Starch hydrolysis products are arguably the most versatile of all food sugar ingredients because they can be designed to meet many different nutritional and technological requirements. This book covers all aspects of starch production, from its hydrolysis to the analysis of the finished product. In addition, the most important derivatives of starch hydrolysis products are described and their applications in the food and, increasingly pharmaceutical industries are detailed. This book is essential reading for industrial food scientists and technologists, particularly those in processing and will be of interest to those involved in the formulation of pharmaceutical products. It is also a valuable reference source for food scientists and nutritionists in academic research institutes.
A growing awareness of the relationship between diet and health has led to an increasing demand for food products that support health beyond simply providing basic nutrition. Digestive health is the largest segment of the burgeoning functional food market worldwide. Incorporation of bioactive oligosaccharides into foods can yield health benefits in the gastrointestinal tract and other parts of the body that are linked via the immune system. Because oligosaccharides can be added to a wide variety of foodstuffs, there is much interest within the food industry in incorporating these functional ingredients into healthy food products. Moreover, other areas such as pharmaceuticals, bioenergy and environmental science can exploit the physicochemical and physiological properties of bioactive oligosaccharides too. There is therefore a considerable demand for a concentrated source of information on the development and characterization of new oligosaccharides with novel and/or improved bioactivities. Food Oligosaccharides: Production, Analysis and Bioactivityis a comprehensive reference on the naturally occurring and synthesised oligosaccharides, which will enable food professionals to select and use these components in their products. It is divided into three sections: (i) Production and bioactivity of oligosaccharides, (ii) Analysis and (iii) Prebiotics in Food Formulation. The book addresses classical and advanced techniques to structurally characterize and quantitatively analyse food bioactive oligosaccharides. It also looks at practical issues faced by food industry professionals seeking to incorporate prebiotic oligosaccharides into food products, including the effects of processing on prebiotic bioavailability. This book is essential reading for food researchers and professionals, nutritionists and product developers working in the food industry, and students of Food Science with an interest in functional foods.
