18 Mar 2010 --- Natunola Health Biosciences Inc. reports that, building on its strength of research and manufacturing capabilities, Natunola has developed value added processing of maple syrup to develop a low glycemic index maple product. Natunola is collaborating with the National Research Council of Canada ("NRC") and the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus Agroforestry Education and Research Center ("Kemptville Center") on this project.

Natunola's vision is to develop and commercialize low glycemic index maple products for the diabetic, nutraceutical and health market that will give the Canadian processed food industry and maple syrup farmers' competitive advantages in an international marketplace.

Increased consumption of carbohydrates has led to various health problems, such as obesity and related cardiovascular and diabetic diseases. In order to limit the use of carbohydrates, various artificial sweeteners have been used as substitutes, particularly, for sucrose in the food industry.

The current trends in obesity will certainly increase the number of the diabetic population worldwide. Thus, a new source of natural sweetener such as isomaltulose will let the diabetic consumers and consumers in general that require control of their sugar intake enjoy their daily meal and life.

There are approximately 2.2 million Canadians with diabetes who have to avoid foods with a high glycemic index, including maple syrup. Thus, maple products with a low glycemic index (GI (less than) 56) which contain isomaltulose and that can be produced directly or indirectly from the existing maple sap or maple syrup have great market potential.

"By utilizing the team work approach and with the success of this project, Natunola is anticipated to substantially improve, and help maple syrup farmers to generate new market and business opportunities, the effect of which would benefit Canadian agriculture in general", said Dr. Nam Fong Han, President & CEO of Natunola, adding, "Ultimately, Canadians will benefit by having low glycemic index maple products that are healthy, and taste good".