DSM’s heart health ingredient OatWell® oat beta-glucan has been named one of the most innovative products of the year at the prestigious Food Ingredients South America (FiSA) awards 2013.

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found in oats. This naturally derived ingredient is particularly well-known for its heart health benefits and ability to support healthy cholesterol levels.

OatWell brand oat beta-glucan is a recent addition to DSM’s health ingredient portfolio, following the acquisition of the OatWell brand from Swedish Oat Fiber earlier this year. Oat beta-glucan was awarded positive opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission has authorized Article 14 health claims for cholesterol reduction and the associated reduced risk of developing heart disease, as well as Article 13.1 claims for digestive health and blood glucose control.

“We are delighted to have won a top industry award for OatWell and are excited about communicating the result to our customers,” comments Ruedi Duss, global business manager for OatWell at DSM Nutritional Products. “Currently, products containing OatWell are primarily positioned for cholesterol reduction to reduce risk of CVD, which remains the leading cause of death in the developed world. In the future, we will launch additional value propositions to support customers in communicating the benefits that oat beta-glucan can deliver for blood glucose reduction and support of digestive health. The FiSA award serves to validate that OatWell is a truly innovative ingredient that can add real value to our customers’ businesses by delivering a safe, natural and efficacious benefit to the consumer.”

DSM is working with its customers to build awareness amongst consumers of the benefits of oat beta-glucan and the Friend OatWell brand has been developed to communicate the benefits on consumer product packaging. OatWell is available in flour or powder format, suitable for use in applications ranging from breads, biscuits and cereals to pasta, beverages, instant powder drinks and dietary supplements. To learn more, visit friendoatwell.ch/en.