R&D Applications: Light Starch Please -- July 2007
To make the transition to low-glycemic formulations easier for food manufacturers, Pharmachem has recently developed StarchLite™, a patented ingredient containing an extract of the white bean, also known as Phase 2®. It may be added to food formulations to lower the glycemic index and help to lower the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. According to Gregory Drew, director of the food and beverage group at Pharmachem Laboratories, “Sensory and taste evaluations have shown that consumers favorably compare baked goods containing StarchLite to control products. Applications include baked goods, cereals, frozen foods, packaged meals, pasta, potato products, pizza crusts, soups, beverages, sauces, dips, chips and confectionery goods. StarchLite has repeatedly been found to have significant glycemic index lowering properties, as well as a-amylase inhibitory activity. It also has the added benefit of reducing weight, as shown in clinical studies.”
In one study, StarchLite was formulated into butter and spread on Wonder brand white bread; the glycemic index was decreased by 35%—a statistically significant reduction, according to Jay Udani, M.D., medical director, Pacific West Research (the facility where the research was performed). It did not modify the taste or texture of the bread. In another study, StarchLite was formulated (at 3%) into commercially available instant mashed potatoes and then tested to measure the inhibitory activity on a-amylase. After preparation of the instant mashed potatoes, StarchLite was nearly unaffected and retained activity. In at least two other double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on the effects of this ingredient on weight loss, the participants who consumed StarchLite lost significantly more weight than those on the placebo, averaging about a 5lb loss per month while consuming between 500-1,500mg per day.
As Billy McLellan, senior vice president of business development at Pharmachem Laboratories, says, “The low-glycemic technological innovations being discovered in food science may put the ‘wonder’ back in white bread.” NS