Eugene Science has developed a line of phytosterol powder and liquid ingredients suitable to be added to a variety of beverages, including milk, soymilk, juices, functional beverages and yogurts. This product will be marketed by ADM as part of the CardioAid family of phytosterol ingredients.
"This agreement will broaden ADM's portfolio of phytosterol products and position ADM as the leader in the market," said Steven Furcich, president of ADM's natural health and nutrition division.
In 2000 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an interim final rule authorizing a health claim for plant sterol esters, and recently the FDA indicated that the claim may be applied to free sterols.
Foods containing at least 0.65 g per serving of plant sterol esters (0.4 grams free sterol equivalent), eaten twice a day with meals for a daily intake of at least 1.3g (0.8 grams free sterol equivalent), as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
The phytosterols market is growing due to strong research showing the benefits of the ingredient and the recently approved heart health claim helping to raise the profile of the natural compounds. The American Heart Association and National Cholesterol Education Program recommends a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in soluble fiber and plant sterols to help individuals reduce their risk of heart disease.