SternLife’s powdered fibers target heart, gut and weight management

13 Mar 2020 --- SternLife has developed three new fiber-rich prebiotic powder supplements for product concepts targeting the gut health trend and its link to heart health and weight management. The “Heart,” “Slimming” and “fiber Plus” supplement concepts deliver ingredients for a healthy gut by combining soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. They can be used to fortify foods as well as beverages. “Heart” and “Slimming” contain special prebiotic dietary fibers for which health claims can be made, while “fiber Plus” is both a pre- and probiotic, as it not only includes prebiotic dietary fibers but also probiotic bacterial strains.

“Since public awareness of the gut and its importance for health, the immune system and general well-being has grown; pro- and prebiotic foods are quite literally on everybody’s lips. A growing number of consumers want to maintain a healthy intestinal flora and supply it with the right nutrients. Our new high-quality, powdered fiber supplements offer lots of possibilities for interesting applications and product positionings,” says Astrid Pomrehn, Product Developer at SternLife.

Consumers are increasingly aware of the role that dietary fiber plays in gut health and well-being, the company says. Innova Market Insights data shows an 11 percent rise in food and beverage launches with a digestive health claim (Global, 2014-2018). Moreover, there was a 17 percent growth in launches with a “probiotic” claim and a 10 percent growth in launches with a “fermentation” claim, for the same period. Moreover a 2018 Innova Market Insights survey found that 68 percent of consumers said they consume fiber to promote healthy digestion.

Healthy heart
A portion of SternLife’s “Heart” prebiotic supplement supplies 34 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake. Prebiotics are indigestible food components that nourish the gut flora and help to shift the balance towards the “good” intestinal bacteria. As the supplement contains beta-glucans, thiamine and mango powder too, it enables manufacturers to target the heart health market. Beta-glucans support normal cholesterol levels, while thiamine contributes to normal heart function. In addition, the patented mango fruit powder can have a positive impact on blood circulation in the capillaries.

Maintaining a healthy weight
The ready to use “Slimming” powder, has a mango-orange flavor, can be mixed with water and enjoyed before a meal. “Slimming” includes glucomannan, which triggers a feeling of satiety before meals and contributes to weight reduction as part of a low-calorie diet. Extracts of green tea and green coffee both give an extra boost to the metabolism. The supplement also has a prebiotic effect, and one portion supplies approximately 29 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake. 

Overall well-being
In addition, SternLife has developed “fiber Plus,” a high-fiber pre- and probiotic. Its neutral taste means that “fiber Plus” can be added to various foods, such as cereals and yogurt, as well as beverages. It contains probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, which promote healthy gut flora, and its prebiotic dietary fibers supply 26 percent of the recommended daily intake. A patented plant extract from Perilla frutescens (Shiso) additionally ensures that the dietary fibers are well-tolerated and thus contribute to good digestion and overall well-being. 

SternVitamin also published a book which seeks to provide ideas and advice for impactful micronutrient concepts, called Micronutrients work. Little extras. Big benefits is a manual intended for product developers, marketers and other creatives in the food industry who are involved in new ideas for functional foods, nutritional supplements and the like. 

Edited by Kristiana Lalou