Nutritional News in New Orleans

New Orleans is known for its decadent and high quality food scene, with various influences on its cuisine. In June, the aisles of the IFT Food Expo will be lined with exhibitors showcasing a variety of functional and nutritional ingredients. Touching on today’s top wellness trends, ingredient companies will be highlighting their expertise and products that offer nutritional benefits. From novel protein sources and new prebiotics to expanding applications for traditional nutritional ingredients, attendees are in store for an exciting IFT Food Expo. In addition to a wealth of information about the nutritional benefits of these ingredients, the educational sessions will offer much diversity as they address nutritional topics including inflammation, sustainability, satiety, and whole grains. Be sure to sit in on some of these sessions and learn about the research being conducted in these and other areas. And don’t forget to read this month’s Ingredients column, which will provide a preview of some of the exhibitors who offer ingredients to solve a variety of product development challenges.

POTPOURRI OF TRENDS
Addressing today’s consumer trends and predicting what will be hot next are always top of mind for product developers. Some of the supplier showcases will discuss how companies can help food and beverage formulators respond to current and future consumer needs.

Health-promoting ingredient options
BENEO, a manufacturer of functional ingredients and specialty texturizing ingredients, will have nutrition experts and application technologists available to discuss the company’s latest nutritional science and expertise for new food product developers interested in weight and energy management, blood sugar control, natural texturizers, and gluten-free technologies.

BENEO’s confectionery experts will be on hand to share samples and discuss formulation options for sugar-free hard candies and soft gummy chews for sustained energy and fiber delivery using BENEO’s functional carbohydrates ISOMALT and Palatinose™ as well as Orafti^® chicory root-based prebiotic fiber. In addition, a refreshing sports nutrition beverage formulated with Palatinose for balanced energy will be sampled.

BENEO’s oligofructose fiber will also be featured in reduced-sugar, multi-fiber nutrition bars for digestive health. Additionally, the company will showcase its latest gluten-free technologies and natural texturizing solutions in baked goods using its specialty rice starches and rice flours. BENEO’s next-generation carbohydrates, prebiotic fibers, and specialty rice starches are on trend and meet the needs of today’s health-conscious consumers. BENEO, www.beneo.com, Booth 4413

Zeroing in on five influential trends
BASF Nutrition & Health will showcase five trends that are transforming consumers’ preferences for foods and beverages. As a global leader in providing health and performance ingredients, BASF invites formulators and marketers to visit its “kitchen” to get ideas for new products or improve existing ones based on five emerging trends.

“Going Clean” refers to clean labels, and BASF will show how it helps its customers make it easy for consumers to know exactly what’s inside a product by offering naturally sourced, vegan, and allergen-free ingredients. “Evolving ‘Meal’ Time” is a trend that addresses healthy snacking and children’s nutrition and how BASF adds health without sacrificing taste in products for kids, especially as the line between meals and snacks continues to fade. “Fortifying to Win,” which entails sports nutrition, will allow BASF to highlight its extensive formulation and technical know-how to help develop products in the areas of recovery and performance. “Prescriptive Eating” is a trend that focuses on condition-specific foods, personalized nutritional products that are designed for consumers with specific health conditions, that BASF works with formulators to create. Finally, the “Tantalizing Texture and More for Less” trend is one for which BASF’s food performance ingredients offer easy-to-prepare and tasty solutions to enhance the texture and volume of cakes, whipped and frozen desserts, mousses, frosting, and more.

Attendees are invited to sample foods and beverages designed with these trends in mind. Applications specialists will explain how food formulators can tailor BASF’s prototypes for their target markets, offering guidance from ideation to the store shelf. Specifically, they will offer details on how the company’s broad portfolio of natural and synthetic ingredients can be customized depending on the application. Information will be available on vitamins, mixed carotenoids, lutein, lycopene, caffeine, plant sterols, Tonalin^® CLA and omega-3 fatty acids. Performance ingredients include whipping agents, aerating emulsifiers, enzymes, and process aids for beer and wine. Attendees can also learn about BASF’s SET initiative for applied sustainability and how companies can produce more sustainable consumer goods.

