DSM and Kemin Launch New Forms of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

02 Oct 2015 --- DSM and Kemin have announced two new additions to their portfolio of eye health solutions including FloraGLO Lutein and OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin, which are being introduced as part of their longstanding partnership. This move signals the continued investment by DSM and Kemin in providing high quality ingredients, tailored applications expertise and access to the latest scientific advances, in response to the growth in global demand for dietary supplements targeted at eye health and visual comfort.

The most recent addition to the OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin range is OPTISHARP Natural in powder form. Ideal for formulation in tablets, as well as innovative delivery systems such as gummies, chewables and sticks, this stable ingredient provides the same free form of zeaxanthin naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Lutein-zeaxanthin powder blends customized to specific ratios can also be created via DSM’s premix service, Fortitech Premixes. The other new offering is a FloraGLO-OPTISHARP suspension. This format targets traditional soft gel applications. Combining lutein and zeaxanthin in a 5:1 ratio, it has a macular carotenoid content of 24%.

“This is an important step in our plans to expand our FloraGLO Lutein and OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin range by offering new product formats to meet rising demand for effective eye health ingredients,” comments Jens Birrer, global marketing manager at DSM. “Further product forms are currently under development, and we remain equally focused on our ongoing commitment to fund new trials to investigate the positive role these carotenoid ingredients play in improving both eye health and visual performance.” 

Sustainably-sourced from the marigold flower, the new variants offer dietary supplement manufacturers the opportunity to develop wider applications tailored to consumer preferences. 

“Our aim is to maintain the momentum and interest in eye health created by recent research, which either corroborates established understanding of lutein and zeaxanthin or highlights exciting new areas for further exploration,” says Anita Norian, President of the Human Nutrition and Health business unit at Kemin. “The GLARE2 study, for example, published earlier this year points to the potential benefits of these ingredients in enhancing visual performance in a younger demographic. This opens up an, as yet, untapped market opportunity to develop eye health products for consumers of all ages; both traditionally-defined, older consumers concerned with age-related eye disease and young, healthy individuals keen to optimize visual performance and comfort.” 

Marketed by DSM and manufactured by Kemin, FloraGLO Lutein and OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin are produced in a complete supply chain management system which ensures tight control and consistent quality at every stage of production; from seed and field selection to cultivation and flower harvesting. Adherence to best practice and compliance with worldwide regulations is assured. 

Prototypes of OPTISHARP Natural and FloraGLO Lutein will be on display and an eye health soft chew will be available for visitors to sample at SupplySide West.