Something to Chew On: Fiber Fortification with Gums and Starches

Microflora and G.I. Health

The presence in formulations of gums such as guar and acacia can improve intestinal health by increasing the concentration of microflora in the large intestine. Through their function as bulking agents, they also help normalize bowel movement.

Last year, TIC Gums Inc. (www.ticgums.com), Belcamp, Md., received a patent for a new process to manufacture a modified gum arabic, One result was TIC Pretested Ticamulsion with improved emulsifying properties.

TIC’s Gum Arabic Spray Dry Powder is a low viscosity gum used for cereal coating, confections, and snack foods as well as beverages, flavor emulsions and meal replacers. Its binding and emulsification properties make it suitable in icings, frostings, and a variety of baked goods, particularly cakes and muffins.

TIC also added a certified-organic gum arabic. Guar gums have a number of advantages in formulation, not the least of which are their cost effectiveness and solubility in cold water. Even at low usage levels, they add viscosity and water binding capability. Traditionally, used in ice creams and other frozen desserts as well as to thicken soups, sauces and cottage cheese, they are finding use in nutraceutical beverages as well today.

Research credits guar gum with reduced triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Research also indicates possible reduction in glucose levels. TIC has added GuarNT Bland to its product offerings, touting its 85-percent soluble fiber content on a dry-weight basis.

Extra Starch, Please

As a fiber, gums naturally resist digestion. Starches, on the other hand, are primarily energy sources. However, modified forms called resistant starches have starch fractions that resist hydrolysis in the small intestine though they may ferment in the colon.

Among Cargill’s health-promoting fibers are ActiStar Resistant Starches. ActiStar RM, a resistant maltodextrin, resists digestion in the small intestine, ferments easily and generates high level of butyrate. (Butyrate is credited with promoting colon health.) The ingredient also can be used at high levels to boost a product’s “label value” to fiber levels that earn the product the right to a claim of being either a “good” or excellent” source of fiber.

ActiStar is a resistant tapioca starch that Cargill claims contributes “the highest total dietary fiber contents of any resistant starch.” Its 85 percent-TDF value helps products reach high fiber content objectives even at relatively low levels. With its low water-holding capacity and bland flavor, it can be added to many formulations without affecting product or process.

Selling high-fiber products to consumers can be a tricky proposition. Adding ingredients such as gums and resistant starches can be a good way to sneak fiber into certain foods and beverages without compromising texture or taste.