The news follows earlier self-affirmation of the GRAS status of each individual strains, L. paracasei CNCM I-1572 L. paracasei DSM 26760.
L. paracasei CNCM I-1572 achieved self-affirmed GRAS status in 2018, while DSM 26760 received self-affirmed GRAS status in Spring 2021, allowing for the blend itself to now be fully self-affirmed GRAS, said the company in a press release.
Scientific substantiation
As reported by NutraIngredients-USA in 2020, the novel 50/50 blend of two Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (formerly known as Lactobacillus paracasei) strains has been shown to increase the absorption of key amino acids in plant proteins.
Data from a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, multi center, crossover study indicated that two weeks of consuming 20 grams per day of pea protein plus AminoAlta led to significant increases in methionine, histidine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, total BCAA (branched-chain amino acids), and total EAA (essential amino acids), compared to placebo plus the pea protein.
The study’s findings were originally presented by lead researcher Dr Ralf Jaeger, Managing Member of Milwaukee-based Increnovo LLC, at NutraIngredients-USA’s Sports Nutrition Summit in San Diego in February 2020, and were published in full in the journal Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins.
A growing market segment
“Market statistics show how relevant AminoAlta may be for the global plant-protein consumer,” said Gregory Bonfilio, president and CEO of SOFAR Americas. “AminoAlta helps to unlock some additional, meaningful value from amino acids found in plant-based proteins. Branched-chain and essential amino acids, including leucine and methionine—fundamental for sports performance and muscle building—were found in significantly higher amounts in blood samples.”
According to Research and Markets analysis, the U.S. plant-based food industry was valued at $5.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to nearly double its value in seven years to $10.7 billion in 2027. The U.S. plant-based protein market, according to Market Insights data, is projecting a 10 percent annual growth rate to reach $23.4 billion by 2027. The global market for probiotic products is projected to reach $69 billion by 2023, according to the Research and Markets report, “Global Probiotics Market to 2023” (2019).
“A major and widespread challenge has been trying to overcome the current absorption and health limitations of plant-based proteins, and AminoAlta was formulated to resolve this issue,” added Bonfilio. “Now, with GRAS approval for both strains, AminoAlta can be used with complete confidence in a wide variety of supplements and in concert with functional foods and beverages. AminoAlta is well-positioned in its application for products targeted to athletes and active individuals who are increasingly relying on more healthful plant-based protein supplements, as well as vegetarians and vegans, alike.”