Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

What is Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone?

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (CAS number 20702-77-6), used in dietary supplement and food additives industries known as neohesperidin DC, Neo-DHC and NHDC for short, is a novel low-calorie sweetener hydrogenated from natural neohesperidin which is an active flavonoid ingredient of the fruit of citrus aurantium plant. The molecular structure of NHDC is shown in the picture.

NHDC (Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone)

There are so many high potency artificial sweeteners already available on the market, such as acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, etc. These man-made sweeteners are widely used in food industry as dietary supplements, food additives, flavorings, and many of which are non-caloric or low caloric. Due to the low caloric intake, these artificial sweeteners are considered to be beneficial to weight reduction and normalization of blood sugar levels and type II diabetes mellitus.

However, a recent study published by nature shows that these low calorie artificial sweeteners (especially saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame) induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota, and further side effects may occur to the human body. And under this circumstance, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone are advocated by our chemists, which is generally regarded as safe in the European Union since 1994. NHDC, the short name of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, has been archived in the European Pharmacopoeia two decades ago and the neohesperidin dihydrochalcone data in the EP7.0 is attached for your reference. In addition, NHDC registeration for GRAS status in FDA is under the way.

Mechanism of action of Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC)
How does Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC) work? The mode of action of NHDC is complicated since there is no much information is available and not so many in vitro data to support its sweetener status.

Like other highly sweet glycosides, such as glycyrrhizin and those found in stevia, Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone ‘s sweet taste has a slower onset than sugar’s and lingers in the mouth for some time. Unlike aspartame, Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone is stable to elevated temperatures and to acidic or basic conditions, and so can be used in applications that require a long shelf life. Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone itself can stay safe for up to five years when stored in optimal conditions.

It is particularly effective in masking the bitter tastes of other compounds found in citrus, including limonin and naringin. Industrially, it is produced by extracting neohesperidin from the bitter orange, and then hydrogenating this to make Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.
Because of its off tastes, Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone is not very suitable for use as a sole sweetener, but it can be useful when combined with one or more other sweeteners.

Benefits of Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC)

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC) can be used preparations containing bitter or generally unpleasant tasting actives ingredients. It is commonly used in food, beverages, juices, milk, and derivative desserts. It can also be used in cosmetics, toothpaste, and mouth wash. Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC) also improves the feed taste of pet foods, veterinary products, and feed stuffs for animal farms. It helps increase the daily feed intake, while reducing the feeding time.

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone as flavor enhancer

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC) as a flavour enhancer has been used in a wide range of products, mainly in the three categories below:

1.such as ‘creaminess’ in dairy foods such as yogurt and ice cream.
2.In addition to food industries, NHDC is also widely favored for use in otherwise naturally bitter products. Pharmaceutical companies are fond of NHDC as a means of reducing the bitterness of pharmacological drugs in tablet form,
3.and it has been used for livestock feed as a means of reducing feeding time.
4.Other products NHDC can be found in may include a wide variety of alcoholic beverages (and non-alcoholic), savoury foods, toothpaste, mouthwash and condiments such as ketchup andmayonnaise.

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone as artificial sweetener

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is an intensive sweetener derived from alkaline hydrogenation of natural neohesperidin which is an acitive ingredient from citrus fruit extract with a bitter taste. According to Wikipedia and European Pharmacopoeia (EP7.0, 7.5), Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC) is roughly 1500-1800 times sweeter than sugar at threshold concentrations; around 340 times sweeter than sugar weight-for-weight. Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone works as a bitterness Inhibitor and mask the bitterness within the citrus, shielding bitterness because of its long-lasting aftertaste, and shows its sweet prosperities in this way. The European Union approved NHDC’s use as a sweetener in 1994, and it get registered in the European Pharmacopoeia accordingly.

Side effects of taking Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC)
Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone is safe and has been used in Europe since 1990s. However, any ingredients may pose risks to the human body if overdosed. Research has shown that at strengths of around and above 20 ppm, Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC) may cause side effects such as nausea and migraine. This is not widely documented, however is unquestionably known within the food science communities that have worked with the product, and many recommend wearing a surgical mask when handling pure NHDC.
Dosage of taking Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC)
Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone in pure form is found as a white substance not unlike powdered sugar. In food it is used as a flavour enhancer in concentrations of around 4-5 parts per million (ppm) and as an artificial sweetener at around 15-20 ppm. The dose may vary according to different purposes.

Where to buy Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC)?
Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone(NHDC) is relatively new as a sweetener. But due to its high sweetness and safe status, it is gaining popularity in Europe and the United States recently. Many companies are using NHDC in dietary supplements, food additives, etc. NHDC is one of Herb Nutritionals’ new products developed upon our clients. Large stock of 500kg is available, and necessary documents such as COA (certificate of analysis), MSDS, etc are for your reference.