New Information may help Athletes

Food companies could soon be in a position to put extra details on labels that will help athletes choose the right mix of carbohydrates in their diet. That's because the UK's main independent food and drink laboratory, Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), has just launched a new service to measure the Glycemic Index (GI) of all manner of foods, ingredients and supplements.

The GI is a measure of how fast a food or ingredient triggers a rise in circulating blood glucose; a low GI food will cause a small rise in blood sugar levels, whereas a higher GI food may trigger a large increase.

Many athletes already pay close attention to their carbohydrate intake, whether looking for a quick energy boost ahead of an event, or a diet that encourages a steady release of sugars for endurance events. However, these considerations are also relevant to the general population, because carbohydrate consumption impacts on wider health issues such as obesity and diabetes.

Responding to this growing awareness of GI and its potential importance, RSSL is to offer a routine GI measurement service to ingredient suppliers and food product manufacturers. Working to a protocol approved by an Independent Ethics Committee, GI testing will be carried out according to internationally agreed standards, using human volunteers participating in the tests under medical supervision.

In addition, product development specialists at RSSL will be able to assist manufacturers in reformulating products to achieve a lower GI. Such developments could improve the market advantage of a product. Chemists working in RSSL's Nutritional Analysis Laboratory can also provide complementary services.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Jane Staniforth, Business Development Manager said, "The food industry is coming under increasing scrutiny from government and pressure groups to play an active part in ensuring the health of the nation. The medical community has highlighted obesity and associated health problems as a major issue. The food industry already sees the 'sports' market as a valuable niche, and has developed a wide range of products targeted at active sportsmen and women. However, the trend is to develop healthier products across the board and GI measurement will provide useful information in the drive towards the more healthy options. RSSL is proud to continue its tradition of pioneering the application of good science in assisting clients to meet their commercial objectives, and in advising them on how to develop products that meet demands for healthier eating."