Oat Beta-Glucan Earns Innovation Award

KAISERAUGST, SwitzerlandDSM announced its heart healthy ingredient, OatWell® oat beta-glucan, was named one of the most innovative products of the year at the 2013 Food Ingredients South America (FiSA) awards.

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found in oats that offers heart health benefits and helps to lower cholesterol along with the associated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical studies show that three grams of beta-glucan per day lowers CVD risk by as much as 20%. The ingredient is a recent addition to the company's health ingredient portfolio. Oat beta-glucan earned positive opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The European Commission authorized Article 14 health claims for the cholesterol reduction and the associated reduced risk of developing heart disease, as well as Article 13.1 claims for digestive health and blood glucose control.

"The FiSA award serves to validate that OatWell is a truly innovative ingredient that can add real value to our customers' business by delivering safe, natural and efficacious benefit to the consumer," said Ruedi Duss, global business manager for OatWell.