DSM, Chrysantis, Kalsec have driven the group’s formation that will assist dietary supplements and food makers in working with zeaxanthin, including meeting GMP standards.
“There is a tremendous need to bridge the information gap between consumers, manufacturers and the regulatory bodies,” said Kristina Cselovszky, global business manager at DSM Nutritional Products.
“The Zeaxanthin Association membership provides companies with an unprecedented opportunity to join resources and build its understanding through education, research and quality assurance.”
Zeaxanthin operates in a similar space as other antioxidants such as lutein, beta-carotene, astaxanthin and bilberry, other ingredients that have clinical backing for their ability to benefit age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and general vision.
The director of product management in Nutritional Ingredients at Kalsec said: “The Zeaxanthin Association provides a unique opportunity to help all Zeaxanthin users to comply with the regulatory framework in the manufacturing of dietary supplements containing Zeaxanthin.”
Zeaxanthin is an isomer that can also be found in fruit or vegetables but the difference between various isomers is not fully understand and increasing understanding will be one of the group’s primary aims.
Chrysantis general manager, Manuel Pavon, said: “The new trade association membership provides companies with an exceptional chance to become the stewards of the dietary Zeaxanthin market and architects of a new positive self-regulatory coalition for quality, safety and open communication that benefits all members of the supply chain.”
The assocaition is open to manufacturers, formulators, distributors and marketers, as well as healthcare professionals, educators and researchers.