Health Ingredients Europe Review: A Soluble Dietary Fiber

Wacker Chemie AG (Munich) presented its alpha-cyclodextrin ingredient as a water-soluble source of fiber for beverages, dairy products, and breakfast cereals. “Unfortunately, low solubility and potential discoloration of the final product frequently discourage the use of fiber additives in beverages and food,” the firm says. The ring-shaped alpha-cyclodextrin molecules have a low viscosity that remains stable, even at high temperatures and low pH. “Irrespective of the pH, no undesirable browning reactions or discoloration occur-even in complex food systems,” the company says. 

Additionally, the alpha-cyclodextrin has a positive effect on glycemic index-a claim confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Finally, alpha-cyclodextrin can be used to increase the bioavailability of hydrophobic food ingredients, such as curcumin.

The vegetarian-grade ingredient is derived from starch such as corn or potato starch.