You like potayto, EFSA likes potahto starch-derived calcium

By Annie Harrison-Dunn

- Last updated on GMT

POs-Ca is already used in chewing gum in Asia, and is tipped as protecting against enamel lesions. © iStock.com / Frans Rombout
POs-Ca is already used in chewing gum in Asia, and is tipped as protecting against enamel lesions. © iStock.com / Frans Rombout
Japanese firm Glico Nutrition has won the approval of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its calcium derived from potato starch, which is already used in functional chewing gum in Asia. 

EFSA said there was “no safety concern”​ for the use of calcium phosphoryl oligosaccharides (POs-Ca) as a source of calcium added for nutritional purposes to food, supplements and foods for special medical purposes at the planned use.

Research in rats showed an increase in plasma calcium concentrations after it was administered directly into the stomach. This demonstrated that the calcium was bioavailable, EFSA's Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) wrote in its opinion​.

Chewing the fat  

glico chewing gum

Glico intends to use POs-Ca – calcium salt of phosphoryl oligosaccharides (POs) – in chewing gum, hard confectionery, sugar-free soft candy and apple juice.

Glico says the ingredient containing 5% calcium is soluble in saliva and it is already used in chewing gum in Asia.

A 2011 study​ using POs-Ca gum found evidence of "significant remineralisation of enamel subsurface lesions".

Major contributor

The EFSA panel said POs-Ca would be a "major contributor" ​to the daily intake of calcium. 

The EU has a tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 2,500 mg of calcium per day from all sources for adults and pregnant and lactating women.

With this figure in mind, the ANS panel estimated the mean total intake of calcium from all the proposed uses of POs-Ca and the normal diet would make up a daily intake of calcium ranging from 384 mg per day in infants, up to 1,561 mg per day in teenagers.

For adults and the elderly the maximum estimated mean total intakes were 1,347 mg per day and 1,181 mg per day, respectively, therefore below the UL.

For high-level exposure for infants and teenagers this stood more or less at this upper tolerable limit.

"The estimated intake of calcium from all the proposed uses of POs-Ca, in addition to the dietary intake, would therefore correspond to 33–54% and 31–47% of the UL for adults and the elderly at the mean intake,"​ the experts wrote. 

"For high-level intake, the estimated intake of calcium from all the proposed uses of POs-Ca in addition to the dietary intake would correspond to 52–97% and 50–81% of the UL for adults and the elderly, respectively."

EFSA said it did not have enough toxicity data to derive an acceptable daily intake (ADI), but the available studies did not suggest the ingredient was toxic.  

Related products

show more

Sweeten Your Treats with Sustainable Syrups

Sweeten Your Treats with Sustainable Syrups

Content provided by Green Plains Inc. | 09-Sep-2024 | Insight Guide

Elevate your products with Green Plains’ premium, low carbon-intensity corn syrups. Drop-in replacements with an up to 40% lower carbon footprint than...

Tap into the potential of better-for-you candy

Tap into the potential of better-for-you candy

Content provided by Valio | 08-May-2024 | White Paper

The confectionery industry is responding to the trend toward indulgent yet healthier sweets. Explore our Valio Bettersweet™ white paper to learn more about...

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Sustainable Syrups

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Sustainable Syrups

Content provided by Green Plains Inc. | 05-Apr-2024 | Infographic

Elevate your products with Green Plains’ premium, low carbon-intensity corn syrups. Drop-in replacements with an up to 40% lower carbon footprint than...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars