Nutritional science for mind health products
DSM Nutritional Products
Flaxseed is one of the best sources of vegetarian omega-3 in the form of alpha linolenic acid, which has been studied for its role in heart, immune, and joint health, as well as for maintaining good skin.
Oat beta glucan, meanwhile, builds on the heart health benefits since it has been shown to lower LDL 'bad' cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has been approved for a heart health claim in several markets, including the UK, Sweden and the US.
The move may be a shrewd one, given that the company claims food manufacturers are seeking out oat-based products to boost the healthy appeal of their foods.
The product, called 'BioFlaxElite with beta glucan' is intended to be added by the consumer to foods such as yoghurts, dressings, cereals. The company will be selling it as a finished supplement to manufacturers, who will then package it themselves for retail sale.
It is the second product in the BioFlaxElite line, the first being a combination of flaxseed and cranberries introduced in May.
At that time plant category coordinator Kristen Trautman told NutraIngredients.com that the main benefit of the combination is convenience, since it removes companies' need to source the two components separately.
As for the technical aspects to development, Joelle Lynchuk, new product development technician, said that the main challenge was ensuring the two elements have a common particle size, so that they mix uniformly.