KitoZyme Chitosan Receives Positive Opinion in EFSA Evaluations and Obtains GRAS Status

With the evident efficacy of chitosan and in a matter of improving global health and well-being through nutrition, KitoZyme has successfully designed KiOnutrime, a unique, vegetal chitosan dedicated to the nutraceutical industry.

Sep 23 2011 --- In the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 5th batch released late June 2011, EFSA has issued a series of evaluations regarding Article 13.1 ‘general function’ health claims, including a positive evaluation related to chitosan and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol.

In weighing the evidence, a meta-analysis of Randomized controlled trials, which investigated the effects of chitosan consumption on blood lipids, has been evaluated by the Panel and showed a statistically significant reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations. The Panel concluded that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of chitosan and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations. It also considered that in order to obtain the claimed effect, 3g of chitosan should be consumed daily.

With the evident efficacy of chitosan and in a matter of improving global health and well-being through nutrition, KitoZyme has successfully designed KiOnutrime, a unique, vegetal chitosan dedicated to the nutraceutical industry. KiOnutrime, as a vegetarian fiber, is ideal for all weight management and cholesterol products thanks to its unique characteristics: unbeatable fat binding power (at least 800 times its own weight in fat), high quality and purity, safe, non-allergenic, Kosher and Halal certified. Major leaders evolving in the nutraceutical industry trust the efficacy of vegetal chitosan as a potent and pioneering fat-binder for weight and cholesterol management.

Moreover, in June 2011, KitoZyme received official notification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informing that vegetal chitosan obtained the GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe), Application: Beverage. The FDA has issued a notice confirming that the panel of experts has no objection on the use of chitosan, as processing aids in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages.

KiOnutrime and these advancements in the realm of vegetal chitosan are triggering new developments of chitosan-based dietary supplements and broaden the scope for innovative nutraceutical products, particularly in the area of dietary supplements for sports nutrition, cholesterol management, functional food, beverage and Halal and Kosher products.