DSM introduces animal-free lycopene beadlet form

DSM Nutritional Products is introducing a new formulation of lycopene suitable for the spectrum of specialist diets, giving its customers one ingredient suitable for dietary supplement, food and beverage applications.

Redivivo 10 per cent CWS/S-TG is a 10 per cent animal-free and allergen-free lycopene that has been developed in response to consumer demand for products without ingredients derived from animals and without allergens, said the company.

These new forms of the carotenoid are manufactured with DSM's beadlet technology, Actilease, that ensures excellent performance and product stability, said the company in a statement.

Lycopene, found in high levels in tomatoes, has been reported to have benefits for a range of health conditions, most notably heart health and potential risk reductions for prostate, gastric, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.

DSM is building up its line of 'one-size-fits-all' ingredients having already introduced a range of animal-free ingredients including vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D3, Coenzyme Q10 (ALL-Q), lutein, and zeaxantin (Optisharp).

The globalization of ingredients appears to be a trend within the industry. Product announcements of new ingredients now typically come with a list of claims they can make. Several supplement ingredient firms have gone to lengths to obtain kosher and/or halal certification recently, including plant extract supplier Naturex, and Fortitech.

BASF, DSM's chief competitor in vitamins, has also introduced a range of animal-free ingredients including vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K1 and beta-carotene formulations that can be reportedly be marketed as vegetarian, allergen-free, kosher certified, halal certified, and GMO-, BHT-, dioxin-, and gluten-free.