The future of Natural, Free-From and Functional Foods

Feed us the way we eat!

Alessandra Bester

Functional Food Co

Objective:

To demonstrate to the: manufactures, consumer, researchers, charitable organisations, government bodies….the opportunity for fortification of

products for better nutritional value demanded from, now more educated consumer. This is specifically important in the Free-From market where

some nutrients are eliminated.

My name is Alessandra Bester

I am the funder of Functional Food Co.

• An umbrella company for ‘better for you’ brands

like: IBSnack, Nono Cocoa, Micro… Free-from

on-the-go snacks enhanced with nutrition for

optimum health.

• I have sent up the company with the idea of

developing products for specific function drawing

from my personal health crisis.

• I have combined over decade of passionate work

in the food industry, with life-long research and

experience with nutrition and behaviourism,

added my own and my son’s health crisis,

blended with recent years in marketing and

branding for start-ups, to cook up sustainable

working environment when juggling growing

Functional Food Co and raising disabled child

with complex needs. Now recruiting people with

special needs, I am constantly inspired to

develop food that meets the needs of the future

generation.

Our product range

1

IB Snack – loves your gut

Managing chronic fatigue,

migraines, IBS, inflammation

and pain with food I have

developed recipes over the

year that now I converted into

products like lowFODMAP

IB Snack.

2

Micro Marz marzipan

Challenged by my son’s

severely restricted diet,

complex gastrointestinal

issues, I have created Micro

Marz – micronutrients

marzipan, that kept him a

life when he refused food

and drink.

Packed with essential

amino acids, protein,

minerals…

3

Nono Cocoa

As he would say No No to every

food but trusted everything that

was brown, I have started to

experiment with locking

nutrients into chocolate.

Not keen on the sugar he would

have to absorbed I have

reformulated the recipes to

reduce overall carbs with no

refine sugars added replacing

this with other nutritionally

dense natural fruit powders and

dehydrated plant-based

compounds.

4

Functional Foods

I spend two decades

researching and using functional

foods to manage my own health

and cancer treatment.

Back then I was a head of time,

now the world is finally

considering the link between

what you eat and how you feel.

Free-From first 14 allergens

• Gluten

• Dairy

• Nuts

• Artificial ingredients or colouring

• Preservatives

• lowFODMAP, Organic, Raw

• with added Functional Foods in relevant quantity

as part of balanced diet

Functional Foods

Reduce risk of diseases

Provide health benefits beyond normal nutrition

1 Probiotic Food

text: text.

2 Nutraceutical Food

3 Unmodified Whole Foods

Probiotic Foods Pro-life live microbial cultures – clinically documented health benefits

1

• Lactobacillus

• Bifidobacteria (similar to microflora from breast milk)

• Probiotic balances the PH acidity of the large intestine

• Reduces pathogenic bacteria

• Reduces growth of inhibiting substances

• Reduces acidity and pathogens don’t like that

• Increase calcium absorption – calcium like low PH

• Excellent in antibiotic therapy

1 3 2 Probiotic Foods

Prebiotic Foods

Symbiotic Foods

• Non-digestible

carbohydrates that selectively stimulate the growth of your own bacteria

• Food for our gut

• resist to digestion

• Fermentable by colonic microflora

• Fructus (FOS)

• Inulin and Oligofructose

• Lactulose

• Galactooligosaccharides

• Contains mixture of probiotic and prebiotic

• Food combination of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus and Inulin + Calcium

Most

common:

• Fermented

Foods

• Yoghurt,

• Kefir,

Nutraceutical Food

Modified food to improve health or performance added in significant amount or proven to work

1

Ergogenic Addictive’s – energy and performance enhancing herbs

2 Antioxidants

Vitamin C – Citric Acid

Vitamin E

3

Calcium – in Orange Juice

B Vitamins – in yoghurts

Folic Acid – in bread

Vitamin D – in cereals

2

Phytochemicals

Not a nutrient but a food content packed with plant derived chemicals that protect the body against harmful substances that cause cell damage

• Flavonoids

• Isoflavones

• Lignans

Phytoestrogens

• Detoxify carcinogens.

• Estragon antagonists (for the

prevention of breast cancer)

Function

• Legumes

• Soya bean (in moderating)

• Flaxseeds

Food sources

3

Phytochemicals

• Anthocyanin

• Capsaicin

• Polyphenol

Phenols

• Antioxidants to free radicals, induce

detoxification enzymes (meaning prompt the

immune system to act)

• oxidative stress, Vit E, C

Function

• Blueberry, Raspberry, Grapes

• Cayenne Peppers, Chillies

• Purple potatoes Coffee, Ginger, Cinnamon

• The darker the colour the better

(purple leading the way)

Food

sources

Functional foods do not provide a miracle solution to health problems but may be useful to some people as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

3

Phytochemicals

• B-carotene – too much can be toxic

• Lutein - the eye vitamin

• Lycopene Carotenoids

• Antioxidants (different type to Phenols)

