Abstract: To provide an IgA production promoter capable of being easily ingested safely and continually, for example orally and capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the binding of pathogenic microorganisms to alimentary canal mucosa and preventing an allergic reaction by blocking the passage of allergen materials such as pollen and house dust through the wall of the alimentary tract. The present invention consists of an IgA production promoter comprising hydroxypropyl starch as an effective ingredient. The IgA production promoter of the present invention can be safely and continually ingested because the effective ingredient thereof is hydroxypropyl starch used in food and the like, and can prevent infection by inhibiting the binding of pathogenic microorganisms to alimentary canal mucosa and prevent an allergic reaction by blocking the passage of allergen materials such as pollen and house dust through the wall of the alimentary tract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-digestible hydroxypropyl starch hydrolysate which can be used as novel water soluble dietary fiber, a method for producing it, as well as food products and beverages containing the non-digestible hydroxypropyl starch hydrolysate. The present invention provides the non-digestible hydroxypropyl starch hydrolysate characterized by having a DE value of less than 20 and a glucose content of less than 3% by mass; food products and beverages containing it; and the method for producing the non-digestible hydroxypropyl starch hydrolysate comprising the steps of: (A) hydrolyzing a hydroxypropyl starch with a degree of substitution of 0.05 to 0.4 with ?-amylase and then with glucoamylase; and (B) removing glucose from the hydrolysate obtained in the step (A).

Abstract: To provide an IgA production promoter capable of being easily ingested safely and continually, for example orally and capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the binding of pathogenic microorganisms to alimentary canal mucosa and preventing an allergic reaction by blocking the passage of allergen materials such as pollen and house dust through the wall of the alimentary tract. The present invention consists of an IgA production promoter comprising hydroxypropyl starch as an effective ingredient. The IgA production promoter of the present invention can be safely and continually ingested because the effective ingredient thereof is hydroxypropyl starch used in food and the like, and can prevent infection by inhibiting the binding of pathogenic microorganisms to alimentary canal mucosa and prevent an allergic reaction by blocking the passage of allergen materials such as pollen and house dust through the wall of the alimentary tract.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-soluble dietary fiber enriching agent comprising a modified starch which contains dietary fibers in an amount not more than 5% by mass measured by Prosky's method and a low-molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber in an amount not less than 25% by mass. The water-soluble dietary fiber enriching agent contains a low-molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber, and does not deteriorate the mouthfeel of the food obtained using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-digestible hydroxypropyl starch hydrolysate which can be used as novel water soluble dietary fiber, a method for producing it, as well as food products and beverages containing the non-digestible hydroxypropyl starch hydrolysate. The present invention provides the non-digestible hydroxypropyl starch hydrolysate characterized by having a DE value of less than 20 and a glucose content of less than 3% by mass; food products and beverages containing it; and the method for producing the non-digestible hydroxypropyl starch hydrolysate comprising the steps of: (A) hydrolyzing a hydroxypropyl starch with a degree of substitution of 0.05 to 0.4 with ?-amylase and then with glucoamylase; and (B) removing glucose from the hydrolysate obtained in the step (A).

Abstract: The invention provides a water-soluble dietary fiber enriching agent comprising a modified starch which contains dietary fibers in an amount not more than 5% by mass measured by Prosky's method and a low-molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber in an amount not less than 25% by mass. The water-soluble dietary fiber enriching agent contains a low-molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber, and does not deteriorate the mouthfeel of the food obtained using the same.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a glucose polymer having an ion-exchanging ability comprises the steps of drying a mixed aqueous solution containing a raw glucose polymer and a polyvalent carboxylic acid to thus form a uniform powdery mixture and then subjecting the powdery mixture to a heat treatment. The method of the present invention can ensure the achievement of a high reaction efficiency, is economically advantageous since it never requires the use of any expensive catalyst and does not require the use of any complicated step for the removal of impurities. The glucose polymer prepared by the method of the present invention is biodegradable and can be used in, for instance, various foods and/or builders.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of russet type Japanese pear tree that has strong tree vigor and a strong resistance to black spot disease. This pear tree bears large size fruit, the harvesting stage of the fruit being mid to late in season after the ‘Hosui’ cultivar. This pear tree bears large size fruit having excellent quality, such as being highly sweet and weakly acidic.