In addition, BASF will sponsor two IFT Scientific Program tracks, “Food Health & Nutrition” and “Food Safety & Defense,” which will highlight topics of critical importance for today’s food and beverage markets. BASF, www.newtrition.basf.com, Booth 5241

Choosing custom premixes
Watson Inc. develops custom nutrient premixes and also has expertise in microencapsulation, agglomeration, and film technology. The value-added ingredients are used to formulate a wide variety of foods and beverages that can help to enhance health and well-being for consumers around the world. Watson Inc., www.watson-inc.com, Booth 1734

PROTEINS
Weight management and weight loss will continue to be top-of-mind concerns as the majority of consumers struggle with weight issues. The session “Satiety: Fundamentals and Recent Advances” from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, will look at this aspect in the weight management area. Satiety is defined as the time interval between the appearance of a feeling of fullness during an eating event and the appearance of a feeling of hunger leading to the next eating event. The presenters will educate attendees on how to study satiety and the ingredients that have been shown to play a role in satiety. Proteins are popular ingredients today not only because of the role they play in promoting satiety, but also because lean protein is essential for muscle building and maintenance for all ages and lifestyles. What is exciting to watch is the emergence of more novel sources of protein that are being found outside of traditional animal protein sources. Attendees will be certain to find information on lean protein sources such as whey, canola, and rice.

Rice protein gets GRAS approval
On the heels of a 2013 double-blind clinical trial that showed Axiom Food’s Oryzatein^® plant-based brown rice protein equals animal-based whey protein in building and repairing muscles, Oryzatein has now become the very first brown rice protein to be granted GRAS approval.

Oryzatein is a whole grain brown rice “clean label” protein fractioned without use of hexane petroleum byproduct, unlike many other rice and soy proteins. The approval was granted for the use of the plant-based protein as a high-quality allergen-free protein in food-grade products as both replacement for, and in conjunction with, soy protein and whey protein. Oryzatein is used in beverages, baked goods, confectionery, dietetics, nutraceuticals, product substitution, sports nutrition, and other products needing functional properties.

Axiom Foods is a source for allergen-friendly, whole grain brown rice ingredients, including a rice powder to replace dairy, and is known for its natural and proprietary methodologies for extracting fractions of other plant proteins such as pea. Since 2005, the Californiabased company has maximized the potential of whole grain brown rice in all its forms. Its signature Oryzatein is the first and largest source of organic brown rice protein. The company continues to widen the possibilities of the world’s thirdlargest plant crop into healthful products on which humans thrive. Axiom Foods, www.axiomfoods.com, Booth 703

Varied protein portfolio and more
AIDP will feature its protein portfolio, including Gabiotein A™ Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, KoACT™, and Pea Protein. AIDP will also be featuring its Magtein™ magnesium threonate for cognitive function.

Gabiotein A Sprouted Brown Rice Protein meets the growing demand for protein from consumers with allergies, intolerances, or aversions to dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, or nuts. Its smooth texture and pleasing taste makes it a versatile ingredient for bars, beverages, and cereal and grain products, as well as sweet and savory snacks. Sprouting enhances nutritional benefits, making it a complete protein.

KoACT^® is a patented combination of collagen and calcium. It helps build denser, more flexible bones. The uniquely bonded combination of calcium and collagen in KoACT improves both density and flexibility, which creates stronger bones. Magtein (magnesium l-threonate) is a mineral that delivers documented cognitive function and brain health benefits. Magtein, a patented compound discovered by scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, contains magnesium as its key ingredient and has been shown in animal studies to restore aging neurons to their youthful condition. It effectively crosses the blood brain barrier and has been shown to improve shortterm and long-term memory and recognition and learning and to alleviate anxiety and phobia. AIDP Inc., www.aidp.com, Booth 5213

Milk proteins straight from the source
Idaho Milk Products believes the freshest, most consistent milk product ingredients lead to the besttasting end products, like its IdaPro™ Milk Proteins, IdaPro™ Milk Permeate, and IdaPro™ Cream. The company’s ultra-fresh milk products can transition from its owner–operated milking parlors to final packaging within 24 hours. Idaho Milk Products’ dedication to freshness results in better-tasting and better-performing dairy ingredients. Idaho Milk Products, www.idahomilk.com, Booth 4718

Fruit-flavored protein gel showcases whey protein isolate
Proteins play a central and significant role in performance nutrition for athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to Olympic champions. Whey protein, one of milk’s primary proteins, has long been recognized for its contribution to muscle and body tone. A nutritional powerhouse, whey protein is a complete protein with a PER of 3.2 and “perfect” PDCAAS of 1.0. In fact, whey protein contains the highest concentration of BCAAs available from any protein source.

