DSM welcomes FSANZ standard on health claim for beta-glucan

The new pre-approved high level health claim for beta-glucan ("reduces blood cholesterol" in the context of diets low in saturated fatty acids and containing 3g of beta-glucan per day and subject to specific food content conditions) has been included in Schedule 2 of the new Standard 1.2.7 (Nutrition, Health and Related Claims) introduced by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in January 2013. DSM, which offers a number of products with beta-glucan, welcomed the news. 

Beta-glucan, a naturally derived ingredient, is the major soluble fibre found in oat bran, and popular for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Clinical studies support that taking about 3 grams of beta-glucan per day lowers cardiovascular disease risk by as much as 20%.

DSM offers OatWell^? oat beta-glucan, the most recent addition to its portfolio, and was obtained through the acquisition of the OatWell brand from CreaNutrition. Oat beta-glucan was awarded positive opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission has authorized Article 14 health claims, submitted by CreaNutrition / SOF (Swedish Oat Fiber), for cholesterol reduction and the associated reduced risk of developing heart disease, as well as Article 13.1 claims for digestive health and blood glucose control. Available in flour and powder format, OatWell can be added to bread, pasta, instant powder drinks and dietary supplements. DSM also offers DHA^? and MEG-3^? omega-3s and Fruitflow^? for heart health.

The market for functional products targeting heart health is booming, with the global industry predicted to be worth $15.2 billion by 2018¹ as consumer awareness and the body of scientific research grows.

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