DSM will participate for the first time at FoodPro, in Melbourne, Australia from June 22 to 25, 2014.
With an aim to grow its presence in the Asia-Pacific market, the company will discuss its nutritional lipids offering and the advantages omega-3s can bring to heart, cognitive and eye health to trade visitors.
DSM will also present to trade visitors OatWell oat beta-glucan, a naturally-derived ingredient, which is particularly well known for its heart health benefits.
Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found in oats that helps to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, both key pillars of cardiovascular function.
The company says multiple clinical studies show that three grams of beta-glucan per day lowers cardiovascular disease risk by as much as 20%.
A recent addition to DSM’s ‘Guard your heart’ health benefit platform, Carmel Power, business manager, Oceania, human health & nutrition tells Food News International more about the ingredient.
FNI: How widely accepted are oats by the food industry?Â
Power: The health benefits of oat beta-glucan have been widely recognized around the world, including the Food and Drug Administration or FDA in the US and the Food Standards Australia New Zealand or FSANZ.
Oat beta-glucan was awarded positive opinions from the European Food Safety Authority or EFSA.
In addition, the European Commission has authorized Article 14 health claims for cholesterol reduction and the associated reduced risk of developing heart disease, as well as for digestive health and blood glucose control.
Many clinical studies have substantiated the health benefits of OatWell oat beta-glucan in human nutrition, and manufacturers have developed numerous products that contain the ingredient for health-conscious consumers.
Often, these are marketed on a heart health positioning claim.
In this way, we are helping manufacturers to offer consumers an effective nutritional approach to cardiovascular health, at a point when heart health awareness, in particular, is at an all-time high.
OatWell can be used in foods such as bars, drinks and cereals, and are aimed at a wide range of consumer groups around the world.
FNI: Why have health-conscious consumers been looking favorably at oats?Â
Power: Many consumers are increasingly choosing natural foods as the health and wellness trend becomes rooted in their minds.
Oats are typically well-regarded by consumers, and enjoy a ‘healthy halo’.
OatWell contains protein and fiber as well as beta-glucan, which can lead to numerous health benefits for all ages.
For example, it can contribute to lowering cholesterol, which is no longer just seen as an issue for the elderly.
Oat beta-glucans also have health claims relating to healthy blood glucose management, and have also been found to support gut health maintenance and satiety.
FNI: It seems that OatWell is currently applied in carbohydrate foods. What are the reasons for this?Â
Power: OatWell offers an alternative “healthy grain” to food manufacturers.
From its nutrient composition, OatWell is higher in total fibers, both soluble and insoluble, while maintaining the protein content of the oat.
This allows manufacturers to develop healthier products.
Many manufacturers choose oats rather than incorporating other carbohydrate sources, such as wheat or barley, because of these additional health benefits that allow them to develop differentiated products in a competitive market.
OatWell is available in flour or powder format for use in carbohydrate applications such as breads, biscuits and cereals to pasta, as well as instant powder drinks, smoothies and dietary supplements.
