The company's acquisition of Viscofiber comes as the cosmetics industry develops a closer relationship with food companies in order to market edible or drinkable products that enhance beauty from the inside.
Spain-based Natraceutical said yesterday that it had bought Viscofiber from the Canada-based Cevena Bioproducts along with patents, clinical analyses, clients and distribution contracts for €2m.
The high fibre content of the natural grain-based ingredient makes it ideal for the functional foods sector, company spokesperson Ignacio Berckemeyer told CosmeticsDesign.com, adding that it may also be used in creams or beauty foods.
José Vicente Pons Andreu, chief executive of Natraceutical, said: "Viscofiber also offers great potential for introduction in the beauty and pet food sectors."
Natraceutical, which already markets cosmeceutical products such as Time Expert y Cheveux Expert, said it is currently considering the cosmetic uses of Viscofiber.
Explaining the potential of the ingredient for the cosmetics industry, Berckemeyer said beta-glucan is particularly good at absorbing certain synergic antioxidant substances such as plant sterols.
Scientists have found that beta-glucan, a non-starch polysaccharide present in oats and barley, has a number of health benefits thanks to its high fibre content.
Natraceutical said Viscofiber is the "only high-viscosity and high-concentration" oat and barley concentrate commercially available and has 12 times as much soluble fibre than oat bran.
Beta-glucan has been the subject of increasing attention with some research indicating the soluble fibre can decrease cholesterol levels. Past studies have also indicated that it has an anti-diabetes benefit and can help speed up immune response.
For the moment, Viscofiber is available for the functional food and dietary supplement market and production of the ingredient will continue in Canada.
