Rapid vitamin D absorption: DSM’s calcidiol lands EFSA approval in EU

07 Jul 2021 --- Royal DSM’s calcidiol product ampli-D – also known as calcifediol – has received a positive Novel Food assessment opinion for its safety and bioavailability from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The milestone is key for the authorization of ampli-D’s sale across the EU.

EFSA recognized the more efficient absorption of calcidiol compared to regular vitamin D3 to increase the level of vitamin D in the blood and hence improve the vitamin D status of an individual.

Moreover, EFSA’s favorable opinion supports the safety of calcidiol in food supplements for children over 11 years old and adults, including pregnant and lactating women.

“This positive EFSA opinion opens up exciting potential in vitamin D innovation, with the addition of an advanced and potent form to our portfolio,” André Rhoen, regional vice president of EMEA at DSM, adds.

Following regulatory approval last year ampli-D is already available in Australia.

In the US, ampli-D is included in d.velop, a direct-to-consumer brand introduced by Hologram Sciences. Notably, d.velop is more effective than traditional vitamin D tablets in achieving ideal levels.

Benefits of ampli-D
Vitamin D is well-known for its involvement in bone and muscle health and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. However, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that it may also reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections.Ampli-D is more effective than traditional vitamin D3 pills in terms of absorption.

“Consumers increasingly recognize the growing associations between the so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’ and immunity, yet globally 88 percent of individuals are reported to have suboptimal vitamin D levels,” comments Martin Dos Ramos, vice president of dietary supplements at DSM.

“DSM’s new ampli-D, a highly bioavailable form of vitamin D, is ideally placed to support dietary supplement brands in creating purpose-led products that can quickly tackle low vitamin D status – achieving optimal levels in the body in a matter of days and weeks, rather than months,” he continues.

Previously, the WHO recommended people with vitamin D deficiency take regular supplements to avoid the risks associated with falling.

According to researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Vitamin D supplementation could be a simple and inexpensive approach to minimize cancer mortality.

Recently, EFSA also approved Lallemand’s vitamin D yeast for use in 34 food categories, including fermented milk or cream products, as well as meat and dairy analogs.

By Nicole Kerr