The EU assessment report confirms that alpha-cyclodextrin can reduce blood sugar peaks following a high-starch meal, supporting an earlier positive recommendation issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
In future, food manufacturers whose products contain at least five grams of alpha-cyclodextrin per 50 grams of starch in a quantified portion as part of a meal may state that “consumption of alpha-cyclodextrin as part of a starch-containing meal contributes to the reduction of the blood sugar rise after that meal.”
Alpha-cyclodextrins are annular, purely plant-based molecules which are obtained from renewable raw materials, such as potatoes and corn. They can be added to beverages, dairy products, muesli bars and breakfast cereals, for example, to provide dietary fibre.
According to Wacker, alpha-cyclodextrin is an ideal water-soluble dietary fibre for beverages, dairy products, bakery products, muesli bars and breakfast cereals.
The blood-sugar-lowering effect of alpha-cyclodextrin means that it lowers the glycemic index (GI) of foods, a fact which is important not only to diabetics: such products are digested more slowly and so keep the blood sugar level at a consistently low level. By following an appropriate diet, consumers can thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, overweight and diabetes.
The food industry uses alpha-cyclodextrin as a water-soluble dietary fibre, e.g. for dairy products, bakery products, muesli bars and breakfast cereals. And, as it has a positive effect on blood lipid values, alpha-cyclodextrin is also used as weight management ingredient.
Wacker concludes that the approval of the health claim by the EU now constitutes a solid platform for boosting the use of alpha-cyclodextrin in products intended to keep blood sugar levels consistently low (“low GI products”), strengthening the company’s portfolio for functional foods.