Hilmar 9420 Whey Protein Isolate will be highlighted in a fruit-flavored protein gel. This concept for a protein gel, popular among athletes and adults who engage in strenuous exercise, uses the whey protein isolate for long-lasting energy, satiety, and muscle protection. The gel’s benefits hinge on “quality” not “quantity.” Although other protein gels on the market may deliver more protein, many of their formulations contain predominantly hydrolyzed collagen, an incomplete protein that does not provide all the essential and branch-chain amino acids needed for optimum post-workout muscle synthesis and recovery. Unlike those, Hilmar Ingredients’ protein gel concept is based on whey. It contains the maximum amount of whey protein isolate while also maintaining clarity, low viscosity (fluidity), stability, and a clean flavor/aroma profile. As a marketing benefit, whey protein isolate is the only protein ingredient on the ingredient declaration, highlighting the nutritional quality to the consumer.

Hilmar 9420 Whey Protein Isolate is a highly functional WPI with excellent clarity. Designed to reduce astringency in low-pH applications, it provides optimized flavor in juices and other acid systems. It is also heat stable and is suitable for use across the range of pasteurization procedures. Hilmar Ingredients, www.hilmaringredients.com, Booth 4629

Collagen proteins for bone and skin health
GELITA collagen proteins (collagen peptides and gelatin) are naturally derived, healthy, and non-allergenic ingredients that possess unique technical and physiological properties. Collagen proteins are stabilizers and emulsifiers that provide health benefits in the areas of physical mobility, weight management, and beauty from within. GELITA offers several branded solutions including VERISOL^®, FORTIGEL^®, PEPTIPLUS^®, and GELIKO^® Kosher.

A recent study showed that daily oral intake of 2.5 g of VERISOL reduced wrinkles and increased dermal collagen synthesis. Researchers at the University of Kiel in Germany published the study, which focused on the effect of these Bioactive Collagen Peptides^® on human skin conditions. “There is a direct impact on dermal extracellular matrix turnover,” stated Stephan Hausmanns, Vice President, Business Unit Health & Nutrition at GELITA. “This is clearly demonstrated by a significant increase in collagen and elastin synthesis, with the result of statistically significant wrinkle reduction after only four, and even more pronounced after eight weeks of treatment. In simple words, the participants looked considerably younger after the treatment.”

Besides VERISOL, there are a number of other specialty products in the Bioactive Collagen Peptides line, optimized to support people’s health and well-being. FORTIGEL is scientifically proven to regenerate joint cartilage and ease joint discomfort. FORTIBONE^® is said to stimulate the formation of bone matrix to counteract the reduction of bone stability, especially in postmenopausal women. PEPTIPLUS helps strengthen connective tissue, reduce muscle loss, and promote body toning. Gelita USA Inc., www.gelita.com, Booth 1317

Whey ingredients are versatile
Arla Foods Ingredients is a global leader in natural whey ingredients for products in a range of categories—from bakery, beverages, dairy, and ice cream to clinical, infant, and sports nutrition. The cornerstones of the company’s business are innovative ingredients, world-class facilities, and a staff of dedicated experts. Arla Foods Ingredients is a 100% owned subsidiary of Arla Foods, a global dairy company. Arla Foods Ingredients, www.arlafoodsingredients.com, Booth 611

Formulating with organic soy protein
Devansoy specializes in non-GMO and organic soy proteins. The company’s water-only processing method insures chemical- and toxinfree soy ingredients. These soy protein ingredients have a neutral flavor profile that adapts for extensive application uses in the food and beverage industry. The Benesoy-branded portfolio of ingredients includes a variety of liquid bases, soy milk powders, and soy flour. The company’s soy ingredient assortment and technical expertise are designed to support its customers’ needs and success. Devansoy, www.devansoy.com, Booth 4118

PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS
Familiarity and acceptance of probiotics and prebiotics is growing. Immune health, digestive health, and bone health are all benefits people associate with these nutritional ingredients. The session “Linking Changes in the Gut Microbiota to Health Benefits: Challenges for the Food Industry” from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, June 23, will address the relationship between prebiotics and gut microbiota. Speakers will focus on benefits related to carbohydrate metabolism, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and appetite regulation.

