OmniActive Achieves Self-Affirmed GRAS for Lutemax Product

Lutemax 2020 delivers the only complete source of both lutein and zeaxanthin isomers in significantly higher concentrations, for convenient and more beneficial nutrient availability.

Nov 2 2010 --- OmniActive Health Technologies announced that its Lutemax 2020 ingredient has successfully achieved self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status and is safe for use in a range of food and beverage applications. The process involved an intensive and comprehensive review of safety and toxicology data by an independent panel of qualified experts. Lutemax 2020 delivers the only complete source of both lutein and zeaxanthin isomers in significantly higher concentrations, for convenient and more beneficial nutrient availability.

"We are pleased to now be able to offer food and beverage manufacturers our popular Lutemax 2020 product as a single high quality ingredient that provides the most researched ingredients for eye health - lutein and zeaxanthin isomers - in an optimal balance" noted Hiren Doshi, Vice President, OmniActive Health Technologies. "Attaining GRAS status for Lutemax 2020 demonstrates our continued commitment to safety and quality, and will encourage more manufacturers to expand their product development opportunities. By supplementing lutein and zeaxanthin isomers in our diet, we can ensure that our body is getting the required levels nutritionally associated with healthy eyes."

Many eye health products supply only one of three carotenoids necessary for macular health - lutein. While lutein is a potent antioxidant that provides a significant amount of the total carotenoid content of the eye, healthy eyes require more than just lutein alone. Two other necessary carotenoids are zeaxanthin isomers named 3R, 3’R zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. These isomers are critical players in fighting the natural effects of aging and in supplying the macula with vital, protective nutrients. Together, lutein, 3R, 3’R zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin protect and support the macula of the eye for overall eye health.

Lutemax 2020 balances all three macular carotenoids to support superior eye health, and has been determined to be safe for use in foods and beverages.

OmniActive's Lutemax line - which includes Lutemax free lutein and lutein esters, as well as Lutemax 2020 - offers manufacturers a safe and effective way to create products to target individuals looking to improve their eye health through foods and beverages they consume on a daily basis including cereals, energy bars, juices, non-carbonated beverages, energy drinks and meal replacement bars. Additionally, fortifying products with Lutemax lutein ingredients does not affect the taste profile or aroma of the end product.

OmniActive's Lutemax ingredients are manufactured under a fully integrated supply chain process that starts with the cultivation of marigold flowers and continues through the extraction and manufacturing. The company has established a dedicated group of farmers in India that grow marigolds without feed-grade additives and preservatives or pesticides such as ethoxyquin. This vertically integrated process helps to enhance quality, purity and performance of the raw material.  Once harvested, the marigolds are dehydrated and extracted into oleoresins in dedicated facilities under food-grade standards. Lutein is then isolated and purified from the marigold oleoresin using GRAS solvents in OmniActive's cGMP, HACCP and ISO-22000 certified facility.