GRAS approval for Blue California’s DHQ “opens doors” for F&B brands targeting immunity and skin
26 May 2021 --- Blue California’s dihydroquercetin (DHQ) is now deemed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) in a range of foods and beverages following a letter of no objection from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“This GRAS status is good news for consumers and brands alike because it opens new doors for brands to create products that will excite health-conscious consumers,” says Dr. Linda May-Zhang, research, science and innovation officer at Blue California.
Also known as taxifolin, the flavonoid is naturally found in a variety of fruits and vegetables like apples, olives and red onions.
According to the company, it possesses powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support immune health and stimulate collagen production.
“DHQ has a greater antioxidant capacity when compared to vitamin C, and it is ideal in a variety of on-trend food applications, including beverages, yogurt and chocolate products,” continues May-Zhang.
Taxifolin BC-DHQ is based on a flavonoid naturally found in apples.
Building on its relationship with Conagen
Blue California’s offering is called Taxifolin BC-DHQ, and it is a high-purity product that can improve color stability for beverages, extend shelf life and enhance flavor.
Additionally, innovation partner Conagen developed a sustainable and scalable DHQ using its proprietary bioconversion process.
“Our ability to rapidly scale up and commercialize this and other novel ingredient solutions demonstrates our strength as a strategic service partner,” says Dr. Casey Lippmeier, vice president of innovation at Conagen.
In August, the biotechnology firm also created a proprietary process for the scalable production of non-GMO human milk oligosaccharides.
It has also previously worked with Blue California on bitter blocker technology and on the preservation solution high-purity rosmarinic acid.
Tackling immunity
According to Blue California, DHQ seeks and neutralizes free radicals in the body. Its molecular structure makes it especially effective at preventing cellular damage. May-Zhang deems it a “promising ingredient for immune health.”
This allows DHQ to address the significant consumer demand for immunity products. According to Innova’s Consumer Survey 2020, six out of ten global consumers are increasingly looking for F&B products that support their immune health. Additionally, one in three say that concerns about immune health increased in 2020 over 2019.
The market researcher also reveals that the use of immune health positionings for food and drinks is rising, with 1.7 percent of global launches over the first ten months of 2020 using this type of claim, up from just 1 percent five years previously.
NPD ranges from standard supplements like capsules and powders to iced teas and cheese. 
DHQ can address immunity and skin health demands.
Skin benefits
DHQ can also play an important role in skin health since it protects cells and stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin.
“Not only is DHQ regarded as a promising ingredient to immune health, it may also be used in cosmetic applications for anti-aging and UV-protection,” emphasizes May-Zhang.
Earlier this week, a study also revealed that Euromed’s pomegranate concentrate can help attenuate oxidative stress caused by excessive UV radiation, among other skin health benefits.
Meanwhile, Lycored’s ingestible tomato extract was found to help prevent the loss of type III collagen. This form of collagen decreases in response to inflammatory cytokines, known to be induced by UV and other skin issues.
Edited by Katherine Durrell
