Cypress Systems recently announced that it has achieved self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for its organically bound, natural food form of selenium yeast, SelenoExcell. This is the first GRAS notification for a selenium source for use in infant formula for healthy, full-term infants, according to Cypress Systems.
“While the FDA mandated the use of selenium in infant formula in 2019, until now only inorganic forms of selenite or selenate were allowed, which prevented manufacturers from using the highest quality option,” explained Cypress Systems, Inc. President/COO Michelle Martin. “SelenoExcell is the gold standard for maternal health supplementation, so extending its benefits to infants is a seamless evolution. We are honored to be the first organic selenium ingredient to attain Infant GRAS.”
Standing out in the category
Martin told NutraIngredients-USA that the company obtained infant GRAS because selenium has been mandated in infant formula for the past four years.
“—Yet, no selenium ingredient has achieved it —we are the first organically-bound selenium yeast to obtain infant GRAS status. It is an intensive process to do self-affirmed GRAS. Still, we felt it was critical to differentiate, providing additional credibility for infant formula and overall infant nutrition, including children’s supplements. SelenoExcell also has food GRAS status and can be used in various applications,” said Martin. “This accomplishment of infant GRAS allows SelenoExcell to support every age and life stage.”
Minerals highlighted at CRN conference
During the presentation New Perspectives on Today’s Dietary Supplement Consumer at the Council for Responsible Nutrition conference, survey results revealed that among users who take supplements for immune health, 4% say they take selenium.
Martin was also present for that presentation, noting the double-digit increases in mineral supplements and nutritional drinks & meal supplements highlighted in the report.
“As consumers become better educated and begin to understand the power of organic vs. inorganic forms of minerals, they will choose a form that will have the best impact on their health. Our ingredient formulates well into those different formats and now in infant formula,” said Martin.