Ingredion Incorporated has submitted a health claim petition to the FDA for high-amylose corn resistant starch and reduction of risk for type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies conducted by academic institutions and research organizations* on high-amylose corn resistant starch type 2 (RS2) over the years, have generated considerable scientific data supporting the health benefits of this ingredient.

“We believe that there is consistent scientific evidence showing a clear link between consumption of resistant starch from high-amylose corn and reduction of risk for type 2 diabetes. Ingredion collaborated with external scientific and regulatory experts who indicated that these findings provide a strong basis for a health claim petition for reducing the risk for this disease,” says Christine Pelkman, PhD, Senior nutrition scientist and clinical research manager at Ingredion.

Officials say eight well-controlled clinical trials showed HI-MAIZE® resistant starch from high-amylose corn improved insulin sensitivity or other biomarkers accepted by the FDA as evidence for reduced risk for type 2 diabetes.

“Given current trends for type 2 diabetes rates and with nearly 80 million Americans at risk, we believe that ingredients such as HI-MAIZE resistant starch can be important contributors in the fight against this disease. Diets that incorporate increased consumption of resistant starch from high-amylose corn can have a substantial positive health impact on the American population,” adds Lorraine Niba, PhD, global director, nutrition at Ingredion. “HI-MAIZE resistant starch can help food manufacturers and formulators create innovative, healthier products that address one of the leading health concerns of consumers in the US.”

The petition underwent an initial review by the FDA and it was accepted for filing on July 8, 2015. After going through a public comment period, the petition is now under review as a qualified health claim. A final decision is expected in the first quarter of 2016 or later.

HI-MAIZE resistant starch is a type of dietary fiber derived from a variety of corn that is high in amylose starch. This type of starch is resistant to digestion and acts like fiber in the human digestive tract. It is a white powder with a mild taste that is easily incorporated into everyday foods such as pasta, smoothies, bread, muffins and other baked goods.

*More than 70 human clinical trials have been conducted on high-amylose corn resistant starch over the years. This includes Ingredion funded and independent research. A complete list of references can be provided upon request.

About Ingredion Incorporated
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR) is a leading global ingredients solutions provider specializing in nature-based sweeteners, starches and nutrition ingredients and biomaterial solutions. With customers in more than 100 countries, Ingredion serves approximately 60 diverse sectors in food, beverage, brewing, pharmaceuticals and other industries. For more information, visit ingredion.com. About Ingredion Idea Labs™

Ingredion Idea Labs™ science-based problem solving fosters ideas, innovations and solutions to help customers differentiate their products, optimize costs and get to market faster with greater success and profitability. A network of 24 labs invites spirited collaboration through consumer insights, applied research, applications knowhow and process technology. Visit ingredionidealabs.com.