West Haven, CT — Americans consume only about half of the daily recommended amount of dietary fiber. While the new FDA daily value (DV) for fiber is 28 grams, the average intake for Americans is 15 grams per day. The Dietary Guidelines for Advisory Committee (DGAC) identified Dietary fiber as a nutrient of public health concern due to the health impacts of underconsumption. However, as food manufacturers work to boost the fiber content of their food products, it’s important to know that all fibers are not created equal.
Beta-glucan is a fiber that may be best known for its FDA-approved heart health claim, which is that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 3 grams of beta-glucan per day from oats or barley may reduce the risk of heart disease. “As a staple in U.S. households, bakery products provide an ideal opportunity to deliver the health benefits consumers are looking for,” stated Moira Watson, Vice President of Marketing and Communication for Connecticut-based company Watson Inc. “Fiber is the perfect place to start. Consumers associate baked goods with fiber and actively look for fiber on the label. Fortifying with beta-glucan achieves not only a boost in fiber but also a heart-healthy option for consumers and a product that stands out from other baked goods.” concluded Watson.
Food processors can add Beta-glucan to bread, rolls, bagels, muffins, and even specialty items such as nutrition bars. Watson Inc. has composed a guide to beta-glucan to assist industrial bakeries, wholesale bakers, and food manufacturers in learning more about the market demand for foods fortified with beta-glucan. It covers beta-glucan, sources of beta-glucan, claims available, and information on the new FDA definition of fiber, and can be downloaded from the Watson website here.
About Watson: For four generations, Watson has striven to improve health and wellness. We are committed to sharing our ideas and inspirations with our customers and to helping them reach their goals. Watson is one of the highest quality suppliers of products and services geared towards enhancing human and pet nutrition around the world, and a leader in developing quality products and nutritional ingredient systems. Expertise in microencapsulation, agglomeration, micronizing, spray drying and film technology allows us to develop unique formulations. Learn more about Watson here.
Source: Watson
