Health and Hydrocolloids

Have a look at our Introduction and Brochure for a description of our consultancy work.

Many health experts are today advising people of all ages to consume more dietary fibre. Research suggests that higher fibre containing diet may prevent diabetes, heart diseases obesity and cancer amongst others. Soluble fibres with prebiotic properties are also gaining more interest in Europe, Asia and even in the US.

The objective of this study was to assist the client in assessing whether there is an opportunity to use presently available hydrocolloids to promote health and general well being.

Click here for a PDF of the contents of the study or look below for an outline.

Contents of the study include:

Objective

Method

Principal Findings & Conclusions

Overview of Potential Health Properties of Hydrocolloids
Overview of the Commercial Potential of Hydrocolloids as Soluble Fibres and/or Prebiotics
Locust Bean Gum & Carob-derived Insoluble Fibre
Pectin
Guar Gum
Alginate
Carrageenan
Xanthan

Recommendations

Overview of Potential Health Properties of Hydrocolloids

Summary table of health promoting properties of Hydrocolloids

Overview of the Commercial Potential of Hydrocolloids as Soluble Fibres and/or Prebiotics

Overview of Market, Players and Products
- Current Market for Prebiotics
- Soluble Fibre/Prebiotic Players and Products in 2003
- Contact Overview
- Current Trends in Hydrocolloids as Health Ingredients
- Health benefits imparted by the use of specific soluble fibres/prebiotics

Locust Bean Gum & Carob-Derived Insoluble Fibre

Background
Research
- Weight Reduction
- Cholesterol Lowering
- Anti-oxidative Properties
- Improved Postprandial Glycemia
- Diarrhea Treatment
- Other Specific Health Promoting Effects
- Prebiotic Properties
- Adverse Effects
Patents
Articles

Pectin

Background
Research
- Weight Reduction
- Cholesterol Lowering
- Anti-Oxidative Effects
- Improved Postprandial Glycaemia
- Prebiotic Properties
- Diarrhea Treatment
- Other Specific Health Promoting Effects
- Adverse Effects
Patents
Articles
- Pectins in Preventive Nutrition and Therapy
- Pectin in pig nutrition, a comparative review

Guar gum

Background
Research
- Weight Reduction
- Cholesterol Lowering
- Anti-oxidative Properties
- Improved Postprandial Glycaemia
- Prebiotic Properties
- Diarrhea Treatment
- Other Specific Health Promoting Effects
- Adverse Effects
Patents
Articles

Alginate

Background
Research
- Weight Reduction
- Cholesterol Lowering
- Anti-oxidative Properties
- Improved Postprandial Glycaemia
- Prebiotic Properties
- Other Specific Health Promoting Effects
Clinical Trials in Japan
Patents

Carrageenan

Background
Research
- Cholesterol Lowering
- Other Specific Health Promoting Effects
- Improved Postprandial Glycemia
- Prebiotic Properties
- Adverse Effects
Patents

Xanthan Gum

Background
Research
- Cholesterol Lowering
- Anti-oxidative Properties
- Improved Postprandial Glycemia
- Other Specific Health Promoting Effects
Patents

Contacts

13 Hydrocolloid Companies
5 Others

Tables

Table 1 Articles identified for six different hydrocolloids
Table 2 Clinical trials found for six different hydrocolloids
Table 3 Summary of health effects of hydrocolloids proven in human clinical trials
Table 4 List of hydrocolloid and fibre companies ranked by marketing strategy.
Table 5 Prices and marketing approach for hydrocolloids in 2005
Table 6 Inulin, oligofructose (of) and fos products on the market in 2005
Table 7 Manufactures of soluble fibre ingredients 2003
Table 8 Summary of health effects of lbg proven in clinical trials
Table 9 Summary of health effects of pectin proven in clinical trials
Table 10 Summary of health effects of guar proven in clinical trials
Table 11 Summary of health effects of alginate proven in clinical trials
Table 12 Summary of health effects of carrageenan proven in clinical trials
Table 13 Summary of health effects of xanthan proven in clinical trials

Figures

Figure 1 Articles found for six different hydrocolloids
Figure 2 Clinical trials found for six different hydrocolloids
Figure 3 The number of patents filed relating to various health areas for six different hydrocolloids