Taiyo’s Sunfiber earns Monash University’s Low FODMAP Certification

20 Oct 2017 --- Nutritional ingredient company Taiyo's premium branded ingredient Sunfiber is now the first fiber and first standalone ingredient to become a Monash University Low FODMAP Certified product. Sunfiber, made from guar bean, is also one of the only soluble fiber ingredients approved by the FDA in 2016 to be listed as a dietary fiber.

“We want to operate as many certifications for Sunfiber as possible to allow our customers to further differentiate their products and to continue to offer the benefits of a truly regulating dietary fiber,” Scott Smith, Vice President of Taiyo International, tells NutritionInsight.

“With the recent recognition by the FDA of Sunfiber meeting the definition of dietary fiber, along with the 100 percent gluten-free, Non-GMO Verification, and now Low FODMAP Certification, we see a continued growing interest from food, beverage, supplement and medical food industries,” Smith adds.

Why many are talking about FODMAPs
FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Disaccharides, Mono-saccharides and Polyols) are a group of dietary sugars which are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They are known to cause excess water retention, gas related pain and intestinal distention in people suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Low FODMAP foods and ingredients help to reduce these symptoms.

Because many high-fiber foods are also high in FODMAPs, IBS sufferers typically have difficulty getting the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber in their diets. That means they may not get enough soluble fiber which is essential for gut health as regularity.

Even more problematic, many of the short-chain dietary fibers – such as inulin, wheat and corn dextrin, and IMOs – are high FODMAP fibers and should be avoided by those looking to minimize FODMAP in their diet.

Low FODMAP certification may help millions with IBS
To alleviate symptoms, Monash University has developed a diet to help people cope with IBS and avoid foods that could breed FODMAPS and offers two certification programs that translate the science of a low FODMAP diet into practice: one for food and beverage products, the other for recipes. Now, with Sunfiber, Monash University has established a certification program for therapeutic ingredients, and has confirmed that Sunfiber meets the low FODMAP criteria.

“The term FODMAP is pretty new, so it’s not really well known yet, though is the big focus of a lot of research around the world as one of the leading causes of IBS, and gastro intestinal issues,” Smith comments. “By offering an actual Low FODMAP Certification program, Monash University allows those that are looking for fiber with low FODMAP – low risk of uncomfortable side effects like excess gas and bloating – to address their issues.”

“Last year at FNCE, the term FODMAP had just begun to be talked about, and we expect to see at FNCE this year that it is growing in recognition among dietitians and nutritionists in the industry and consumers in general,” Smith observes.

Earning this certification entitles Sunfiber to use the Monash University Low FODMAP Certified icon and trademarks on product packaging, print media, in-store advertising, websites and in social media. It will also be listed in the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet App, the current No 1 FODMAP-related app in the world and the No. 1 medical app in over 96 countries, Taiyo says.
 
“We are honored that Monash certified Sunfiber under its new therapeutic ingredient program,” comments Smith. “Customers of stand-alone Sunfiber will also be able to take advantage of this certification. Taiyo International stands ready to assist all of its customers with achieving and using this certification in collaboration with Monash University.”

Taiyo notes that all-natural Sunfiber has also achieved Health Canada Health Claims to treat IBS as well as childhood constipation. It has GRAS status, is Kosher, HALAL, 100 percent gluten-free, vegetarian and is Non-GMO Project verified.