Malaysian concern about their health
Danisco Sweeteners’ March 2006 survey on consumer attitudes concludes that Malaysians are concerned about their health. In a modest poll of 100 grocery shoppers (50 Chinese and 50 Malay), the company found that:

1. 67 percent of consumers were reportedly more likely to buy reduced-sugar products compared to sugar-free products.
2. Grocery shoppers were most interested in 'high in fiber' claims (97 percent).
   
3. The top three concerns were: A healthy heart (81 percent), cholesterol level (75 percent) and digestive health (74 percent).
   
4. 100 percent of consumers were aware of fiber, and 79 percent were aware of fructose.
   
5. Only 44 percent of respondents had heard of the Glycemic Index (GI), and awareness of its relationship to regulating blood sugar levels was also not high.
   
6. There was a strong association of fiber with constipation and gut health (95 percent and 92 percent respectively).
7. Consumers were aware of the association of the prebiotics role with boosting the immune system and increasing healthy bacteria.
8. 69 percent of consumers would increase the intake of fruit and/or vegetables as a way to a healthy diet, and reducing sugar intake was considered important (52 percent).