Wheat Albumin NA-1

Product overview

In our research into substances derived from wheat, Nisshin Seifun Group has concentrated on 0.19 wheat albumin, which is present in wheat at a concentration of about 0.1%. This substance inhibits the action of the enzyme α-amylase, which breaks down starch into sugar. Wheat Albumin NA-1 is made by extracting 0.19 wheat albumin at high concentration to accentuate the tertiary function of food products (the biological regulation function). Wheat Albumin NA-1 is also present in Glucodesign, a food for specified health uses.

Overview of ingredients

Wheat flour contains several proteins with amylase inhibitory activity, which are differentiated by names (0.19, 0.28, 0.53, etc.) that refer to their mobility relative to a standard substance (bromophenol blue) measured by a technique called electrophoresis. The protein 0.19 wheat albumin is characterized by the highest activity against human α-amylase, and it is present in the greatest quantity. The IC50 (the concentration at which the activity of the target enzyme is reduced by 50%) of 0.19 wheat albumin with respect to human pancreatic α-amylase is in the order of just a few µg/mL, confirming its high inhibitory activity. This protein is extracted unchanged from the water-soluble proteins (albumin) in the endosperm, the part of wheat used as flour, and thus has the functional properties it originally had in its natural state. Since 0.19 wheat albumin is itself a protein, it is digested and absorbed in the small intestine and used as a nutrient in the body.

Characteristics of product

Ability to suppress the spike in blood glucose after a meal

By delaying the digestion of starch in the digestive tract, Wheat Albumin NA-1(WA) causes carbohydrates to be absorbed more gradually and thus moderates the spike in blood glucose after a meal.

【Study design】 Crossover study of single intake in 12 healthy adults
【Dose】 Wheat albumin NA-1（WA）： 0g, 0.25g, 0.5g, 1.0g
【Test meal】 Consomme soup (100 mL) containing specified amounts
(0 g, 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g) of wheat albumin NA-1（WA）
【Intake method】 Consumed with breakfast (220 g rice, 40 g roast ham, 50 g boiled egg,
15 g mayonnaise, 1 tomato, 200 g unsweetened tea, total 560 kcal)
【Technical literature】 Kodama T et al., Euro J Clin Nutr. 2005, 59, 384-392.

Labeling example of product using Wheat Albumin NA-1

• Label of authorized food for specified health uses
  This product contains wheat albumin (wheat protein), which suppresses the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates (starch). It is useful for improving the diet of persons who have become concerned about their blood glucose level.
• Functional food notification label
  This product contains 0.19 wheat albumin, which has been reported to suppress the digestion and absorption of starch and thus moderate the spike in blood glucose levels after a meal.

High content of 0.19 wheat albumin

Wheat Albumin NA-1 contains over 25% 0.19 wheat albumin. This protein is present at only 0.1% in wheat flour, and it is concentrated using our proprietary technology. The recommended dose per serving is 500 mg of Wheat Albumin NA-1.

Highly safe

Wheat Albumin NA-1 is made from wheat, a substance that humans have consumed for countless years, and we have conducted safety confirmation tests (genotoxicity, single and repeated dose tests, and human overdose tests). In addition, no serious side effects have been found to date with Glucodesign, a food for specified health uses containing Wheat Albumin NA-1 that was launched in 2000.

Product information