Cranberry Seed, Guar Fiber Powder Ingredient Earns Low FODMAP Gastrointestinal Health Certification

Photo © iStockphoto.com/WilshireImages

A new ingredient for gastrointestinal health, SunCran Naturelle, has been recognized for its ability to reduce symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). SunCran Naturelle, a combination of Fruit d’Or Nutraceuticals’ (Villeroy, QC, Canada) Cran Naturelle cranberry juice powder and Taiyo International’s (Minneapolis) galactomannan-based guar fiber ingredient, Sunfiber, recently received the Low Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) certification from Monash University.

FODMAPs are poorly absorbed dietary sugars that are known to cause gas-related pain, intestinal distention, and constipation and/or diarrhea in people with IBS or FGIDs. And, because many high-fiber foods are high in FODMAPs, Taiyo says, it can be difficult for consumers suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms to meet their daily recommended intake of fiber, which further contributes to negative digestive and gut-health symptoms. Low-FODMAP foods and ingredients, however, may help to reduce these symptoms. Monash University says it developed its Low FODMAP system to help consumers manage FGID and IBS symptoms. The first ingredient to receive Low FODMAP certification from Monash was Taiyo’s own Sunfiber ingredient.

The new ingredient, SunCran Naturelle is a natural, organic, soluble cranberry powder with a 12:1 ratio of whole fruit to juice powder that is available in both organic (SunCran Naturelle) and conventional (SunCran) formulations. The ingredient, which debuted at March’s Engredea trade show in Anaheim, CA, is specifically formulated to address gut- and urinary tract-health. Says the company: “SunCran is a turnkey solution for those looking for prebiotic fiber benefits combined with cranberry juice benefits, without the sugar.” It adds that SunCran Naturelle can be formulated into functional ready-to-drink beverages, bars, stick packs, and powders.

The two ingredients comprising SunCran Naturelle, Cran Naturelle and Sunfiber, were selected for their “well-documented, scientifically validated” gut-health benefits. Taiyo’s Sunfiber ingredient is said to possess prebiotic characteristics that stimulate gut bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, reduce constipation and diarrhea, and trigger the release of satiation-inducing hormones. Sunfiber is also approved for use as a dietary fiber source in Canada, carries Health Canada claims for its efficacy in reducing IBS symptoms and intestinal issues related to childhood constipation, and is certified halal, kosher, and Non-GMO Project verified.

Cran Naturelle, meanwhile, is “the first maltodextrin-free made with fresh cranberry juice to support a healthy urinary tract,” says Fruit d’Or. The company points to research conducted at Rutgers University indicating that cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs), a class of polyphenols found in a variety of plants, may inhibit pathogens like E. coli from adhering to epithelial cells in the urinary tract. Cran Naturelle has also received a Natural Product Number from Health Canada’s Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), meaning it is now registered with an NPN claim for the support of a healthy urinary tract.

Monash University’s Low FODMAP certification allows companies whose products meet the low-FODMAP criteria to feature the official Monash University Low FODMAP Diet badge on product labels. In addition, products certified Low FODMAP are included in the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet app, which the organization says is used by more than two million people worldwide.
  
Scott Smith, vice president, Taiyo International, commented on the certification in a press release from the company. “We are pleased that Monash certified SunCran Naturelle under its new therapeutic ingredient program,” he said. “This is an example of how Taiyo International is assisting its customers with achieving and using its Sunfiber low-FODMAP certification in collaboration with Monash University.”

Also read: 

Can Polyphenols Serve as Prebiotics?

Gut Check: Digestive-Health Market Update

Innovative Cranberry Delivery Systems Include “Popping” Crystals as Well as Beverages