New prebiotic ingredient debuts
A new galactooligosaccharide (CBGOS) will be available in both powder and syrup forms from Clasado. Galactooligosaccharide produces a powerful prebiotic effect, significantly increasing “good” bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the gut, resulting in a range of benefits, including the promotion of digestive, immune, and bone health. The new ingredient is suitable for applications including traditional and functional human foods, infant formula, dietary supplements, and specialized healthcare nutrition and is ideal for products marketed across age groups ranging from infants to the elderly. It also has a low glycemic index (GI), making it suitable for use as a replacer of high GI sugars. Clasado also develops and manufactures other unique prebiotic products, including the second generation Galactooligosaccharide Bimuno^®. Clasado, www.clasado.com, Booth 4617

Creating cultured probiotic juices
Nomura Dairy Products Co. Ltd. will introduce grain-derived natural lactic acid bacteria growth enhancers and plant-origin lactic acid bacteria, which can be cultured in fruit and vegetable juices. Fermented grain extract (LAP) and its formulation with minerals (LAN) have shown substantial growthenhancing activities of lactic acid bacteria and Bifidus. LAN is effective for growth of animal- and plant-origin lactic acid bacteria, and can help maintain levels of lactic acid bacteria during distribution and storage. These ingredients can make yogurt and dairy drinks with 40–100% more lactic acid bacteria levels. LAP is effective for Bifidus and plant-derived lactic acid bacteria in dairy and juice applications. LAN can be used in yogurts and drinks fermented by lactic acid bacteria without changing the pre-existing process. Plantorigin lactic acid bacteria SN13T (or SN35N) and Bifidus with 0.15–0.45% (w/v) LAP can make probiotic vegetable, fruit, or mixed juices, and yogurt.

Plant-origin lactic acid bacteria SN13T is isolated from Thai banana leaves and SN35N is isolated from Japanese pear skins. These strains have shown high resistance to the stomach’s environment. Probiotic activities of SN13T and SN35N such as constipation relief, immunity boosting, and liver function improvement have been identified by researchers at Hiroshima University. Instead of mixing pre-cultured probiotic strains with juices, these probiotic strains can be cultured in fruit or vegetable juices. Nomura Dairy Products Co. Ltd., www.nomura-milk.co.jp, Booth 409

Study shows prebiotic’s effectiveness
A recent University of California, Los Angeles, study showed that LLife-Oligo XOS^® prebiotic fiber increased Bifidobacteria significantly with only 2.8 g per day.

In addition, the results could be seen with as little as 1.4 g per day. LLife-Oligo XOS, a proprietary, clinically researched, novel prebiotic, increased the test subjects’ Bifidobacteria counts by 21% after only four weeks in the human clinical trial.

The study, “Xylooligosaccharide increases bifidobacteria but not lactobacilli in human gut microbiota,” was published online in the peerreviewed scientific journal Food & Function.

LLife-Oligo XOS is heat and acid stable, so it is well suited for a wide range of products like functional beverages, instant drink packets, low-calorie confections, dairy products, functional health foods, acidic products like dressing, supplements, and more. Life Bridge International Corp., www.lifebridgeintl.com, Booth 1900

Probiotic partner launches on display
Ganeden Biotech will be showcasing more than a dozen new and partner product launches within the food, beverage, and sports nutrition industries, including a number of international launches. All of these innovative probiotic products have been fortified with Ganeden’s patented probiotic, GanedenBC30.

Attendees can visit the booth to learn more about how they can profit with probiotics and enjoy a hot cup of probiotic coffee or tea. Ganeden Biotech, www.ganedenbiotech.com, Booth 4448

BOTANICALS
Botanicals and botanical extracts find popularity partly because of their use for health in the countries in which they originate. Many of their benefits are due to the phytochemicals that are present in them. The session “More than Just Antioxidants: How Do Dietary Phytochemicals Really Work and How Can Their Health Opportunities be Optimized?” from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, will look at how some plant bioactives affect health concerns. Epidemiological and clinical studies will be cited to help explain how phytochemicals function in the body and aid in potentially lowering the risk of certain ailments.

Botanical extract shown to affect cognitive function
Zembrin is a patented, standardized, and clinically studied extract of a unique selection of the South African plant Sceletium tortuosum. Research has shown that it may reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function. A recent clinical trial used fMRI to demonstrate stress reduction after acute administration of Zembrin. The double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial conducted with 16 healthy subjects showed that 25 mg of Zembrin reduced anxiety-related activity of the amygdala and its associated anxiety circuitry within two hours of administration. These results provide the first evidence for the areas of the brain where Zembrin’s anti-anxiety activity functions and confirmation of the potential for Zembrin to help in the management of stress.

