New drinks ‘prevent health problems’

IRISH food firms are developing a new generation of probiotic drinks which they claim help prevent common health problems like heart attacks and obesity.

Scientists say the products are designed to provide medicine as well as nutrition and consumers may lose weight and reduce their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The ‘functional food’ market in Ireland was worth €46 million in 2005 and is set to grow by a third this year.

Products by firms such as Danone, Yakult and Benecol already claim to boost the immune system and aid digestion. However, Irish dairy firms are now using teams of scientists to produce hi-tech probiotic drinks which they say will help busy consumers maintain a balanced daily diet.

The shot drinks, to be taken daily, contain essential minerals and nutrients like calcium, potassium and plant sterols which are easily absorbed into the system.

The Labour Party’s food spokeswoman Dr Mary Upton welcomed the benefits of functional foods like probiotic drinks but called on the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to closely monitor the accuracy and clarity of the labelling of such products.

“It’s good to see science playing a positive role in food production and in the health of consumers. However is very important that the consumer is not misled because this is a huge industry now,” she said.

A team of 35 scientists at the Irish dairy giant Glanbia’s new R&D innovation centre in Kilkenny have developed the ‘Yoplait Essence’ range of six shot drinks which each claim to produce stronger bones, improve digestion, boost the immune system, help lose weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and boost vitamins intake.