Taiyo’s branded ingredient Sunfiber is the first fiber and first stand-alone ingredient to become a Monash University Low FODMAP Certified product. Sunfiber, made from guar bean, is also one of the only soluble fiber ingredients approved by the FDA in 2016 to be listed as a dietary fiber. 

FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Disaccharides, Mono-saccharides and Polyols) are a group of dietary sugars which are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They are known to cause excess water retention, gas related pain and intestinal distention in people suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Low FODMAP foods and ingredients help to reduce these symptoms. 

Because many high-fiber foods are also high in FODMAPs, IBS sufferers typically have difficulty getting the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber in their diets. That means they may not get enough soluble fiber which is essential for gut health as regularity. Even more problematic, many of the short-chain dietary fibers—such as inulin, wheat and corn dextrin, and IMOs—are high FODMAP fibers and should be avoided by those looking to minimize FODMAP in their diet.

To alleviate symptoms, Monash University has developed a diet to help people cope with IBS and avoid foods that could breed FODMAPS and offers two certification programs that translate the science of a low FODMAP diet into practice: one for food and beverage products, the other for recipes. Now with Sunfiber, Monash University has established a certification program for therapeutic ingredients, and has confirmed that Sunfiber meets the low FODMAP criteria.

Earning this certification entitles Sunfiber to use the Monash University Low FODMAP Certified icon and trademarks on product packaging, print media, in-store advertising, websites and in social media. It will also be listed in the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet App, the current No. 1 FODMAP-related app in the world and the No. 1 medical app in over 96 countries.

“We are honored that Monash certified Sunfiber under its new therapeutic ingredient program,” commented Scott Smith, vice president of Taiyo International. “Customers of stand-alone Sunfiber will also be able to take advantage of this certification. Taiyo International stands ready to assist all of its customers with achieving and using this certification in collaboration with Monash University.”

All-natural Sunfiber has also achieved Health Canada Health Claims to treat IBS as well as childhood constipation. It has GRAS status, is Kosher, HALAL, 100% gluten free, vegetarian and is Non-GMO Project verified. Sunfiber is supported by more than 100 published clinical studies around digestive health. Sunfiber is a tasteless, odorless, colorless and low-viscosity soluble fiber that does not negatively alter taste or texture of food or beverages.