PLT Health Solutions is a discoverer, developer, and marketer of high-quality, scientifically supported ingredients that enhance health and functionality. As an ingredients innovator, PLT’s global network of strategic partnerships provides unique access to impactful solutions. By delivering a mix of expertise, resources, and service, PLT Health Solutions is committed to helping both its strategic partners and its customers grow. PLT Health Solutions, www.plthealth.com, Booth 4941

Botanical extracts provide solutions
A unique green coffee bean extract, Svetol^®, helps sports enthusiasts to achieve their goals by burning fat while decreasing body fat mass. Svetol is derived from 100% robusta coffee beans that have undergone a proprietary processing technology that extracts a high concentration of key chlorogenic acids. The latest published in vitro study shows that Svetol increases the lipolytic activity by 124% vs control in fat cells.

Flowens™ is a full-spectrum cranberry-based ingredient specifically engineered for men’s health using a patent-pending process. This optimized formula is supported by gold standard clinical evidence illustrating its ability to improve lower urinary tract symptoms typically associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Naturex manufactures natural specialty ingredients for the food and beverage, nutrition and health, and personal care industries. Its food and beverage business unit provides natural ingredients that add value to finished products by improving their organoleptic characteristics such as color, flavor, taste, and texture while adding to their functional and nutritional properties, and extending their shelf life. Naturex, www.naturex.com, Booth 2829

A bounty of botanicals
BI Nutraceuticals Co. is the largest supplier of botanical ingredients in the United States. These ingredients are for use in food and beverage products, dietary supplements, personal care products, and pet care products. The company supplies and manufactures hundreds of ingredients, including botanical powders, teas, extracts, nutritional blends, vitamins, minerals and more. BI Nutraceuticals offers more than 200 GRAS ingredients that can help food manufacturers develop new food and beverage products with functional health benefits. The company is cGMP compliant and SQF, organic, gluten-free, kosher, and halal certified. BI Nutraceuticals Co., www.botanicals.com, Booth 4149

Omega-3s may aid sleep duration
Supplementation of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in particular, were associated with seven fewer wake episodes and longer sleep duration—58 minutes more sleep per night—in a subset of children, according to a study conducted at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Additionally, higher blood levels of DHA may relate to better sleep among children based on parent-rated observations. life’sDHA™, the algal source of DHA used in the intervention, is marketed by DSM and can be found in hundreds of supplements and fortified foods and beverages.

DSM Nutritional Products is the world’s premier nutritional ingredient supplier and solutions provider to food and beverage producers. The company’s ingredient portfolio includes fatand water-soluble vitamins, carotenoids for color and fortification, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutraceuticals. With a broad nutrient portfolio combined with consumer insight, market knowledge, custom blending by Fortitech Premixes, and application expertise, DSM can help food formulators get products to market faster with appealing solutions that work. DSM Nutritional Products, www.dsm.com, Booth 2435

Lipid ingredients address several market segments
Stepan Lipid Nutrition is a global leader in the production and supply of scientifically sound, naturally derived lipid ingredients used in the food, nutrition, and pharmaceutical industries to improve functional performance and nutritional health and well-being. From infant formula to adult weight management innovations, the portfolio of branded ingredients serves the worldwide food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical industries.

CLARINOL^® CLA, PINNOTHIN^® pinenut oil, MARINOL^® concentrated fish oils, and NEOBEE^® medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are sold to the weight management, sports nutrition, heart health, and child nutrition segments. Clarinol is a patent-protected conjugated linoleic acid used in the nutrition market to reduce body fat and increase lean body mass. Derived from a specific Korean pine nut, PinnoThin promotes satiety and is effective as a weight management ingredient in functional foods and dietary supplements. High in the main health components EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA, Marinol is available in oil and powder form. Nutrition applications of MCTs are typically found in formulations that seek to incorporate a healthier oil source that offers both functional and nutritional benefits. Because of their efficient conversion to energy, NEOBEE MCTs are readily absorbed, low in calories, and non-trans-fat. Stepan Lipid Nutrition, www.stepan.com, Booth 4712

ENERGY
Energy for workouts, energy for everyday activities, and energy for athletes. The energy market is full of products that promote sustained energy in food, beverage, and supplement form. On Tuesday, June 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., the symposium “Understanding Sustained Energy” will define what exactly sustained energy is and explore some of the ingredients that can be used in energy formulations. This will look beyond the energy boost that caffeine offers.

