Due to the currently renewed increasing interest in the health effects of Sugar Beet Fiber, we would like to remind you of our comprehensive documentation, available from our website, regarding an EC Regulation allowing a claim related to Sugar Beet Fiber and increasing faecal bulk.
EFSA (European Food and Safety Authority) concluded in their Scientific Opinion released in December 2011 that a cause-and-effect relationship had been established between the consumption of sugar beet fiber and increasing faecal bulk. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Sugar beet fiber increases faecal bulk”.
The mechanisms by which components of sugar beet fiber exert the claimed effect have been established. The insoluble fiber components increase faecal bulk by absorbing water in the large intestine. The soluble components are fermented by bacteria in the large intestine, leading to an increase in bacterial mass.
To bear the claim, food should be at least “high in fiber” as per Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) concluded in its Scientific Opinion released in April 2011 that pectin in sugar beet fiber is active in lowering elevated blood LDL cholesterol concentration.
Pectin has been approved earlier, and as 6g/day is needed to obtain the claimed effect, EFSA concludes that 30g/day of sugar beet fibre is necessary to have the same effect due to the ratio of pectin in sugar beet fiber. This is a relatively high intake; however, it aligns with the clinical studies on sugar beet fiber. When using this health claim for sugar beet fiber, one should refer to the active substance pectin.
Supporting documents, helpful links and information.
Click the buttons below to go directly to the related documents like Application or Technical Data Sheets, as well as links and other helpful information.