Ingredion Incorporated, Westchester, Ill., a provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, said that two of its dietary fibers, Versafibe 1490 and Novelose 3490, were recognized by Melbourne, Australia-based Monash University as Low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) Certified products in the United States. Products that receive this certification are licensed to use the official Monash University Low FODMAP Diet badge — making it easier for manufacturers and consumers to identify ingredients and products that are part of a low-FODMAP diet.
FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates commonly found in American diets. Certain foods containing FODMAPs can trigger occasional digestive discomfort, including gas, bloating and altered bowel habits. According to the Monash University website, a low-FODMAP diet can be an effective way to help manage digestive wellness.
Ingredion said its Versafibe 1490 and Novelose 3490 dietary fibers enable manufacturers to add fiber to foods with little to no impact on texture, flavor and color. The dietary fibers can be used to formulate a wide variety of foods, including baked goods, pasta, snacks, nutrition bars and beverages.
Ingredion said its August 2019 quantitative study of more than 750 U.S. participants revealed that consumers have a great interest in foods that help support digestive health, providing manufacturers with a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this growing trend at its early stages. The study also revealed that when introduced to low-FODMAP product lines, 68% of participants felt low-FODMAP products were good for digestive health, and 53% said they would be very likely to purchase low-FODMAP foods (based on a top-two box score of “agree” and “strongly agree”).
“The Low FODMAP Certification is already spurring new innovative products from major food brands — expanding the potential of this diet from niche to mainstream markets,” said Michael DiMarcello, global director, strategic marketing, Ingredion. “Versafibe 1490 and Novelose 3490 dietary fibers give manufacturers two new options that align with a low-FODMAP diet and address increased consumer demand for products that support digestive wellness.”
The gastroenterology team at Monash University has been researching FODMAPs for more than 14 years and its members are considered pioneers and leaders in the study and development of the low-FODMAP diet. Monash University established the Low FODMAP Certification program in response to overwhelming consumer demand for food products that do not trigger gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and bloating, Ingredion said.
