FDA approves non-cariogenic health claim for isomaltulose.

FDA has authorized a non-cariogenic health claim for the carbohydrate sweetener isomaltulose. This official categorization in the U.S. helps clear the way to new opportunities in positioning and product claims for food and beverage manufacturers. "Cariogenic" describes a substance that stimulates tooth decay (dental caries). It is a common description for sugars that can easily be digested by oral bacteria, such as sucrose, fructose (including HFCS-high fructose corn syrup) and lactose. Though produced from real sugar and exhibiting a very natural taste profile, isomaltulose is distinguished by a very strong molecular binding, which cannot be broken by plaque bacteria and prevents the generation of acids that harm tooth enamel. In contrast with easily degradable carbohydrates, there is no formation of caries with isomaltulose. Isomaltulose has successfully passed the thorough FDA approval procedure and is now officially categorized as "non-cariogenic" in the U.S. Both Cargill, Minneapolis, MN, and Germany-based Palatinit offer forms of isomaltulose under the brand names Xtend and Palatinose, respectively.