Question 1

What is Plantwell?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell by Sanitarium is a new range of delicious plant milks that delivers targeted benefits from clinically proven superplants and superfoods. The source and strength of nutrition is derived from unique natural ingredients.

Question 2

What makes Plantwell unique in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell is the first plant milk range to deliver targeted health benefits with clinically proven natural ingredients.

Plantwell is the first plant milk to contain mushroom vitamin D.

Plantwell High Protein Bone & Gut is the first plant milk to deliver 500mg calcium per serve (from seaweed) and the first plant milk to contain 2.5g FOS to promote good gut bacteria as part of a balanced diet.

Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering is the first plant milk to contain plant sterols.

Plantwell Immune Defence is the first plant milk to contain 250mg Wellmune.

Question 3

How can I consume Plantwell?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell is versatile and can be enjoyed in any way you are enjoying other milks and plant milks, both hot and cold.

Question 4

Are Plantwell milks made in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Plantwell products are produced in Australia.

Question 5

What are superplants and superfoods?

Accepted Answer

Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being; superplants are plant derived superfoods.

Question 6

What Health Star Ratings do Plantwell milks have?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell milks are designed to achieve a minimum of 4 HSR.

Cholesterol Lowering: 4
High Protein Bone & Gut: 5
Immune Defence: 4

Question 7

What is Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering is a deliciously creamy and tasty oat milk that is versatile to enjoy hot or cold. It contains clinically proven plant sterols. 2g of plant sterols daily has been clinically proven to lower LDL cholesterol by up to 9% within 3 weeks. To achieve this dose, enjoy two serves of Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering daily as part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat.

In addition, Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering contains vitamins B2 and B12, 50% of your RDI of Vitamin D from mushroom, and 300mg calcium per serve.

Question 8

What is the clinical proof behind plant sterols?

Accepted Answer

Plant sterols and their effects on cholesterol when added to a wide range of foods and drinks have been extensively studied. Hundreds of studies have been published over many years, interrogating how they work, quantities required for the desired effect, timeframes within which effects are observed, whether they work in different food formats, and their safety. Meta-analyses of Randomised Controlled Trials are regarded the gold standard of evidence. Linked below are two notable meta-analyses demonstrating the efficacy of plant sterols, specifically looking into timeframes and food formats.

Question 9

How much/how often do I need to consumer Cholesterol Lowering to see an effect?

Accepted Answer

One 250mL serve of Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering provides 1g of plant sterols. It is recommended to have 2-3g plant sterols each day to see a reduction in LDL cholesterol within 3 weeks. Therefore, we recommend enjoying Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering twice a day as part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat. There is no additional benefit to having more than 3g plant sterols per day.

2-3g intake of plant sterols a day can also be achieved if you include other plant sterol containing products such as Weet Bix Cholesterol Lowering.

Question 10

What is LDL cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

There are different forms of cholesterol in our body. LDL cholesterol stands for 'low density lipoprotein' cholesterol, otherwise known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol. This form has the negative effects on heart health. Plant sterols reduce LDL cholesterol, so when checking progress from taking plant sterols, it is important to check LDL cholesterol levels.

Question 11

How do plant sterols reduce cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

The molecular structure of plant sterols effectively enables them to reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the blood stream - cholesterol arrives in the intestines from both bile (made by the liver) and the diet - thereby reducing overall cholesterol levels in the blood stream.

Question 12

By how much will my cholesterol be lowered?

Accepted Answer

Studies have clinically proven that 2g plant sterols can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 9% within three weeks. As with any clinical intervention, individual effects may vary due to factors such as medications and genetics. We recommend consulting your GP or specialist if you have any questions or concerns about your cholesterol levels. We also recommend to follow a healthy, balanced diet low in saturated fat.

Question 13

Does it still help me even if I am taking cholesterol lowering medications?

Accepted Answer

The Heart Foundation of Australia recommends that people on statins also eat plant sterol-enriched foods, as research indicates that combining both strategies results in an even more significant decrease in LDL cholesterol. We do not recommend making any changes to your medication intake unless advised by your health practitioner.

Question 14

Can anyone drink Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering may not be suitable for children under 5 years of age or women who are pregnant or lactating. Those with a rare inherited condition called sitosterolaemia are also advised to avoid plant sterol-enriched products. Please consult your treating practitioner if you are unsure as to whether this product is for you.

Question 15

What is homocysteine?

Accepted Answer

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is made when proteins are broken down by the body. If homocysteine builds up too high in our blood, it can cause issues such as damage to blood vessels, increasing risk of cardiovascular complications. Vitamins such as vitamin B12 contribute to the breaking down of homocysteine.

Question 16

Is Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering gluten free?

Accepted Answer

Since this plant milk is made with oats, which is a gluten-containing cereal, this product is not gluten free.

