DSM targets fungal enzyme at lactose-intolerant supplements
Tolerase is derived from a Japanese fungus, Aspergillus oryzae. It functions by hydrolysing milk sugar and thereby such supplements are taken by the increasing numbers of people who report being intolerant of the dairy carbohydrate.
The ingredient could be used in conjunction with other nutrients such as minerals and vitamins to create “multi-functional” supplements, the company said.
DSM Food Specialties product manager of dairy enzymes, Ardy van Erp, said the ingredient presented supplements makers with the chance to enrich their products at about 1-2 US cents per capsule or tablet.
It also possessed non-nutritional benefits.
“Tolerase is a granulate not a powder and that means there are less of the dust problems that can arise when supplements manufacturers work with some lactates,” she said. “So there are safety benefits there.”
She said the granular structure of the ingredient meant it also reduced the requirement for glidants because of its “glidability”, which had cost savings.
Although only now being officially launched, the ingredient has been on the market since last year and is present in supplement products in the US.
“But we are targeting manufacturers all over the world,” she said of a market that includes major players such as McNeil Nutritionals.
Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, India, Japan the US are the biggest markets, according to Euromonitor.
The lactate acid ingredient market is worth about €18-20m and growing as more and more people become aware of their lactase intolerance. The problem itself may not be increasing in frequency among populations across the globe, but the rate at which it is being reported, like gluten-intolerance, is.
Van Erp said while food supplements were the initial focus the ingredient it could be used in food and feed applications.
Acid lactose, which can function in low pH environments, replaces essential lactase not present in the lactose intolerant.
In a statement van Erp said: “We have used our extensive lactase knowledge, gained through our Maxilact neutral lactase range, and drying experience to develop this exciting new enzyme, which offers important benefits to consumers as well as manufacturers. Consumers suffering from lactose malabsorption can now enjoy the benefits of dairy products in a useful on-the-go format.”
Other ingredients in DSM’s lactose portfolio include Maxilact, which is a neutral lactase that is “clean tasting” and is used in low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products.
