Once again, Prepared Foods, under its NutraSolutions brand, offers the “Ingredients for Health Reference” to provide market data and information on commercially available ingredients that assist in the development of products targeting various health benefits. From ingredients such as chia seed and red tomato for antioxidant supplementation, to the colors, flavors and textures used to make nutraceutical products attractive and palatable, this section offers a comprehensive range of information.
The categories are as follows:
• Antioxidants for Health
• Bone and Joint Health
• Cancer: Reducing Risk
• Cardiovascular Health
• Cognitive Health
• Diabetic Benefits
• Digestive Health
• Energy and/or Sports Performance
• Eye Health
• Immunity Enhancement
• Weight Management and
• General Health
Cardiovascular Health
While fat reduction has been a key issue in the food industry for many years, an increased focus is now placed on reducing sodium levels in the diet, caused by high salt intakes. Excessive salt consumption has been associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke in some populations. Many of the big global food manufacturers have responded with sodium-reduction targets placed across their portfolio of products. Analysis of global product launches tracked by the Innova Database with a heart-health positioning reveals that claims revolving around heart health can be quite specific; for example, “to help reduce cholesterol,” with the majority being more general in nature, such as “for a healthy heart.” The most popular market categories for heart-health claims in 2011 were breakfast cereals (15.5%), tea (5.6%), and juice and juice drinks (4.7%). Emerging market categories of note include snack nuts and seeds (4.0%), fish and seafood (3.7%), and dairy alternative drinks (3.4%).
—Lu Ann Williams, Innova Market Insights, helpdesk@innovami.com, www.innovadatabase.com
Vegetarian Source of Omega-3 DHA
Lonza offers DHAid, a concentrated and purely vegetarian source of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is produced from a proprietary strain of microalgae through a controlled fermentation process. DHAid is an environmentally friendly source of DHA, as it is manufactured using renewable resources. DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is used by the body as a building block for cell membranes and, thus, plays an important role in membrane fluidity, flexibility and permeability. The heart-health benefits of DHA have been demonstrated in many scientific studies and reviews. It has been shown to improve the omega-3 index, improve plasma lipoproteins and contribute to a positive effect on blood pressure and heart rate. DHAid is available in liquid and powder forms; is non-allergenic and free of potential contaminants; uses no chemical solvents for production; and is GRAS-affirmed. Lonza, Matthias Ruesing, Matthias.ruesing@lonza.com, www.lonza.com
Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
Scientific evidence demonstrates that diets which include plant sterol esters, like ADM’s CardioAid, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Plus, plant sterols can help lower blood cholesterol, naturally. CardioAid sterols can be incorporated into products such as crackers, salty snacks, spreads, dressings for salad, milk-based products, baked goods, meal replacement beverages and even pasta, allowing consumers to make heart-healthy choices in the foods they enjoy every day. While some sterols, due to their waxy nature, can be a challenge to incorporate in food, ADM has developed a wide range of product offerings in its CardioAid sterols line to meet most application criteria. Contact ADM today to discuss which CardioAid sterol is right for your product and help your consumers be more heart-healthy. ADM CardioAid, 800-510-2178, nutrition@admworld.com, www.admworld.com
Support System
Benolea (EFLA 943) is a patented olive leaf (Olea europa) extract developed by Frutarom as an ingredient to support the cardiovascular system and a healthy heart. The blood-pressure-lowering effect of Benolea, along with its impact on LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels, are backed by clinical in vitro and in vivo studies that include a highly regarded twin study (Perrinjaquet-Moccetti T et al. Phytother Res, 2008 vol 22). The growing markets for products targeting cardiovascular, cholesterol and blood sugar issues, along with the category of healthy aging, make this an ideal stand-alone ingredient and also provide the basis for a unique formulation. Thanks to its healthy heart-promoting properties, clinical studies and beneficial range of actions, Benolea provides highly attractive positioning opportunities. The innovative and patented EFLA HyperPure process ensures safe and selective removal of potential unwanted residues, while maintaining the integrity of active compounds—in this case, oleuropein and polyphenols. The resulting extracts offer a high degree of purity, solubility and stability—making it appropriate for a variety of delivery systems. Benolea, Eden Somberg, technical specialist, 952-303-1845, ESomberg@frutarom.com, www.benolea.com NS
