IBN self-affirms lemon flavonoid as GRAS, eyes benefits beyond blood glucose and inflammation

30 Mar 2022 --- Ingredients by Nature (IBN) has received self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for Eriomin, its lemon flavonoid. The ingredient – which delivers a multi-functional approach to addressing elevated blood glucose levels, inflammation levels and oxidative stress – is now certified safe for US food supply.

“It is important for us that we are able to share with our customers that based on scientific procedures, Eriomin is now GRAS. Through further studies and research, we are excited to see what other benefits this ingredient has in store,” says Rob Brewster, president of IBN.

IBN received assistance from GRAS Associates, a fully owned subsidiary of Nutrasource, in compiling the scientific safety review and analysis. 

“An independent panel of qualified experts unanimously agreed that use of Eriomin in nutritional beverages at levels up to 0.84 mg per ml is GRAS,” adds Amy Mozingo, vice president of US nutra regulatory sciences for Nutrasource and GRAS Associates.

GRAS Associates assists supplement and food ingredient companies with full regulatory scientific services from concept to claim, including regulatory guidance and program development, establishing the safety of ingredients, claims substantiation and technical label review for US market access.

Targeting prediabetes and e-sports
Eriomin is a high-potency standardized extract of lemon-based flavonoids. IBN offers Eriomin Glucose, which targets the one in three adults affected by prediabetes. Marketing claims for this include: 

• Helps maintain blood glucose levels within the normal range.
• Helps support normal insulin sensitivity.
• Helps manage a healthy inflammation response.
• Supports healthy cell function through increased antioxidant activity.

Also on offer is Eriomin Esport, which taps into the US$138 billion global electronic gaming industry. In this capacity, it supports quicker reaction performance and body recovery. IBN currently offers more than 300 ingredient variations, including various citrus-derived ingredients.

It also promotes eye health by increasing antioxidant activity in the macula and promotes healthy hearing by minimizing the ear damage from extended headphone use. 

“The reception of this self-GRAS status goes to show our continued investment and focus on developing and researching these beneficial ingredients,” says Brewster. 

Suitable for supplements and functional F&B
Within dietary supplements, Eriomin can be used as a versatile powder for single-ingredient capsules, soft gels and blends. Compressed granules are also available for tablets.

The ingredient can further be suspended in beverages or used as a natural preservative in functional F&B. It naturally has a bitter flavor, but this can be masked. 

In early 2020, IBN first received patent approval for the use of eriocitrin in its ingredient formulations, specifically for reducing blood glucose levels. 

Last July, it acquired the Sytrinol brand, which uses compounds in citrus peel and palm fruit extracts to support heart health.

Edited by Katherine Durrell