Consumers' attitudes toward food and nutritional products have greatly changed over the last century. At one time, food was fuel and medicinal products appeared in the form of elixirs and pills. Gradually--and with support from both researchers and regulatory bodies--attitudes and understandings have changed. Ingredients for functional foods and dietary supplements cannot be separated easily into neat, mutually exclusive categories. The following provides a showcase of ingredients currently commercially available. In the coming months, many more will be covered.
Multi-functional phosphates help processors improve the texture, flavor and nutritional characteristics of food and beverage products. Astaris' calcium phosphates are one of the best sources of calcium for strong teeth and bones. For "heart-healthy" claims, Astaris offers the broadest line of potassium phosphates. Mag-nificent[r], a source of magnesium, works with other formulation ingredients to balance essential minerals in soy beverages, nutrition bars and other health and wellness products. Astaris LLC, Barbara Heidolph, 800-244-6169, info@astaris.com, www.astaris.com