Question 17

What is Plantwell High Protein Bone & Gut?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell High Protein Bone & Gut is a deliciously creamy and tasty soy milk that is versatile to enjoy hot or cold. Each serve contains 10g protein plus 500mg seaweed calcium to build bone mineral density, as well as clinically proven prebiotic fibres for a thriving gut flora. Clinical studies have shown that adding 2.5g fructoologosaccharides (FOS) daily promotes the growth of bifidobacterial, good gut bacteria, with effects after just 1 week.

In addition, Plantwell High Protein Bone & Gut contains a range of B vitamins, including gut supporting Vitamins B2 and B3, 50% of your RDI of Vitamin D from mushroom, as well as minerals iodine, iron and magnesium.

Question 18

What are prebiotic fibres?

Accepted Answer

Prebiotic fibres feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Question 19

What is FOS and how does it support gut health?

Accepted Answer

FOS stands for fructooligosaccharides. FOS is a type of prebiotic fibre found in plants like blue agave, chicory root, bananas, and others. Clinical studies have shown that adding 2.5g (FOS) daily promotes the growth of bifidobacteria, good gut bacteria, with effects after just 1 week. For an all-round gut health diet, we recommend incorporating FOS daily as part of a balanced diet including fibre-rich core foods such as wholegrains, legumes, veg, fruit, nuts, and seeds.

Question 20

How much do I need to consume to enjoy the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Each serve contains the clinically proven amount of FOS to promote bifidobacteria, good gut bacteria, when consumed daily, so one serve daily is all you need to enjoy the benefit.

Question 21

How does calcium help with bone health?

Accepted Answer

Calcium is an essential mineral that provides strength and structure for bones. It is a key mineral at all life stages, for developing and maintaining healthy bones, reducing risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in adults over 65 with adequate vitamin D status, when following a diet high in calcium.

Question 22

How does vitamin D help with bone health?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, making these nutrients a great power pair for bone health. Vitamin D also regulates calcium levels in the blood, which helps maintain healthy bone turnover and development.

Question 23

How does protein help with bone health?

Accepted Answer

Protein makes up a large component of our bones and assists with bone structure and repair. Since our bones are continuously rebuilding, having adequate protein is key for maintaining healthy muscles.

Question 24

What are bifidobacteria?

Accepted Answer

There are trillions of bacteria on and in your body, and many types are extremely important for your health. One of the most important types is called Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are beneficial bacteria found in your intestines where they perform many functions important to good health.

Question 25

Will I experience gut symptoms from FOS and other prebiotic fibres?

Accepted Answer

If you are not used to having prebiotic fibre, your digestive system may need a little time to adjust. This is no cause for concern as symptoms should ease within a few days as your gut flourishes and learns to handle the prebiotic fibre efficiently. Note that it’s also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day when increasing fibre intake. If you have a pre-existing gastrointestinal condition such as IBS, prebiotic fibre may trigger symptoms. If you are unsure if this product is for you, we recommend speaking with your treating dietitian.

Question 26

What is the clinical proof behind FOS?

Accepted Answer

FOS boasts robust clinical evidence, gold standard human randomised placebo controlled trials. The evidence, such as the study by Bouhnik et al below, supports the beneficial impact of FOS on promoting the growth of bifidobacteria, good gut bacteria, when consumed at 2.5g once daily with effects after just 1 week.

Bouhnik Y, Raskine L, Simoneau G, Paineau D, Bornet F. The capacity of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides to stimulate faecal Bifidobacterium: a dose-response relationship study in healthy humans. Nutr J 2006;5:8.

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448190/

Question 27

Can anyone drink Plantwell High Protein Bone & Gut?

Accepted Answer

This product is designed for adults, with their nutrient requirements in mind, and older children and adolescents can also enjoy this product as part of a healthy, varied diet. Due to the high vitamin and mineral content of this product, it is not recommended that young children 8 years and under consume this product as their sole source of milk/dairy alternative, as they are likely to exceed the recommended intakes for their age. If unsure, we recommend reaching out to a dietitian to assist with your child’s nutritional needs.

Question 28

What is Plantwell Immune Defence?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell Immune Defence is a deliciously nutty and light tasting almond milk that is versatile to enjoy hot or cold. It contains superfood Wellmune beta glucans. 250mg Wellmune beta glucans have been clinically proven to support a strong immune system. Studies have shown immune effects within 10 days of daily consumption. Plantwell Immune Defence also contains immune essential micronutrients- vitamins B6, B9, B12, C and iron to support a healthy immune system, and vitamin E to protect against free radical damage. Enjoy as part of a healthy, varied diet.

Question 29

How much do I need to consume to enjoy the benefit?

Accepted Answer

As each serve of Plantwell Immune Defence contains 250mg Wellmune, the efficacious dose supported by clinical studies, you only need one serve daily to enjoy the benefit.

Question 30

Can I overconsume Wellmune?

