Bioactive ingredient specialist Ingredia’s diabetes-preventing product Pep2dia matches consumer trends of “sugar concerns”, according to Product Manager Laurie-Anne Giacomini.
Speaking at the recent Vitafoods Europe trade show, Giacomini explained why more and more people are becoming aware of their sugar intake.
“Nowadays, we talk a lot about sugar and protein, people are very concerned about their levels of sugar. I think this looks set to be the next trend,” said Giacomini. “At the moment in 2023, mental wellbeing is taking centre stage. Now it's all about taking time to rest, taking a break for technology and, most importantly, reconnecting with ourselves. However, people’s concerns about sugar intake and control are coming to the forefront too and we are seeing more and more company's look towards how to provide consumers with supplements to counterract sugar intake."
According to the Natural Institute of Health (NIH), in 2021 541 million people were estimated to have impaired glucose tolerance, a trend that only looks set to increase. NIH figures estimated direct health expenditures due to diabetes are already close to one trillion USD and will exceed this figure by 2030.
We talk a lot about sugar and protein, people are very concerned about their levels of sugar. I think this looks set to be the next trend
Giacomini continued: “Weight, age or genetics can interfere with one’s metabolism and can contribute to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long term. To counteract this, it is recommended to have a healthy lifestyle and to watch our diet, and Pep2dia comes in here.”
Pep2Dia is a patented milk protein hydrolysate containing AP dipeptides which inhibit alpha-glucosidase. This digestive enzyme hydrolyses polysaccharides into glucose, aiding their absorption. The action of inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enables blood sugar levels to be regulated.
The relationship between the consumption of dairy products and a reduction in the risk of developing diabetes has long been recognised. Pep2Dia was created following several years of research by the partnership between Ingredia and the LIENSs laboratory, a National Centre for Scientific Research at the University of La Rochelle, and has been tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Giacomini explained how much and when to take the supplement: “Pep2dia acts on the pre-diabetic phase, before and is preventative rather than treating. We recommend consumers take the 700mg dosage twice a day, especially before meals which are rich in sugar.”