Prepared Foods and its NutraSolutions brand present this annual “Ingredients for Health” reference. It offers market data and information about commercially available ingredients that assist developers and formulators with products that target various health benefits. From ingredients such as chia seed and red tomato for antioxidant supplementation, to the colors, flavors and textures that make nutraceutical products attractive and palatable, this section offers a comprehensive range of new offerings.

The categories are as follows:

• Antioxidants for Health
• Bone & Joint Health
• Cardiovascular Health
• Cognitive Health
• Diabetic Benefits
• Digestive Health
• Energy and/or Sports Performance
• Eye Health
• Immunity Enhancement
• Weight Management
• General Health

Eye Health

Food and drinks products marketed on an eye health platform are still relatively few and far between, although activity has increased markedly in recent years, as an aging population is increasingly concerned over issues such as age-related macular degeneration. Global launch numbers recorded by Innova Market Insights have more than doubled in the last few years and rose a further 25% in 2012. Infant formulas and baby milks continue to dominate, in terms of launch numbers, but fruit juices and drinks; drink concentrates and mixes; breakfast cereals; and milk and dairy drinks also featured increasing activity. Despite ingredient manufacturers offering specialist blends, much of the activity recorded in the U.S. is still based around soft drinks from fruit and vegetables with naturally high carotenoid and antioxidant contents. Individual ingredients featuring strongly include vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids. Blueberries and bilberries, traditionally associated with eye health in Japan, also are increasingly showing up further afield.

–Lu Ann Williams, Innova Market Insights,

helpdesk@innovami.com, www.innovadatabase.com          

Flower Power

Kemin, pioneer of FloraGLO brand Lutein, is extending its eye health expertise with new ZeaONE, a dietary, free-form zeaxanthin ingredient naturally sourced from marigolds. Zeaxanthin, like lutein, acts as a protective antioxidant in the eye and is proven to promote eye health. Scientific evidence shows that supplementing diets with lutein and zeaxanthin daily keeps eyes healthy, improves visual performance and helps reduce the risk of certain eye conditions. The latest findings from the National Eye Institute’s second age-related eye disease study (AREDS2) also report that 2mg of zeaxanthin, along with 10mg of FloraGLO Lutein, can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The zeaxanthin in ZeaONE comes from a patented line of hybrid marigolds exclusively licensed to Kemin and contains high levels of the zeaxanthin carotenoid. The zeaxanthin ingredient manufactured by Kemin provides the free-form of zeaxanthin found in most fruits and vegetables and does not contain zeaxanthin esters. Dietary, free-form of zeaxanthin, like ZeaONE, differs from zeaxanthin esters, which first must be de-esterified by the body. This requires an enzymatic process that can vary greatly among individuals and affect absorption.

–Kemin Industries Inc., 800-777-8307

www.kemin.com

Superior Science, Support

 Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. It is found in many body tissues, however, together with Zeaxanthin, it is most strikingly accumulated in the eye –specifically the macula, a small region at the back of the retina—which is responsible for central vision. Patented FloraGLO Lutein, essential to eye and skin health is the most clinically researched lutein ingredient on the market today. Based on special Actilease technology development to maximize nutritional absorption and the best bioavailability, FloraGLO Lutein is available in beadlet and fluid suspension forms for food, beverage, direct compression and other supplement applications. Due to its uniform particle size and excellent flow ability, FloraGLO Lutein makes formulation of a quality product easy.   Benefits include lower overage, smaller tables and higher yields, saving time and money.  FloraGLO Lutein is absorbed directly in the body without the need for enzymatic digestion.

—DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., 800-526-0189

www.dsm.com

Protect Eyes

Lutein belongs to the carotenoid family and can be found in marigold flowers, dark leafy vegetables and egg yolks. While lutein is important to the human body, it can only be obtained through ingestion of foods and dietary supplements. Lutein can be found in the eye, blood serum, skin, cervix, brain and breast.  In particular, there is a high concentration of lutein in the macular region of the retina. Apart from its anti-oxidative capabilities, lutein also filters the high-energy, blue wavelengths of light from the visible-light spectrum by as much as 90%. Blue light is believed to induce oxidative stress and possible free-radical damage to the eyes. Lutein can protect the eye against cataract and macular degeneration.  In the eye, decreased macular pigment is associated with macular thinning and increased risk of macular degeneration.  Administration of lutein increases macular pigment and macular thickness.  It has been found that people with the highest levels of lutein in their blood are least likely to develop cataracts and macular degeneration. Allied Biotech Corporation manufactures Lutein under the Lutene brand name, which is offered in both powdered and liquid forms.

—Lugo Nutrition Inc., 302-573-2503

www.altratene.com or www.lugonutrition.com