Improving SME access to health claims
Significant evidence suggests that consuming foods rich in polyphenols and bioactive peptides can improve vascular function and reduce individuals’ risks of CVD). However, few European companies are successfully exploiting this knowledge to develop ingredients and products, meaning benefits are not passed on to consumers. The BACCHUS(opens in new window) (Beneficial effects of dietary bioactive peptides and polyphenols on cardiovascular health in humans) developed tools to help SMEs submit better evidence of health claims for bioactive food components in existing and future products. Eight food extracts/food products were fully characterised and assessed for bioavailability and metabolism, which required development of new methods for quantification. An SME-owned model simulating digestion and transportation (SHIME) was further developed that could search for potential food-related health claims. Animal and cell models assessed the biological actions of metabolites from the foods on a variety of CVD risk markers, including oxidative stress and platelet activity. Six randomised controlled trials were conducted to test the effects of the bioactive components in humans and their impact on health markers, such as blood pressure. Results highlighted the impact of intra-individual variation on response to bioactives, and revealed important insights in to how randomised controlled trials should be undertaken for foods. At least four of the products tested will be developed further by their SME owners and might result in future health claims. In addition, a range of tools were produced to help SMEs considering health claims for their products. Best practice guidelines for health claim dossiers and human intervention studies, using input from more than 100 SMEs summarise information that is in practice difficult to find and interpret. eBASIS, a unique database containing critically evaluated published data on the content and biological effects of bioactive constituents in plant-based foods, was extended to incorporate data for meats, specifically bioactive peptides, and additional information about fruits. A prototype tool linking eBASIS with food intake data from EU countries was also created. This allows users to model the effects of small dietary changes on likely bioactive intake at a population level because health claims are only valid if the source can be consumed as part of balanced health diet. An e-learning platform developed includes case-studies, a glossary and presentations about the health claims process. BACCHUS outcomes are designed to support SMEs in the development of products containing bioactives and, thereby, ensure consumers have access to foods with valid health claims, which could have significant socioeconomic benefits for public health and the knowledge-based bioeconomy.
