Gluten-free fibre ingredient approved in Taiwan
Artinia, developed by ingredients company Stratum Nutrition,has European Union novel food and USA self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognised as safe) approval.
Novus International-owned Stratum launched Artinia in March last year in conjunction with its Belgian business partner Kitozyme.
The ingredient is produced from the chitin-glucan molecule obtained from the fungus Aspergillus nige and is being marketed on superior sensory properties.
Studies have shown the ingredient to be effective in supporting the body’s natural antioxidant system and heart health and defences against oxidised LDL-cholesterol.
Michael Faber, business development manager, Europe and Asia for Stratum Nutrition said: “Artinia is unique because it possesses all the known features of functional fibre ingredients with a unique anti-oxidant capacity that tackles lipids.”
Weight management potential
Faber also noted that there is potential for using the product in weight management, however the company is currently focused on its influence on heart and arterial health.
In a study published earlier this year in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, it was found that dietary supplementation with chitin-glucan may beneficially alter the gut microflora and improve metabolic processes associated with obesity.
Mice fed a high fat diet supplemented with chitin-glucan– commercially available as Artinia – had lower body weight gain, less fat mass development, and lower increases in cholesterol, compared to animals fed only the high fat diet, according to findings.
The ingredient can be used in in energy and sports drinks, fruit juices and meal replacement drinks; milk products such as smoothies, yogurt and yogurt drinks, cereal and energy bars, breakfast cereals, pastas and other baked goods at up to 70mg/kg per day.
To ensure penetration into the Taiwan market, along with other Asian markes, Stratum Nutrition has teamed up with a Taiwanese functional ingredients distributor, Chambio.
