EFSA Issues Safety Opinion for Chromium Picolinate

In its safety assessment, EFSA concluded that chromium picolinate has a large margin of safety supporting its use as a source of chromium up to the maximum level established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

17 Jan 2011 --- INGREDIA NUTRITIONAL, a specialist in the development and marketing of premium innovative nutritional ingredients and solutions announces that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has issued its safety assessment supporting the use of chromium picolinate in foods intended for the general population in the European Union (EU). In its safety assessment, EFSA concluded that chromium picolinate has a large margin of safety supporting its use as a source of chromium up to the maximum level established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Prior to the assessment, in Europe, chromium picolinate was solely allowed for use as a nutritional supplement ingredient. After the publication in the Official Journal (OJ), this scientific opinion will become a formal EU approval of chromium picolinate as an acceptable form of chromium for use in EU foods. As a consequence, this will extend the field of opportunities and business expansion for Chromax and CarbliteT, two of INGREDIA NUTRITIONAL’s weight management ingredients both of which contain chromium picolinate and have clinically proven efficacy on the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Chromax is the registered trademark of Nutrition 21, Inc., the applicant of the EFSA dossier. In an exclusive arrangement, Ingredia Nutritional distributes Chromax throughout the European Union and other selected geographic regions.

Chromax acts on the regulation of blood sugar levels as well as having a positive impact on satiety and depression. Consequently, it indirectly improves body composition by reducing sugar storage in human tissues, thus preventing fat building.

CarbliteT’s efficacy in reducing weight indicators lies in a synergistic action on both simple sugars and complex carbohydrates. It decreases complex carbohydrates digestion while increasing insulin sensitivity, which allows to limit post-prandial glycemia responsible for sugar conversion and storage into fat tissues.

Dr Hervé Gasnier, director of INGREDIA NUTRITIONAL said: “We welcome this new support from EFSA for use of chromium picolinate in EU foods and look forward to working on innovative developments with our clients, in the field of functional foods.”