amendments on American Food Labeling, which may see the ingredient’s status as dietary fiber removed. However, the company remain confident that the amendments will confirm the dietary fiber status of acacia gum.

Nexira has made its reputation as the global leader in acacia gum, and has dedicated more than 120 years in enriching its expertise on natural ingredients, specifically acacia gum through sourcing, production process, scientific research and food & beverage applications.

In May 2016, the FDA issued its final rule on Food Labeling with the Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. The final rule, effective on July 26, 2018, amends existing regulations and incorporates a definition of dietary fiber as follows:

•    non-digestible soluble and insoluble carbohydrates (with 3 or more monomeric units) and lignin that are intrinsic and intact in plants; and – 
•    isolated or synthetic non-digestible carbohydrates (with 3 or more monomeric units) determined by FDA to have physiological effects that are beneficial to human health.

Nexira, along with other partners and regulatory advisors, is campaigning to support the intrinsic and intact position of acacia gum, as well as its beneficial physiological effects.

For this purpose, Nexira officially provided FDA with detailed information supporting the position that acacia gum is a non-digestible carbohydrate that is intrinsic and intact in plants as opposed to an isolated non-digestible carbohydrate. 

Nexira also provided further scientific evidence supporting the beneficial physiological effects of acacia gum, specifically on energy intake, blood glucose levels and bowel function/laxation

“We are confident that all information submitted to FDA is highly relevant and will bring FDA to confirm the dietary fiber status of acacia gum, as it is currently approved in 21 CFR 172.780 and 21 CFR 184.1330”, says Mathieu Dondain, Managing Director. 

Previous Local Regulation Modifications 

Nexira has been supporting acacia gum with local regulations. In August 2011, following a request submitted by Nexira, Health Canada recognized acacia gum as a traditional dietary fiber. 

Its use was approved as a dietary fiber source in beverages, confectionery, grain based bars, extruded products, bakery products, dairy and meal substitutes. 

In 2013, Nexira defended the acacia gum usage level in food and beverage in the USA. 

"Fibregum is a recognized food ingredient worldwide, declared as Acacia, Arabic gum (soluble fiber), Arabic gum (dietary fiber) or Acacia fiber. In the USA, since 2013, the FDA has expanded safe use of acacia fiber across the food and beverage industry. Fibregum is currently FDA GRAS according to 21 CFR 172.780 and 21 CFR 184.1330," Julie Impérato, Marketing Manager, Nexira, told NutritionInsight. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded safe use of acacia gum across this industry. From beverage to soup, breakfast cereals to baked goods and more, the maximum usage level of acacia gum permitted in products is higher.

“We believe that acacia gum, as a natural dietary fiber, is really interesting for the Food & Beverage industry,” says Mathieu Dondain.

“In the past few years we were pleased to obtain the recognitions of this ingredient with both the Canadian and American regulations.”

Health Claims & Opportunities for Nexira's Acacia Gum 

Impérato explains that Nexira's branded product, Fibregum, is a "complete range of all-natural soluble dietary fiber with 90% minimum guaranteed obtained from carefully selected acacia gum sap."

"Fibregum has an exceptional digestive tolerance and several proven health benefits," she says.

"First, it has a prebiotic effect by developing a healthier microbiote and by stimulating the butyrate production. Secondly, it has an effect on the glycaemia modulation by decreasing glycemic and insulinemic index."

"In the EU, as a non-digestible carbohydrate, Fibregum has a health claim on glycaemia reduction: “Consumption of foods/drinks containing acacia gum instead of sugars induces a lower blood glucose rise after their consumption compared to sugar-containing foods/ drinks.”"

"Last but not least, our research has demonstrated that Fibregum contributes to reinforcing the impermeability of the gut epithelium (PCT pending patent)."

She adds that one of the main concerns of nutritionists and healthy food producers is to provide high fiber diet and meals that could provide a sufficient dose of fiber without side effects, such as gas or bloating.

"Thus, the goal is to reach improved digestive tolerance offering products with no adverse events that could limit their consumption," she adds.

Impérato explains how Fibregum fits with health trends related to digestive health thanks to its high digestive tolerance, its prebiotic effect and its benefit on intestinal barrier. 

"Fibregum is really interesting for fiber fortification. Thanks mainly to its slow fermentation, Fibregum showed an excellent tolerance and a high digestive comfort, and complies with religious requirements such as Kosher and Halal," she says.

"They are also both Gluten-free and 100 % from vegetable origin."

"Fibregum is also available in Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified grades," she continues. "Highly digestible, Fibregum is also perfectly suitable with a FODMAP restrictive diet."

by Hannah Gardiner