• Delivers Vitamin A

• Eye health

Function

• butternut squash, sweet potatoes,

carrots

• Tomatoes, spinach, kale,

Food sources

Naturally containing substance that provides a physical benefit

3

Phytochemicals – not for the lowFODMAP

• Sulforaphane

• Diallyl sulphide Organosulphur

• Detoxification of carcinogens

In treatment of Autism Function

• Cruciferous vegetables Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Leek, onions

• Garlic

Food Sources

This is a compound that I have explored specifically, as its was once my medicine for my own cancer and now

appears to benefit my son with autism like no drug ever has in randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study

3

Phytochemicals

• Campesterol

• Stigmasterol (EFSA) Phytosterols

• Decreases cholesterol

• Colon cancer

• Anti-inflammatory

• Hormone balancing

Function

• Flaxseeds, Brazilian ginseng

• Banana, pomegranate,

pepper, grapefruit, cucumber,

onion, oat, potato

• Coffee, dark chocolate

Food sources

Population consuming a plant-based diet have decreased heart disease and cancer. Variety is essential

3

Phytochemicals

• Limonene

• Perillyl alcohol - can be found in the essential

oils of various plants, such as lavender,

lemongrass, sage, and peppermint

Terpenes

• anticancer effects

• Prevents fatty liver and insulin

resistance Function

• Citrus oils

• Cherry

• Herbs, lavender, peppermint

Food sources

Chemical found in the peels of citrus fruits and in other plants. It is used to make medicine.

In foods, beverages, and chewing gum, limonene is used as a flavouring.

*potency and relevant quantity of the Functional Food compound as part of balanced diet

3

My name is Alessandra Bester

I am the funder of Functional Food Co.

• An umbrella company for ‘better for you’ brands

like: IBSnack, Nono Cocoa, Micro… Free-from

on-the-go snacks enhanced with nutrition for

optimum health.

• I have sent up the company with the idea of

developing products for specific function drawing

from my personal health crisis.

• I have combined over decade of passionate work

in the food industry, with life-long research and

experience with nutrition and behaviourism,

added my own and my son’s health crisis,

blended with recent years in marketing and

branding for start-ups, to cook up sustainable

working environment when juggling growing

Functional Food Co and raising disabled child

with complex needs. Now recruiting people with

special needs, I am constantly inspired to

develop food that meets the needs of the future

generation.

Our product range

1

IB Snack – loves your gut

Managing chronic fatigue,

migraines, IBS, inflammation

and pain with food I have

developed recipes over the

year that now I converted into

products like lowFODMAP

IB Snack.

2

Micro Marz marzipan

Challenged by my son’s

severely restricted diet,

complex gastrointestinal

issues, I have created Micro

Marz – micronutrients

marzipan, that kept him a

life when he refused food

and drink.

Packed with essential

amino acids, protein,

minerals…

3

Nono Cocoa

As he would say No No to every

food but trusted everything that

was brown, I have started to

experiment with locking

nutrients into chocolate.

Not keen on the sugar he would

have to absorbed I have

reformulated the recipes to

reduce overall carbs with no

refine sugars added replacing

this with other nutritionally

dense natural fruit powders and

dehydrated plant-based

compounds.

4

Functional Foods

I spend two decades

researching and using functional

foods to manage my own health

and cancer treatment.

Back then I was a head of time,

now the world is finally

considering the link between

what you eat and how you feel.

Free-From first 14 allergens

• Gluten

• Dairy

• Nuts

• Artificial ingredients or colouring

• Preservatives

• lowFODMAP, Organic, Raw

• with added Functional Foods in relevant quantity

as part of balanced diet

Why add Functional Foods?

Free From market 1

• Gluten free doesn’t mean healthy. Usually lot higher in sugar to stabilise bakes.

• Most of the Free-From consumer chooses to eliminate food groups believing that

is for health reason.

• Dairy Free consumer misses out on the Calcium, Vitamin D

• Non gluten free breads are fortified with the government recommended folic acid

(BMA), vitamin D … this is not always the case with Gluten Free bakes especially

the budget and prescription goods.

• Free-from products can lack in fibre

Why add Functional Foods?

• Older population

• Children in poverty

• People with restricted diets

• Post-surgery recovery

* “Low income population deficient in vit C “ (NDANS)

Vulnerable groups - functional foods can be effective in managing deficiencies and malnutrition.

2

Why add Functional Foods?

Health conditions - Raising numbers of people with 3

• Allergies

• Coeliac disease

• Food intolerance

• IBS & other Digestive issues

• Neurological conditions

• And other health conditions related to food and lifestyle choices

Why add Functional Foods?

The future of eating - Modern lifestyle and snacking styles 4

5 • Better educated consumer

• Lost trust in food industry – unsubstantiated claims, misleading messages, price per empty calories

not a nutrition density.

• The need to address obesity problems – collectively responsible.

