Abstract: Methods of controlling serum glucose levels in an individual are described, the methods including the step of administering to said individual a therapeutic food composition comprising a waxy and/or hydrothermally treated starch. The method may be used to treat or prevent hypoglycaemia in patients susceptible to hypoglycaemic episodes, for example patients with glycogen storage disease, diabetes or liver disease. The method may also be used in sports nutrition. Also described are compositions for use in the methods.

Abstract: A formulation, especially a pharmaceutical formulation, comprises an active agent and a carrier for the active agent, wherein the carrier comprises a beta-limit dextrin. The formulation may be a bioadhesive pharmaceutical formulation in which the beta-limit dextrin acts as a mucoadhesive agent. The active agent is a pharmaceutically active agent or a flavour or fragrance which is intended for delivery into the buccal cavity. A use of beta-limit dextrin as a disintegrant, a dispersant, and a mucoadhesive agent is also described. Also described is a nutritional product such as an energy drink which includes beta-limit dextrin as an energy source.

Abstract: Carbohydrates, in particular mannose containing carbohydrates, are used as a promotor of cell growth. Specifically, polysaccharide hydrolysates are shown to have superior efficacy in promoting the growth of cells, synbiotic foods, prebiotics and pharmaceutical compositions containing mannose containing carbohydrates and polysaccharide hydrolysates described.

Abstract: Provided are methods of inducing satiety in an individual using gastric raft compositions and compositions suitable for such methods. The gastric raft compositions may comprise processed starches such as dextrins. Also described are methods of treating diseases characterised by hypoglycaemia, such as glycogen storage disease (GSD), and diabetes.

Abstract: Methods of controlling serum glucose levels in an individual are described, the methods including the step of administering to said individual a therapeutic food composition comprising a waxy and/or hydrothermally treated starch. The method may be used to treat or prevent hypoglycaemia in patients susceptible to hypoglycaemic episodes, for example patients with glycogen storage disease, diabetes or liver disease. The method may also be used in sports nutrition. Also described are compositions for use in the methods.

Abstract: A formulation, especially a pharmaceutical formulation, comprises an active agent and a carrier for the active agent, wherein the carrier comprises a beta-limit dextrin. The formulation may be a bioadhesive pharmaceutical formulation in which the beta-limit dextrin acts as a mucoadhesive agent. The active agent is a pharmaceutically active agent or a flavour or fragrance which is intended for delivery into the buccal cavity. A use of beta-limit dextrin as a disintegrant, a dispersant, and a mucoadhesive agent is also described. Also described is a nutritional product such as an energy drink which includes beta-limit dextrin as an energy source.

Abstract: Orally administrable compositions comprising cation cross-linked polysaccharides are provided. The compositions have the ability to mask the taste and delay the release of an active material included therein. A novel method for the preparation of the compositions is also provided. The cation cross-linked polysaccharide is preferably selected from alginic acid and demethylated pectin and the composition further comprises a digestible polymer, preferably chosen from starch, starch derivatives, &agr;-glucans, peptides and polypeptides.