24/04/13

Evidence supplied by DuPont Nutrition & Health has, says the company, supported Health Canada’s approval of polydextrose as a source of dietary fibre in food and beverage products.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, is based on laboratory and clinical studies using Litesse polydextrose from the DuPont Danisco portfolio. These studies are said to have demonstrated a positive impact on digestive health, in particular the production of energy-yielding metabolites during colonic fermentation, and improved bowel function.

With the approval, Canada joins the many other countries worldwide that already recognise Litesse as a dietary fibre.

DuPont Nutrition & Health health platform leader Michael Bond welcomes the move which, he says provides a new opportunity for Canadian food manufacturers to draw consumer attention to the healthy fibre content of their products.

“It is well known that the average consumer diet in the Western world is deficient in dietary fibre. Polydextrose has a special ability to help consumers raise their fibre intake without compromising their enjoyment of the food they eat,” said Bond.

Defined as specialty carbohydrates, the Litesse polydextrose range contributes just 1kcal/g and is claimed to be well tolerated at a consumption level up to 90g a day – far higher than the average daily intake of 25-38g that Health Canada recommends.

Incorporation of Litesse polydextrose into a wide range of bakery, dairy and beverage products is straightforward, according to Dupont. Thanks to its neutral flavour along with high solubility and stability, the company says that polydextrose can be used to develop an optimised nutritional profile with no impact on the taste or texture of the finished product.

“Litesse is perfect for supplementing other sources of fibre in the diet, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, without adding significantly to the calories. At the same time, the fibre level is assured, even in long shelf life and low pH products,” Bond added.