The Danish supplier self-affirmed the GRAS status several years ago for its genetically modified yeast-derived version of resveratrol, and the new independent GRAS affirmation “takes Fluxome one step closer towards fulfilling our ambition to become the leading provider of high quality and natural nutraceutical ingredients and the preferred supplier to companies that value safe, consistent, pure and eco-friendly products,” said Steen Andersen, president and CEO of Fluxome A/S.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is an antioxidant naturally found in grapes and red wine, mulberries, peanuts and 'knotweed' (polygonum cuspidatum). Studies have led to claims that the compound can have positive anti-aging benefits, and may also have potential benefits in diabetes, heart health, obesity and some cancers.
These documented health benefits have generated significant interest in the ingredient from the supplements industry in particular.
The Fluxome ingredient, which the company claims is ‘natural’, is obtained using genetically modified yeast. The company uses a recombinant yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and removes the genes that would normally produce ethanol and carbon dioxide in the fermentation process.
In their place are inserted other genes that are able to produce resveratrol. These genes are typically taken from other microorganisms or from plants.
The controlled fermentation using this modified yeast results in a biomass consisting of yeast and resveratrol. The resveratrol, which is extracted through a separation process, has a minimum 98 percent purity, the company has previously stated.
“The GRAS status confirms the safety and superiority of fermentation-derived products, where all process parameters are tightly controlled," said Bo Stenhuus, PhD, vice president compliance. “With the GRAS status in the United States, Fluxome has taken a major step forward in its process of obtaining sales approvals for Fluxome Resveratrol in other countries and regions."