Prepared Foods - August 2008 - (Page 124)

r&d applications Prebiotics from a Conifer? esides providing vibrant forest ecosystems and Christmas trees, conifer trees have also delivered a series of health-enhancing medicines and nutraceuticals. For example, taxol is an alkaloid from the Pacific Yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) that is now a chemotherapy drug for several types of cancer. The French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica) shows promise for a number of conditions—namely, asthma and chronic venous insufficiency. Now, along comes a new nutraceutical, FiberAid®, which has attained self-affirmed GRAS status (through FDA notification) and is being launched into the food market. FiberAid is the brand name ingredient for Larch arabinogalactan, the soluble prebiotic fiber extracted from Eastern and Western larch trees. This Larch arabinogalactan is extracted by Lonza from larch trees that grow in abundance in the U.S. via a patented process. FiberAid is a soluble, prebiotic fiber that offers benefits for gastrointestinal health and wellness. It is composed of galactose and arabinose in a 6:1 ratio that is useful for stimulating the growth of beneficial gut microflora. Both human and in vitro data have found that Larch arabinogalactan can positively enhance gut microflora, increasing beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. One piece of evidence on the prebiotic’s activity reported in the B literature is that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are increased by the ingredient. SCFAs lower pH in the colon, which, in turn, stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria. SCFAs also have other positive effects for the human body, such as acetate and propionate, which are absorbed by the gut and provide energy for the brain, muscle and heart; butyrate also provides about half the energy requirements of the gut. Another activity through which FiberAid enhances health is by decreasing the amount of ammonia generated and absorbed in the gut. Ammonia is produced naturally by the deamination of amino acids by microflora, and high levels contribute to detrimental health conditions. FiberAid is available as a free-flowing powder and can be ingested alone or combined with other products. It is highly soluble in water; is stable at a wide temperature and pH range; and in beverages, it does not degrade or lose functionality. It also has very little sensory impact, with minimal mouthfeel and viscosity. As a functional bonus, it retains moisture in baked goods and has improved dough-handling characteristics. —Kerry Hughes, Contributing Editor Larch Aarabinogalactanlycan (LA) is being researched for its health and medical benefits For more information: Lonza Inc. • Allendale, N.J. Christine Casper • 201-316-9236 Christine.casper@lonza.com • www.lonza.com Areas of Research of LA Application Dietary fiber Cancer protocols Pediatric inflammation of the middle ear Chronic disease Hepatic drug delivery Platelet washing medium Summary LA given to humans increased beneficial anaerobes, esp. Bifidobacterium spp., due to their preference for LA over other complex carbohydrates. LA is being researched for its potential as an adjunct in cancer therapy, as they stimulate NK cell cytotoxicity, the immune system and block the metastasis of tumor cells to the liver. LA has been reported to decrease the occurrence and severity of middle ear inflammation in children. Several chronic diseases have an accompanied decrease in NK cell activity, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, viral hepatitis and autoimmune disease. Hepatic uptake of LA is high (reportedly 52.5% of the dose) and, therefore, has been suggested as a drug delivery system for drugs targeting the liver. Platelets washed with LA have been found to be free of plasma proteins and to retain their normal morphology and function. Key Reference(s) Crociani, et al., 1994 D’Adamo, 1996 D’Adamo, 1996 D’Adamo, 1996 Groman, et al., 1994 Hill, et al., 1988 Source: Kelly, GS. 1999. Altern Med Rev. 2:96-103. References: Crociani F, et al. 1994. Degradation of complex carbohydrates by Bifidobacterium spp. Int J Food Microbiol. 24:199-210. D’Adamo P. 1996. Larch arabinogalactan. J Naturopath Med. 6:33-37. Groman EV, et al. 1994. Arabinogalactan for hepatic drug delivery. Bioconjug Chem. 5:547-556. Hill RJ, et al. 1998. Use of arabinogalactan to obtain washed murine platelets free of contaminating plasma proteins and appropriate for studies of function, morphology, and thrombopoiesis. J Lab Clin Med. 111:73-83. Vince AJ, et al. 1990. The effect of lactulose, pectin, arabinogalactan and cellulose on the production of organic acids and metabolism of ammonia by intestinal bacteria in a faecal incubation system. Br J Nutr. 1:17-26. 124 August 2008 ● www.PreparedFoods.com http://www.lonza.com http://www.PreparedFoods.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Prepared Foods - August 2008

Prepared Foods - August 2008 Table of Contents Hitting the Shelves Promoting Craveable Foods and Beverages It’s a Small World MarketWatch Regulations: Safety Dance A Taste of Southeast Asia Flavor Secrets: Asian Five-spice Flavor Secrets: The Well-seasoned Potato On the National Menu To Serve and Protect: Flavor and Nutrition Protection Fat Applications in Transition: Creation of Good vs. Bad Fats A Tasteful Formulation Balance Nutrient Density and Dairy Foods R and D Applications Seminar: Formulation Information R and D Applications: Some Flavors Like it Hot R and D Applications: Prebiotics from a Conifer? R and D Applications: Seeing Red (Foods) R and D Applications: A Probiotic with Survival Skills Abstracts

Prepared Foods - August 2008

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