Potassium – The Next Generation Nutrient for Juice Fortification and Beyond

EFSA issued positive opinions about potassium's scientifically proven effects to maintain normal blood pressure as well as to maintain normal muscular and neurological function, which paves the way for new fortification concepts.

2/28/2011 --- Mineral fortification is currently receiving a lot of attention in the EU and other countries due to the recent positive opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concerning the validity and importance of the health relationships of minerals in our diet.

With regard to potassium, EFSA issued positive opinions about its scientifically proven effects to maintain normal blood pressure as well as to maintain normal muscular and neurological function, which paves the way for new fortification concepts. Pending claims are the health effects of potassium concerning water and electrolyte balance as well as the effect of (potassium) citrates on acid-base balance and bone health. The latter health claim was filed by Jungbunzlauer and collaborating partners and an opinion is expected until mid 2011.

What about potassium in the USA? On January 31st 2011, the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans was published. Therein, potassium was specifically addressed as a “nutrient of concern”, together with dietary fiber, calcium and vitamin D: “In view of the health benefits of adequate potassium intake and its relatively low current intake by the general population, increased intake of dietary potassium from food sources is warranted. (…) Dietary potassium can lower blood pressure by blunting the adverse effects of sodium on blood pressure. Other possible benefits of an eating pattern rich in potassium include a reduced risk of developing kidney stones and decreased bone loss.”

In this respect, Jungbunzlauer is currently promoting potassium as the next generation nutrient for fortification, particularly in juices. Juices are an important natural source of this mineral which can be highlighted by adding specific potassium sources. In sensory and stability trials lead by the Jungbunzlauer Application Technology Center in Ladenburg (Germany), tripotassium citrate and potassium gluconate were found to be excellent potassium sources to achieve RDA levels of up to 27.5% per 100ml (EU) and 37.7% per 240ml (US).

Tripotassium citrate and potassium gluconate belong to the HealthyChoices@Jungbunzlauer platform.