Roquette supplies a branded version of the polyol, maltitol, called SweetPearl, which was among the list of sugar substitutes EFSA’s health claims panel backed for tooth and glycaemic control benefits earlier this month.
Roquette says its soluble fibre, Nutriose, can also benefit from the opinion, that can be found here, as soluble fibres are also used to replace sugars in a variety of food and drink formats.
Soluble fibres were, the company said, “used, among others, to replace sugars, and possesses precisely the characteristics mentioned by EFSA.”
The company highlighted research that demonstrated the glycaemic control potential of Nutriose, which has a caloric value of 2kcal/g.
“Characteristics like these, in combination with EFSA’s favourable opinion regarding the maintenance of tooth mineralisation and the glycaemic response reduction, are a significant boost for Roquette and its Nutriose soluble fibre.”
“Roquette is ready to do whatever is necessary to encourage the scientific assessment and identification of the benefits of its nutritional ingredients.”
EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) found a host of sugar replacers worthy of dental and glycaemic response health claims, albeit with “excessive consumption“ laxative warnings for the bulk (polyol) sweeteners.
The opinion
The NDA found the sugar replacers xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, D-tagatose, isomaltulose, sucralose and polydextrose can reduce post-prandial blood glucose response and decrease tooth demineralisation and if four foods-drinks are consumed daily to reduce plaque pH but not below 5.7.
Products had to bear “excessive consumption may produce laxative effects” disclaimers if the polyols xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt and erythritol were used.
Some of these issues will be discussed at the upcoming International Sweeteners Association (ISA) on May 19 in Brussels. For more information click here.