Dow Launches Plant-based Technology to Reduce Weight Gain

Pre-clinical data suggests that consuming SATISFIT helps regulate proper fat metabolism in tissues, helping to prevent fat build up, compared to the control diet with Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC).

07/11/08 Dow has introduced an innovative new technology for weight care at the Health Ingredients Europe (HiE) show in Paris, France. In pre-clinical studies, SATISFIT Weight Care Technology has shown the ability to reduce absorption of saturated and trans fats, reduce weight gain, and promote healthy fat metabolism. In addition, it can be easily formulated into food and beverages.

“SATISFIT is a cellulose plant derived ingredient for weight care. What we have at this stage is pre-clinical data which is animal or in-vitro,” Stephanie Lynch global marketing manager for Food & Nutrition at DOW told FoodIngredientsFirst. “We are bringing this to market very quickly before we have clinical data so we can find development partners. We are looking for companies who have the best fit between their products and our technology,” she added.

“SATISFIT is targeted to aid in the development of foods that can ‘satisfy’ in taste and texture, while also being compatible with consumers’ goals for ‘fitness’ and healthy eating,” said Lynch. This technology is the result of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the chief scientific research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and The Dow Chemical Company.

To analyze the effects of SATISFIT on body weight, a study was conducted in an animal model over a period of four weeks. The results show that when SATISFIT EZ – a product grade providing ease of formulation – was incorporated into a diet, a seven percent reduction in weight gain was achieved, compared to the control diet containing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

Furthermore pre-clinical data suggests that consuming SATISFIT helps regulate proper fat metabolism in tissues, helping to prevent fat build up, compared to the control diet with Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC).

Saturated and trans fats continue to be of concern to consumers today, yet are still found in many foods that people enjoy. These fats are often difficult to replace while maintaining the taste and texture consumers are familiar with. SATISFIT works by significantly reducing the amount of saturated and trans fats absorbed by the body and also supports proper fat metabolism, or fat storage. Proper fat metabolism can reduce the build up of fat in healthy tissues where fat should not be deposited.

SATISFIT currently has GRAS status in the US and Lynch said that companies can make structure/function claims by incorporating the ingredient, although they would probably choose to do a clinical study where the ingredient has been incorporated into their particular application to substantiate its efficacy. With the current “grey situation” regarding health claims in Europe, Lynch could not speculate when the ingredient would be ready for commercial application in Europe.

Dow note that SATISFIT Weight Care Technology is 100 percent soluble, highly process tolerant, non-fermentable and can also help extend food product freshness. SATISFIT does not add calories to formulations and can be easily incorporated into beverages and dairy type products, as well as biscuits, bars and ready meals.

SATISFIT provides ease of formulation in many of the fast-growing markets for functional foods, such as beverages, dairy products, snack foods such as biscuits and bars, and ready meals.