Tate & Lyle Vice President Sue Potter to Discuss Global Fiber Definitions at the IFT Wellness Expo in Chicago

According to Dr. Potter, dietary fiber definitions vary by country, and in many cases, by organizations invested in the fiber industry. She says that while the industry is growing rapidly, a standard definition for dietary fiber across the globe is important for its continued growth.

12/03/09 Researchers worldwide agree that consuming dietary fiber provides health benefits beyond regularity. With fiber definitions focusing on chemical elements or physiological effects, getting to the bottom of what constitutes dietary fiber has been a bit tricky.

Sue Potter, Ph.D, R.D, Vice President, Global Health & Nutrition Sciences, Tate & Lyle (www.tateandlyle.com), will help food and beverage manufacturers make sense of the most recent global fiber definitions and the impact of these definitions on their businesses in her presentation, “Standardizing Fiber Definitions to Heighten Consumer Understanding.” The presentation takes place at the IFT Wellness Expo in Chicago March 25, 2009, 2pm-3pm CT.

According to Dr. Potter, dietary fiber definitions vary by country, and in many cases, by organizations invested in the fiber industry. She says that while the industry is growing rapidly, a standard definition for dietary fiber across the globe is important for its continued growth.

“Several definitions of fiber exist, but each has subtle differences,” Dr. Potter explains. “Those small differences can create major challenges in product development and package claims for manufacturers around the world wanting to meet consumer demand for foods and beverages enriched with dietary fiber.”