Ribose supplies an energy solution
Bioenergy Ribose is quickly gaining the attention of food manufacturers for its health benefits and energy functions.

Bioenergy Ribose, already popular in an array of beverages and supplements, is an all-natural and safe functional ingredient that helps accelerate energy recovery, reduce muscle stiffness, and provide greater endurance. It is perfect for new or existing formulations of foods and beverages.

New product releases and prototypes made with Bioenergy Ribose will be available. Bioenergy Life Science Inc., www.bioenergyribose.com, Booth 3257

Innovative options for the energy market
The Wright Group will feature an array of innovative solutions to meet the needs of consumers. With energy supplements being a popular product, The Wright Group will highlight its unique ON–Energy Shot™, a premix that is fully customizable to meet the needs of varied target markets.

Wright’s Sports Nutrition Recovery Bar is a prototype of a post-workout bar with a chocolate and peanut butter flavor profile. The bar contains a SuperBlend premix containing CoQ10, SuperCoat^® Omega-3, and branched chain amino acids for easy absorption by muscle tissue.

Samples of Wright’s Whole Grain Pizza, an IFT Food Expo attendee favorite, will be served. Fortified with SuperCoat Omega-3 and SuperCoat Bake Stable Vitamin C, this product offers a healthy alternative to a favorite dish and can easily adapt to school lunch programs and children’s nutrition profiles.

The Wright Group will offer samples of its Trail Mix Fruit Bar fortified with SuperCoat Omega-3 and SuperCoat Bake Stable Vitamin C. Using Wright’s proprietary microencapsulation process, consumers gain all of the benefits of omega-3 without the off tastes usually associated with this essential nutrient. The Wright Group, www.thewrightgroup.net, Booth 1335

DIETARY FIBER AND GRAINS
Whole grains continue to garner consumer attention for their dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein content. Novel sources of dietary fiber and lesser known whole grains are one of today’s top trends. For example, the session “Barley and Oats: Old Crops With Renewed Interest as Functional Foods and Ingredients Around the World” from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, will address renewed interest in using barley and oats for their health benefits from betaglucan soluble fiber. Numerous studies have demonstrated that barley and oats are effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels and reducing post-prandial blood glucose responses. Another session, “Functional Flours: Recent Advances and How to Formulate in Foods,” from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, will explore the various sources of functional flours such as rice, pulses, tapioca, and wheat. Examples of functional flours in foods will also be discussed to aid in understanding how to formulate with them.

Glycemia and insulinemia control
Fibregum™ is an all-natural dietary fiber based on 100% gum acacia. It offers a soluble dietary fiber content of more than 90%. It has been successfully tested on healthy and diabetic subjects for its influence in post-prandial glycemia. Food Expo attendees are invited to stop by and learn about research showing that Fibregum provided a repeatable effect, lowering post-prandial glycemia and insulinemia, which may represent a beneficial health effect, especially for people at risk for insulin resistance. Nexira Inc., www.nexira.com, Booth 5431

Purple corn offers antioxidant activity
Suntava Inc. is a Minnesota-based agricultural company focused on researching and growing better-for-you crops. Its flagship product is Suntava Purple Corn, a high antioxidant, non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free food providing more than twice the antioxidant activity of blueberries. Suntava purple corn ingredients include whole-kernel and wholegrain flour, meal, grits, masa, and purple corn nectar. Organic purple corn is also available. Suntava Inc., www.suntavapurplecorn.com, Booth 4021

A full complement of fiber-filled ingredients
Fibersol^® is a range of fiber ingredients that allows manufacturers to develop products that give health-conscious consumers all the dietary fiber they need without sacrificing the taste, aroma, and texture they want. Other functional benefits of Fibersol ingredients include replacing calories from sugar and fat and providing an increased feeling of satiety. Visit the booth to learn about the latest products, Fibersol-2, Fibersol-2AG, Fibersol-LQ, and Fibersol-HS. ADM/Matsutani LLC, www.fibersol.com, Booth 3229