Accepted Answer

There are no known side effects or safety concerns reported in relation to overconsuming Wellmune.

Question 31

How does Wellmune improve immunity?

Accepted Answer

Wellmune is a type of beta glucan derived from baker’s yeast that have been demonstrated to have positive effects on the immune system. Once Wellmune is absorbed by the gut, it is transferred to immune organs throughout the body and broken down into smaller fragments which attach themselves to specific white blood cells called ‘neutrophils’. Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells in the body. One of their key roles is recognising and destroying foreign substances, such as viruses. When ‘primed’ with Wellmune fragments, they carry out this task more effectively. A simple way of putting it is that our immune system is more prepared to respond quickly when foreign invaders come along, reducing the chance of getting sick or reducing the duration or severity of symptoms if you do.

Question 32

How is Wellmune clinically proven?

Accepted Answer

More than a dozen high quality clinical studies on humans have measured and observed Wellmune’s effects in a variety of ways, such as looking at immune cell activity, as well as (importantly) the incidence, duration, and severity of cold and flu symptoms. When consumed consistently at a dose of 250mg each day, evidence from these studies show positive changes to the immune system in as little as 10 days.

Below are two notable notable human trials on Wellmune:

Carpenter KC, Breslin WL, Davidson T, Adams A, McFarlin BK. Baker's yeast β-glucan supplementation increases monocytes and cytokines post-exercise: implications for infection risk? Br J Nutr. 2013 Feb 14;109(3):478-86. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001407. Epub 2012 May 10. PMID: 22575076. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22575076/

McFarlin et al. “Oral Supplementation with Baker's Yeast Beta Glucan is Associated with Altered Monocytes, T Cells and Cytokines Following a Bout of Strenuous Exercise.” (2017) Frontiers in Physiology 8:786. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2017.00786/full

Question 33

Can anyone drink Plantwell Immune Defence?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell Immune Defence was developed with an adult’s nutrient requirements in mind. Older children and adolescents may incorporate this product as part of a healthy, varied diet as well. Due to the energy and protein content, this product is not intended to be a complete milk replacement for children under 5 years of age.

Question 34

How is vitamin D sourced from mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

Just like skin, mushrooms have the remarkable ability to produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. While most mushrooms are cultivated indoors and lack significant Vitamin D content, Plantwell takes a different approach. The agaricus bisporus (white button) mushrooms used in Plantwell have been grown in special conditions in which sunlight is replicated indoors to produce vitamin D rich mushrooms.

Question 35

How is calcium sourced from seaweed?

Accepted Answer

At Plantwell we love discovering nutrient-rich ingredients from nature. This is why we use a remarkable seaweed to deliver the calcium in some of our Plantwell plant milks. This seaweed comes from the Lithothamnion species, sustainably sourced from the North Atlantic seabed, delivering a highly bioactive form of calcium.

Question 36

Is Plantwell suitable for vegans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Plantwell plant milks are plant-based and not formulated using any animal-derived ingredients.

Question 37

Are Plantwell milks low in sugar?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Plantwell plant milks are low in sugar. To qualify as “low sugar” plant milks need to contain no more than 2.5g sugar per 100ml. Plantwell contains:

Plantwell High Protein Bone & Gut: 0.7g/100ml
Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering: 2g/100ml
Plantwell Immune Defence: 0.7g/100ml

Question 38

Are Plantwell milks cholesterol free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Plantwell milks are naturally cholesterol free.

Question 39

Are Plantwell milks low in saturated fat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Plantwell plant milks are low in saturated fat.

Question 40

Are there any preservatives, artificial colours or artificial flavours?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell products are free of all the above.

Question 41

Are Plantwell milks suitable for gluten-free diets/people with coeliac disease?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell Cholesterol Lowering is an oat milk and therefore contains gluten.

Plantwell Immune Defence and Plantwell High Protein Bone & Gut do not include any gluten-containing ingredients, nor is gluten identified as being a contact risk to these products.

If unsure whether Plantwell milks are suitable for your personal dietary requirement and health needs, we recommend speaking with a dietitian.

Question 42

Can I drink Plantwell when I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

There are no known reasons why Plantwell should be avoided during pregnancy. If unsure, we recommended checking in with your healthcare practitioner and/or dietitian.

Question 43

How long will Plantwell milks last in my pantry?

Accepted Answer

Plantwell milks have a long shelf life and can be stored unopened in the pantry or fridge, with the best before date on pack. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and use within 5 days. Don’t forget to shake well before each use to enjoy the nourishing goodness of Plantwell.

Question 44

Are Plantwell milks low FODMAP?

Accepted Answer

We haven’t tested Plantwell milks for FODMAP content. The high prebiotic fibre content likely means that Plantwell is not low FODMAP. We recommend checking in with a dietitian to assess whether these products may be suitable for your FODMAP needs.

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