US start-up One.bio has introduced a new fiber that promises to boost our metabolic and immune health without compromising on taste or convenience. Their product, One.bio 01 oat fiber, is flavorless, odorless, and dissolves easily in liquids. The company aims to tackle the common fiber deficiency in our diets.
Starting next month, their oat fiber will be available under the brand GoodVice. One.bio is also looking to partner with other companies across various sectors, from food and beverages to supplements and pet care.
Matt Barnard, the company’s co-founder and CEO, shares, “GoodVice shows that tasty foods can be healthy too. We’re at a point where we can create the food we want and the food we need.”
Matt Amicucci, the chief science officer, adds, “Invisibility is key here. If food becomes a challenge, it won’t be widely accepted.”
### Understanding the Fiber Gap
In the U.S., the average daily fiber intake is just about 12 grams, while the World Health Organization recommends at least 25 grams. Low fiber consumption is linked to various health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. In fact, these chronic conditions contribute significantly to healthcare expenses in the country.
A recent pilot study revealed that participants who consumed 5 to 10 grams of oat fiber daily experienced noticeable improvements in abdominal discomfort and constipation. Fiber acts in the gut, where it is fermented into short-chain fatty acids. These acids are crucial for regulating metabolism and supporting immune function.
Barnard points out that for most of history, fiber was a staple element in our diets. It helped manage our health by signaling our bodies about satiety and inflammation. However, in recent decades, fiber has been largely omitted from many diets.
### The Rise of Fiber in Health Trends
The food industry has recognized the looming fiber gap, but improving fiber intake has faced challenges, such as unpleasant tastes or digestive issues. One.bio believes this newly developed oat fiber could be a game changer. It can easily be added to drinks, baked goods, sauces, and supplements without altering their taste or appearance.
Interestingly, organizations like FrieslandCampina Ingredients are identifying “fiber-maxxing” as a key trend moving forward. Consumers are increasingly looking for food items rich in fiber.
### The Glycopedia Breakthrough
One.bio has launched an educational resource called the Glycopedia, which maps different fiber structures to their health benefits. According to the company, not all fibers are created alike; they trigger different biological responses in our bodies. Understanding which fibers do what can immensely enhance dietary choices.
Amicucci explains, “This isn’t just about roughage. It’s about reinstating the signals our bodies are familiar with.”
### Clinical Evidence
To back their claims, One.bio conducted a study with 63 healthy adults over 14 days. Participants took varying doses of the oat fiber. Results showed it was well-received, with no adverse gastrointestinal effects reported. Those who received 5 or 10 grams daily notably saw reductions in abdominal issues.
The fiber also demonstrated promising effects on blood sugar, stabilizing glucose levels and reducing spikes. Even more intriguing is the potential link between fiber intake and improved mental well-being; participants reporting stress showed progress over the study period.
Despite the study’s limitations, such as the absence of a control group, the findings underscore the benefits of oat fiber for digestive and metabolic health.
In summary, One.bio’s oat fiber could be a significant step toward healthier diets. By addressing the fiber gap without sacrificing flavor or texture, it opens doors for a more nutritious future.
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One.bio, Fiber Gap, Oat Fiber, NPD, Nutrition Insight
