Health Canada has approved health claims for Taiyo’s Sunfiber related to its effectiveness in treating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), as well as its ability to relieve intestinal issues related to childhood constipation. These approvals, supported by 29 published clinical studies, further substantiate Sunfiber partially hydrolyzed guar gum or galactomannan. Taiyo’s submission was done in conjunction with its partner Flora Health.
 
These IBS-related health claims follow Sunfiber’s successful approval by Health Canada as a dietary fiber with the qualified health claim in conventional foods of a 20% reduction in blood glucose.
 
Taiyo is also pursuing similar qualified health claims for IBS in the United States and Europe. Sunfiber already has approved structure/function health claims in the U.S.
 
Sunfiber is an all-natural, versatile, soluble powder that can easily be added to a wide variety of foods, beverages and supplements without impacting the flavor, color, texture or aroma. Sunfiber is certified Kosher, 100% gluten-free, vegetarian and non-GMO.
 
Health Canada IBS claims
Sunfiber is the only fiber that can use the Health Canada-approved health claims for IBS. Specifically, a five-gram serving of Sunfiber may help to:
●     Improve bowel regularity in people with IBS.
●     Relieve constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort in people with IBS.
●     Reduce the frequency of bowel irregularity and abdominal discomfort in people with IBS, including flatulence, bloating, dyspepsia and altered bowel habits.
●     Relieve bowel irregularity, bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms in people in IBS.
 
“Sunfiber is the only fiber that provides these IBS benefits without the negatives often associated with fiber such as gas or bloating,” says Scott Smith, vice president of Taiyo International. He added that, “While many fibers can relieve constipation, the scientific evidence shows that Sunfiber is uniquely effective at quieting diarrhea as well. Most fibers promote loose stools, especially at high doses and in consumers not accustomed to high dietary fiber intake.”
 
Health Canada childhood constipation claims
Until now, only prunes could claim in Canada to benefit this uncomfortable condition. Now, Sunfiber can also claim that it:
●     Helps to improve intestinal regularity in children.
●     Provides a gentle relief of constipation in children.
●     Helps to improve bowel regularity.
 
Japan claim approvals
Under the Standardized FOSHU (Food for Specified Health Uses), Japan already approved the claim that Sunfiber helps to improve intestinal regularity, including both occasional constipation and diarrhea.
 
“Taiyo has the safety and clinical evidence to support these IBS and true regularity benefits,” confirms Smith. “These include 14 clinical studies for constipation, 7 for diarrhea and 8 for IBS symptoms including regularity, abdominal pain, gas and bloating.”