Ingredients for functional foods and supplements

Prepared Foods, Sept, 2004

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.

Running Mates: Phosphates and Calcium 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

Collagen, Policosanol, Extract and More

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2004, Cyvex Nutrition is an innovator in nutraceutical ingredients with a unique commitment to quality and service. Cyvex Nutrition is recognized in the industry for fine-quality innovative nutraceuticals such as ArthroColl[TM] (chicken collagen type II), BerryVin[TM] (high-ORAC berries), BioCosanol[TM] (policosanol), BioVinca[R] (high-quality vinpocetine), BioVin[R] (premium grape extract), BroccoPhane[TM] and BroccoSinolate[TM] (standardized broccoli powders) and LactoCalcium[R] (milk mineral calcium). Cyvex Nutrition, Charlene Lee, 949-622-9030, sales@cyvex.com, www.cyvex.com

Fat and Sugar Replacer

ORAFTI offers ground-breaking nutritional and functional properties with soluble, all-natural RAFTILINE[R] (inulin), RAFTILOSE[R] (oligofructose) and Synergy 1. Healthy benefits include improved calcium absorption, "invisible" fiber enrichment and enhanced gastrointestinal health through prebiotics. RAFTILINE replaces fat, and RAFTILOSE replaces sugar in food, beverage and nutraceutical applications without adversely affecting taste or mouthfeel. RAFTILOSE Synergy 1 offers enhanced calcium absorption at lower use levels. Orafti, John Martin, 610-889-9828, jmartin@orafti-us.com, www.orafti-us.com

Soy Protein Isolates Go Solo

Protient's non-GMO Soy Protein Isolate 6000 (SPI 6000) is water-filtered, not chemically precipitated, resulting in an undenatured isolated protein product very low in sodium. It is gaining widespread acceptance in powdered beverage mix applications because it gives formulators the opportunity to eliminate masking agents and reduce overall flavor costs. SPI 6000 also is great in applications like pasta, soup, fruit juice smoothies and ready-to-drink beverages. Protient Inc., Doug Clairday, 651-638-2600, dclairday@protient.com, www.protient.com

Probiotic Tablet

Chr. Hansen introduces ProbioTec[R] AB-tab-4 tablets, which contain clinically documented LA-5[R] Lactobacillus acidophilus and BB-12[R] Bifidobacterium and assist in strengthening intestinal microflora. The new tablet is a targeted delivery system that keeps the probiotic bacteria within a matrix that protects it against stomach acid. When the tablet reaches the small intestine, the live bacteria are released. The probiotic bacteria survive Chr. Hansen's unique, patent-pending tableting process. Efficacy and safety is based on strain research, published clinical studies, stringent QC and GMP. Chr. Hansen Inc. Jeannine Farro, 800-558-0802, Jeannine.Farro@chr-hansenus.com, www.chr-hansen.com

DHA from Under the Sea

Martek Biosciences Corporation is an innovator in the research and development of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid. Martek's DHA omega-3 is highly purified oil from a patented, vegetarian source (algae). The DHA is ideal for food and beverage applications because it is stable; has a consistent composition; is free of environmental pollutants and toxins; will not compromise flavor, aroma or texture; and is safe for all consumers, including pregnant women and children. Martek Biosciences Corp., 888-652-7246, info@martekbio.com

Servicing GI

GTC Nutrition announced that New Natureal GI (glycemic index) will accompany the Natureal line of all-natural, oat-soluble fiber enriched with oat beta-glucan. Natureal GI, an oat bran concentrate, is effective in helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Natureal is made from pure non-GMO Scandinavian oats and is specially milled without the use of chemicals or solvents, leaving the structure of the oat beta-glucan unchanged. A traceability system is used to verify origin and quality of the oats, providing a minimum of 15% beta-glucan (AOAC 995.16) and 35% dietary fiber. Natureal products are a healthy addition to nutrition bars, breakfast cereals, snacks, pasta, meal-replacement and sports nutrition products, breads and supplements. GTC Nutrition, 800-522-4682, www.gtcnutrition.com