Nutritionally dense food can reduce consumption and cravings.

• Health is a big trend in snacking at the moment, ‘with 69% of Britons reporting snacking as a daily habit.’

• It is estimated that with the lifestyle we are having eating on-the-go for energy, for cognitive function, sports nutrition

is the way forward. Personalised nutrition for specific results

• With all the Gov efforts to encourage better food choices; more fruit and veg, we can’t see any real results.’ Innovating

with functional foods maybe necessary. Feed us the way we eat!

• We need to eat 24 verity of fruit & veg to get all the nutrition required. General population does not achieve 1/3 of that.

What is the UK in need of?

Folic Acid

Omega3

D

K

Calcium

Iron

B12

Commonly added compounds Nutraceutical:

In my view, there are evidence of

mineral deficiencies based on the

growing numbers of lifestyle

related disorders.

Public Health Gov studies are not

good enough to establish clear

picture. BUT - The UK Health

recommendations for nutrition are

base on absolute minimum and

on the assumption of

bioavailability of the specific

nutrition source. (e.g. apple a day

X mg vit C).

From a Functional Foods stand

point of view, we look at

quantities to improve health and

preventative measures.

Magnesium

Potassium Antioxidants Zinc

Copper

Iodine

Selenium

Niacin

The issues

• Efficiency – Will the product you are offering deliver the benefit you’re

seeking to offer? Bioavailability of substance we are adding

• Formulation – How will the food behave in a food matrix?

• Trust - Misuse of claims. Unregulated market. Pharmaceutical

industry invading the food market

• Risk associated with overconsumption (Vitamin A)

• How can consumer tract nutrition e.g. probiotic intake from many

snack sources.

Functional foods may provide benefits in health terms but should not be seen as an alternative to a varied

and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

A possible disadvantage of fortification is that they may obscure the boundaries between food groups

The law

Before you go on to crash tablets into your food product, or sprinkle something with a ‘superfood’, be aware of the complexity of subsidising

nutrients and consult professional to assist you and verifier qualified quantities and relevant nutritional and health claims. Bioavailability and allowed

claims.

The process for defining acceptable nutrition and health claims is explained in the section 'Food labelling and health claims'. Within the European Union (EU), a

regulation on nutrition and health claims came into force in 2007. Under the regulation, health claims are subject to pre-approval, involving scientific assessment

by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, although EFSA assesses the scientific dossiers supporting potential health claims, the final decision to

accept or reject a claim lies with the European Commission (EC). (see 'Update on nutrition and health claims' for further information)

The regulation on nutrition and health claims aims to ensure that claims are appropriate, scientifically verified and harmonised across the European Union.

By definition, functional foods have additional health benefits added so, in practice, they are likely to carry an approved nutrition or health claim. An example of a

health claim is “vitamin D is essential for the bone growth of children". The list of approved health claims for use on foods and drinks is published by …….

Nutrition claims are defined in an annex to the Regulation on Nutrition and Health Claims (2006), which states the EC’s decision on the specific wording of

permitted claims and when they can be used. For example, a food may only claim to be “low fat” if it contains less than 3g of fat per 100g (for solid food products)

or less than 1.5g of fat per 100ml (for liquid products).

There are discrepancies in the definition of functional foods with the growing popularity of superfoods. Functional foods can be defined as dietary items that,

besides providing nutrients and energy, beneficially modulate one or more targeted functions in the body, by enhancing a certain physiological response and/or by

reducing the risk of disease (Nicoletti, 2012).e.g. heart health, immune health, gut health…

Where to start

FunFood Platform - This project has been funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation

program under

How it works

_ • Useful tool to access the latest information and law

• Look at the micronutrition results of specific ingredients and wholefoods

• Check the processes available to preserve bioavailability of compound

• Design & formulate recipes

• Access database of resources and functional ingredients

Example

Symbiotic Foods

Contains mixture of

probiotic and prebiotic

Food combination of Bifidobacteria

and Lactobacillus

Inulin + Calcium

Source of calcium.

Enriched with vitamin D

B vitamins

Made from organic hemp seeds,

naturally rich in omega 3 & 6

Conclusions:

Most welcome innovation with Functional Foods can benefit:

Consumer – more educated consumer, progressively looking into food products to

improve health.

Producers – The Functional Foods market is $253 billions and growing

Gov agencies - Functional Foods offer great potential to improve health and/or help

prevent certain diseases

For academics - The research opportunities in nutrition to explore the relationship

between a food or a food component and an improved state of health and well-being,

or reduction of disease, present the greatest challenge to scientists now and in the

future.

The subject of health claims is becoming increasingly important and there is

broad consensus that there needs to be a regulatory framework in the EU that

will protect consumers, promote fair trade and encourage product innovation

in the food industry.

Have a questions?

Contact for more detail information

ab@functionalfoodcompany.org

+44 (0) 78 3439 3032

@nonococoauk

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