EU Commission Verifies Alpha-Cyclodextrin Health Claim

MUNICHThe European Commission verified alpha-cyclodextrin can reduce blood sugar peaks following a high-starch meal, supporting a recommendation issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Commission Regulation (EU) No. 536/2013 on the list of permitted health claims made on foods ascribes a scientifically accepted blood sugar-regulating effect to alpha-cyclodextrin: consumption of alpha-cyclodextrin as part of a starch-containing meal contributes to the reduction of the blood sugar rise after that meal."

Approval for the health claim had been contingent on a positive assessment of the claimed effect by the EFSA, which it issued in 2012. Further studies also show a positive influence on blood lipids.

In the future, food manufacturers may use statements about alpha-cyclodextrin's blood sugar-lowering effect on their labeling when the food contains at least five grams of alpha-cyclodextrin per 50 grams of starch. Alpha-cyclodextrins are annular, plant-based molecules obtained from renewable raw materials, such as potatoes and corn. Alpha-cyclodextrin is produced enzymatically from renewable raw materials by WACKER, a global manufacturer of cyclodextrins and the only company to manufacture all three natural variants. The ingredient can be added to beverages, dairy products, muesli bars and breakfast cereals  to provide dietary fiber.

The blood-sugar-lowering effect of alpha-cyclodextrin means that it lowers the glycemic index (GI) of foods. By following an appropriate diet, consumers can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.

European Union health claim regulations are intended to ensure the same standards on nutrition and health information apply across all EU member states. They also ensure food manufacturers only make scientifically substantiated claims.

Wacker debuted its CAVAMAX W6 alpha cyclodextrin, a soluble dietary fiber, during the IFT Food Expo in 2003. CAVAMAX W6 is enzymatically produced from starch, and it is non-digestible but fully fermentable.