31 Oct 2011 EFSA nod for extracts with a functional boost

Natural ingredient manufacturer Naturex has developed a range of botanical extracts and yeast standardised in vitamins and minerals which makes it easier for food and beverage formulators to add functionality to food and beverages and give consumers the health and nutrition in natural form that they are demanding.

The European Food Safety Association (EFSA) has given its ‘Positive Opinion’ on these extracts regarding health claims relating to benefits such as immunity, energy, and skin health.

Products in the range include vitamin C from acerola, sea buckthorn, and rose hips; vitamin A from carrot; iodine from kelp; and selenium from yeast.

Health claims within the EFSA’s Positive Opinion for vitamin C are that it contributes to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage, normal collagen formation, normal function of bones, teeth, cartilage, gums, skin and blood vessels and of the nervous and immune systems, normal non-haem iron absorption, normal energy-yielding metabolism, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal psychological functions, regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E, and maintaining the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise.

Health claims for vitamin A include that it contributes to normal cell differentiation, normal function of the immune system, the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes and normal vision, and normal iron metabolism.

Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function, normal production of thyroid hormones, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and the maintenance of normal skin, normal growth of children, and normal cognitive and neurological function.

Selenium, within the EFSA’s positive opinion, contributes to the protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage, normal function of the immune system, normal thyroid function, normal spermatogenesis, maintenance of normal hair and nails.

Says Sharon Bolel of Sharon Bolel Chemical Marketing, sole distributors of Naturex’s wide range of natural ingredients in South Africa, ‘While one needs to bear in mind that labelling regulations differ from country to country, it’s worth noting that labelling suggestions from the EFSA for these products include “source of natural vitamin C” or “high natural vitamin C” (or any of the other products), depending on the percentages used. For instance, for selenium, the wording could be “source of natural selenium” or “contains yeast, a natural source of selenium” for 15% RDA, and “high natural selenium” or “contains yeast, naturally high in selenium” for 30% RDA.’

Bolel believes that these new botanical extracts standardised in vitamins and minerals will find purchase in the South African food and beverage manufacturing industry that is focusing its efforts on meeting consumer expectations.

Sharon Bolel Chemical Marketing: www.sharonbolel.co.za