Ingredion has obtained a General Level Digestive Health Claim for Hi-Maize resistant starch from Food Standards Australia New Zealand, a statutory agency which is part of the Australian Government’s Health portfolio.
The ingredient is a proprietary type of natural fiber, manufactured and marketed by Ingredion globally.
The unique appeal of resistant starch is that it is an invisible, ‘white fiber’ for applications such as white breads, flat breads and pasta, fruit smoothies and protein shakes.
The claim dossier, prepared collaboratively between Ingredion and an external consultant proposed a claim stating that ‘Resistant Starch 2 (RS2) helps to maintain/support a healthy digestive system when consumed as part of a healthy diet made up of a variety of foods’.
When resistant starch reaches the bowel, it is broken down by ‘good’ bacteria to bring about a number of beneficial changes to digestive health.
As well as boosting the activity of such healthy bacteria, the ingredient increases stool bulk and gives a mild laxative effect to promote ‘regularity’.
Studies have shown that in comparison with bran, resistant starch was well digested, produced an increase in daily stool weight and assisted passing.
It also protects the mucous layer within the colon which is believed to help protect colon cells.