A field-to-table ingredient array
SunOpta focuses on natural, organic, and specialty foods. The company specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of natural and organic food products, integrated from seed through packaged goods. Its field-to-table product portfolio consists of raw materials, ingredients, and consumer packaged products with a focus on grains, fibers, and fruit-based foods. Grain-based ingredient offerings include soy, milled corn, sunflower, roasted grains, maltodextrin, and organic sweeteners. Fiberbased ingredients include oat fiber, soy fiber, pea fiber, rice fiber, cellulose fiber, specialty starches, and stabilized bran. SunOpta, www.sunopta.com, Booth 1445

IMMUNITY, INFLAMMATION, AND WELLNESS
Inflammation is a hot topic these days although many consumers are just beginning to hear about it. Chronic inflammation plays a role in several degenerative health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The session “Chronic Inflammation, Advancing Age, and Functional Food” from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, will shed some light on the definition of inflammation and the relationship it has to chronic diseases. In addition, speakers will also discuss some functional foods and ingredients that are believed to help fight chronic inflammation, ultimately leading to a healthier lifestyle.

Yeast beta-glucan contributes to immunity
Biothera is a biotech company that manufactures natural, immune-boosting ingredients for foods, beverages, and dietary supplements worldwide. Wellmune WGP^® is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta-glucan that nine clinical studies have demonstrated safely boosts key immune cells that help keep the body healthy. Peer-reviewed research supports innovative and compelling marketing claims. Wellmune is an awardwinning ingredient used in a wide range of foods, beverages, and supplements in more than 60 countries. Biothera the Immune Health Co., www.wellmune.com, Booth 4141

Flavonoids and betacyanins from prickly pear
S&P Marketing has been an exhibitor at the IFT Food Expo since 2008, always with an emphasis on the prickly pear. Owned and operated by food scientists with experience in formulating award-winning commercial products, S&P Marketing is a single source for a global network of premium processed fruit ingredients. The focus on prickly pear cactus comes after years of continued study of its nutritional properties and its potential to improve human health in areas like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The fruits of the prickly pear cactus are endowed with antioxidants, complex polysaccharides, an array of phytonutrients, and naturally occurring taurine. The pads, or “nopalitos,” are a source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. In countries where the plants grow wild, particularly in Mexico, both fruits and pads have long been consumed as a part of the regular diet.

S&P has had a number of its prickly pear and nopal ingredients analyzed by researchers with the Dept. of Nutrition and Food Science at Texas A&M University. Information regarding the levels of flavonoids, betacyanins, and minerals found in products including powders, purees, and blends will be available. S&P Marketing Inc., www.snp-marketing.com, Booth 2309

Calcium phosphate salts enriched with stable vitamins
Fortipray™ is a new trademark developed by Prayon, which consists of a calcium phosphate salt (calcium phosphate, E341) and a fat-soluble vitamin complex. Fortipray provides vitamins D-2 and D-3 while improving the intestinal absorption of the calcium delivered by the phosphate salt. The vitamins are included in the phosphate salt using an exclusive process that guarantees uniform distribution of the vitamins. This specific process also ensures the stability and availability of the vitamins for more than one year.

Fortipray offers an ideal calcium source and a stable source of fat-soluble vitamins. The phosphate salt used as a basis is tricalcium phosphate, more commonly known as TCP. TCP has a high calcium content (38%). The main benefit is that a negligible dose of TCP can be used to adjust the calcium content of a food product. Fat-soluble vitamins are usually unstable by their very nature. Since these are organic molecules that deteriorate easily under light, oxygen, and heat, they should be protected, especially when used in food products. With Fortipray, the fat-soluble vitamins are “fixed” to the phosphate salt using an innovative, patent-pending process that guarantees optimal protection for the vitamins and stability over more than a year. The vitamin is also evenly distributed throughout the product. The Fortipray range was designed to enable flexibility in formulation. Prayon, www.prayon.com, Booth 2317

Premixes and partnerships
Glanbia Nutritionals is a leading producer of custom micronutrient premixes and a distributor of nutritional ingredients for the food, beverage, and supplement industries. The company partners with a number of well-known domestic and overseas manufacturers to offer a complete line of vitamins, amino acids, colorings, and specialty nutritional ingredients. Glanbia Nutritionals (NA) Inc., www.glanbianutritionals.com, Booth 1035

Linda Milo Ohr,
Contributing Editor, Denver, Colo.
[email protected]