December 2011/NutraSolutions -- Diet trends come and go, while obesity rates worldwide continue to escalate. Magic bullets for weight loss and maintenance are being put aside, in favor of products offering more traditional health benefits. Extra fiber, low-GI certification and new ingredients, such as alternative protein sources, are answering calls in achieving weight loss naturally. Market categories with the most global new product launches with a weight management positioning tracked by Innova Market Insights for 2010 were tea (11.1%), cereal & energy bars (8.7%), breakfast cereals (7.7%), ready meals (5.3%) and soup (3.3%). The most popular ingredients incorporated for a weight management claim are fiber; L-carnitine; green tea catechins; oligofructose; and chromium--with Garcinia cambogia, CLA, erythritol, EGCG and a branded pine nut oil derived from the nuts of the Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), used on a much smaller scale.
* Percentage of all products with a weight management positioning.
-- Lu Ann Williams, Innova Market Insights, helpdesk@innovami.com, www.innovadatabase.com 

 Super Weight Ingredient
Super CitriMax® is a natural, hydroxycitric acid (HCA) weight-management ingredient that is GRAS-affirmed and clinically studied to help consumers eat fewer calories and burn more fat. In sensory evaluations, Super CitriMax was shown to have negligible or no effect on aroma, texture, flavor and aftertaste of several beverages. Super CitriMax is highly bioavailable in a wide array of popular food and beverage products, including soda, water, energy beverages, bars, smoothies, soft chews and meal replacement beverages. Super CitriMax is highly stable in different processing conditions, including carbonation, coldfill and high-temperature processes, such as hotfill, UHT, retorting and extrusion. These distinctive product characteristics allow manufacturers to formulate innovative, value-added foods and beverages--and uniquely position them--based on scientific findings and consumer trends. InterHealth Nutraceuticals, Jay Martin, 707-751-2887, jmartin@interhealthusa.com, www.interhealthusa.com

 Controlling Carbs
Phase 2 Carb Controller™ is the first scientifically studied, proprietary extract of the white bean and the only weight-control ingredient with two separate structure/function claims, says Pharmachem. Phase 2 may reduce the digestion of starches and aid in weight control, when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program. Studies have also shown it reduces the glycemic index of white bread and may support healthy blood glucose levels. It is a natural, safe and non-stimulant ingredient for use in dietary supplements or functional foods. Pharmachem Laboratories Inc., Mitch Skop, 800-526-0607 (1-201-246-1000 outside the U.S.), sales@ pharmachemlabs.com, www.pharmachemlabs.com 
 

 

 Count Calories, Keep Portions
It is possible to reduce calories and keep portion size the same by formulating with non-caloric, insoluble fibers, like SunOpta’s Canadian Harvest® Oat Fibers. Oat fiber can replace caloric carbohydrates, such as flour and sugar; it can also replace fat. In addition, barley beta-glucan concentrate is a soluble fiber shown to reduce hunger in over a dozen clinical trials. Barley Balance™ is the most concentrated source of barley beta-glucan produced by a natural and sustainable process. SunOpta Ingredients Group, 800-353-6782, ingredients@sunopta.com, www.sunopta.com/ingredients  

 Get Slim; Stay Slim
Smooth, satisfying Slimmaccino™ is a delightful, classic cappuccino beverage that contains Fabuless®, a patented lipid emulsion clinically proven to help control appetite and reduce hunger feelings throughout the day. It also contains Quali™-Blend XR19635 for vitamin support. DSM, maker of both products, says several short- and long-term published clinical studies show Fabuless helps control appetite, reduce calorie intake by up to 30% and prevents weight regain after dieting. DSM Nutritional Products, 800-526-0189, www.unlimited nutrition-na.dsm.com

 Pure Sweetening
ERYLITE® Stevia, from Jung­bunzlauer, is a unique blend of the natural sugar alcohol erythritol and rebaudioside-A. Fused into one crystal, ERYLITE Stevia unites the benefits of these two sweeteners that fit together well, due to their natural status and zero calorie character--thus maximizing their synergies. ERYLITE Stevia has no calories, no effect on the blood sugar level (zero glycemic index) and is tooth-friendly. Its high digestive tolerance ensures consumers comfort at the expected consumption levels; it offers a taste sensation very close to regular sugar and is free of any aftertaste, making it ideal as a 1:1 sugar replacement in most food and beverage products. Jungbunzlauer AG, Switzerland, +41 61 2955 100, HealthyChoices@Jungbunzlauer.com, www.jungbunzlauer.com

 Natural Apple Extract  
Diana Naturals’ Appl’In™ is a patented natural extract of apple which is standardized in phloridzin and polyphenols. It has antioxidant properties, as well as weight management uses; with its gluco-blocker effect, Appl’In can help decrease glucose absorption. Specially designed for the beverage matrix, it also has high water solubility; no sedimentation; is highly stable in powder form; has a light brown color; and minimal taste impact. In addition, it has proven efficacy (in both in vitro and double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled studies). Recommended dosage is 25mg Appl’In/g of sugar. Diana Naturals, 866-479-2555, www.diana-naturals.com NS