Functional chewing gum: Transition from a conventional chew to a novel matrix delivering encapsulated bioactives with health-promoting properties

Many studies have demonstrated the health and functional benefits of bioactive compounds (bioactives), as delivery of these ingredients to the body have been conducted by different techniques, such as enriched foods, supplements, etc. Among these, chewing gum (CWG) could be a unique candidate as delivery matrix of bioactives since presents some inherent benefits, including protective feature of its matrix as encapsulants; improving concentration, memory and alertness; stress reduction, weight manage, easy to use anytime and anywhere, and desired by consumers, especially children. Moreover, the specific style of CWG consumption, i.e. continued chewing without swallowing provides a unique opportunity to local and systemic delivery of bioactives in a sustained release manner, and the stability and activity of bioactives could be controlled by changes in the ingredients and manufacturing procedure, or using encapsulation technique. This review deals with introduction of bioactives in terms of chemical structure, health benefits, limitations for practical effectiveness, followed by highlighting the role of CWG as a delivery system of bioactives. Taking these into account, CWG composition and manufacturing procedures were reviewed, and developments in vitro delivery of encapsulated bioactives by CWG matrix were discussed. In this regard, more studies should be performed to monitor the release behavior of different bioactives from CWG as affected by various factors. Finally, further studies direct us to produce an optimum CWG formulation providing targeted outputs in line with consumer interests, namely good taste, practical efficiency, low price and lack of environment pollution.