Isomaltulose Included in New FDA Oral Health Claim 

20/09/07 The U.S. FDA has announced that they will allow the claim that the nutritive sweetener, isomaltulose, does not promote tooth decay.

According to the FDA approval and clinical data, isomaltulose is not fermented by oral bacteria to an extent sufficient to lower dental plaque pH to levels that would contribute to the erosion of dental enamel. Therefore, the FDA has concluded that isomaltulose does not promote tooth decay. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that dental caries are the single most chronic disease during childhood, and 30 percent of adults have untreated dental decay.

Cargill's Xtend Isomaltulose is a fully digestible, sustained energy sweetener that is ideal for use in foods where extended energy is desired. It is obtained from sucrose by enzymatic conversion and has the same energy value as sucrose, but much slower digested and completely absorbed resulting in sustained release of energy to the body. Some of the applications for Xtend isomaltulose include tooth friendly confectionary, beverages and chewing gum.

"Xtend isomaltulose, a slow release carbohydrate, offer consumers the highly desirable benefits of sustained energy release and lower glycemic response," said Anne Mollerus, global product manager, Cargill. "We are pleased that the dental claim can be added to its attributes."