Blue California Launches New Micro-Encapsulated Phytosterols

04/01/07 Blue California, an ingredient manufacturer in Southern California, announced its introduction of micro-encapsulated phytosterols 40%, in powder form, for water-soluble applications.

Phytosterols (also called plant sterols) are a group of steroid alcohol phytochemicals naturally occurring in plants. They are white powders with mild, characteristic odor, normally insoluble in water and soluble in alcohols. They have many applications as food additives, and in medicine and cosmetics. Blue California’s micro-encapsulation technology was used in the development of this new water-soluble form of phytosterols creating a wide array of opportunities for its customers in the beverage, dietary supplement and food industries.

Phytosterols are widely found in the plant kingdom and studies have consistently shown that plant sterols can help reduce cholesterol levels. A 2004 study from Washington University in St. Louis found phytosterols effectively reduce LDL-cholesterol when given as supplements, and the smaller amounts in natural foods also appear to be important. The study also found that since phytosterols have very low systemic absorption and are already present in healthy diets, increasing the intake of phytosterols may be a practical way to reduce coronary heart disease with minimum risk. Contraindications for phytosterol supplementation include those with the rare genetic disorders sitosterolemia and cerebrotendinotic xanthomatosis and pregnant and nursing women.

Cecilia McCollum, Blue California’s Executive Vice President states, “Blue California is proud to offer this new form of water-soluble phyterols to the beverage, food and dietary supplement industries. The excellent water-solubility of our micro-encapsulated phytosterols is expected to improve the absorption of these important plant sterols making dietary supplementation safe and efficacious”. Vegetable consumption in the U.S. is not ideal for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, especially since these important plant sterols are difficult to absorb, thus exacerbating the dietary deficiency. “A complete bioavailability study to determine the degree of absorption and the effect on cholesterol from dietary supplementation with this new ingredient is being considered at this time,” added McCollum.

Blue California is a GMP-registered manufacturer of Kosher-certified standardized botanical extracts and other specialty ingredients. Blue California uses raw materials from around the world to produce high quality ingredients for the dietary supplement and functional foods industries.

In addition, Blue California offers also contract-manufacturing services such as blending, granulation and chilsonation.