Evidence supplied by DuPont Nutrition & Health has supported Health Canada’s approval of polydextrose as a source of dietary fiber in food and beverage products.
 
The decision, which takes immediate effect, is based on laboratory and clinical studies using Litesse polydextrose from the DuPont Danisco portfolio. These studies demonstrated a positive impact on digestive health, in particular the production of energy-yielding metabolites during colonic fermentation, and improved bowel function.
 
With the approval, Canada officially joins the numerous countries worldwide that already recognize Litesse as a dietary fiber.
 
DuPont Nutrition & Health health platform leader Michael Bond welcomes the move which, he says provides a new opportunity for Canadian food manufacturers to draw consumer attention to the healthy fiber content of their products. “It is well known that the average consumer diet in the Western world is deficient in dietary fiber.  Polydextrose has a special ability to help consumers raise their fiber intake without compromising their enjoyment of the food they eat,” he explained.
 
Defined as specialty carbohydrates, the Litesse polydextrose range contributes just 1kcal/g and is well tolerated at a consumption level up to 90g a day—far higher than the average daily intake of 25-38g that Health Canada recommends.

Incorporation of Litesse polydextrose into a wide range of bakery, dairy and beverage products is straightforward. Thanks to its neutral flavor along with high solubility and stability, polydextrose can be used to develop an optimized nutritional profile with no impact on the taste or texture of the finished product.
 
“Litesse is perfect for supplementing other sources of fiber in the diet, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, without adding significantly to the calories. At the same time, the fiber level is assured, even in long shelf life and low pH products,” Mr. Bond added.