NUTRIOSE Soluble Fiber Health Benefits Now Recognized by The European Commission

In January 2013 and February 2014, claims applications to EFSA, pursuant to Article 13(5) pertaining to oral health and glycemic response were submitted.

 

In August 2013 and October 2014, two favorable opinions were issued by EFSA. The panel acknowledged that “the consumption of foods/beverages containing “nonfermentable” carbohydrates (such as NUTRIOSE) instead of “fermentable” carbohydrates may maintain tooth mineralization by decreasing tooth demineralization.” Also that “the consumption of foods/drinks in which nondigestible carbohydrates (such as NUTRIOSE) replaced sugars induced lower post-prandial glycemic and insulinemic responses than sugar-containing foods/drinks.”

 

In April 2016, the Standing Committee on Food of the European Commission adopts the draft regulation authorizing the two claims, pursuant to Article 13(1). The following month was Publication of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/854 in the Official Journal of the European Union.

 

The two authorized claims pertain to non-fermentable carbohydrates (oral health) on the one hand and non-digestible carbohydrates (reduction of glycemic response) on the other. Both are achieved by NUTRIOSE soluble fiber. 

 

They have been authorized in connection with Article 13(1) pertaining to generic claims applicable to all.

 

The health benefits are backed by the results of 8 clinical studies conducted in four parts of the world. The quality and scientific rigor of the Roquette Group, which operates in over 100 countries, have been acknowledged by experts on the Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

 

NUTRIOSE soluble fiber: a versatile ingredient
The ingredient incorporates nutritional assets which are essential for food manufacturers. A non-viscous soluble fiber with a neutral taste, NUTRIOSE is obtained from cereals (wheat and corn) and is classified as a food ingredient. It can be easily used to improve the nutritional profile of a wide range of foodstuffs. In addition, it offers digestive tolerance.

 

In accordance with Article 10(3) of the European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the health benefits of NUTRIOSE soluble fiber can be indicated on end product packaging provided that it respects the usage conditions and includes the authorized health benefit claim.

 

For example, in the case of a biscuit with reduced sugars obtained with NUTRIOSE, the package may indicate: “Reduced blood glucose impact” provided that 30% of the sugars usually used in these biscuits are substituted with NUTRIOSE. 

 

At the same time, it must quote the official claim: “Consumption of foods/drinks containing NUTRIOSE instead of sugars induces a lower blood  glucose rise after their consumption compared to sugar-containing foods/drinks."

 

An international initiative
This initiative confirms the Roquette Group’s willingness to raise awareness about the importance of the health benefits of its NUTRIOSE soluble fiber for Europe and beyond.

 

The benefits of the ingredient are already recognized in other parts of the world. In Canada, for example, NUTRIOSE soluble fiber recently obtained the status of “dietary fiber.”

 

In Korea, the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) has issued a favorable scientific opinion on the claim related to the prebiotic aspect of NUTRIOSE.