(June 24, 2006, Orlando, FL)  OPTISHARP™ brand zeaxanthin from DSM Nutritional Products can make products more appealing to consumers who are seeking foods and beverages containing nutrients that have been associated with eye health.  Scientific studies have shown a positive relationship between the consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin and a lower incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. These eye conditions are the leading causes of acquired blindness in the world’s elderly population.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are the only two carotenoids found in the macula of the eye and growing evidence indicates that zeaxanthin may be the perfect complement to lutein.  According to the USDA’s Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII), the average adult intake of zeaxanthin in normal diets is just 0.3 – 0.5 mg per day (compared with 1.5 to 2.5 mg for lutein).  Epidemiological evidence associating diet and a decreased risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye diseases suggests the need for approximately 6.0 mg or more per day of zeaxanthin and lutein – creating a daily dietary gap that is believed to be between 1.0 and 5.0 mg.

Several studies and supporting data (such as: ENVIRON recipe database; 1994-1996 USDA CSFII; 1998 USDA-NCI Carotenoid database) indicate that the aggregate average dietary intake ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein is an average of 1 part zeaxanthin to 5 parts lutein.

DSM Nutritional Products is the global leader in eye health and the company’s formulation experts will work closely with customers to create foods and beverages containing lutein and OPTISHARP™ zeaxanthin.  DSM Nutritional Products OPTISHARP™ zeaxanthin is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and the ingredient is well suited for a variety of applications, including ready-to-eat cereals, cereal bars, spaghetti sauces, egg substitutes, yogurt, energy bars, fruit juices and fruit drinks, energy drinks, meal replacement drinks, and soy-based beverages.

DSM Nutritional Products is the world’s premier nutritional ingredient supplier to producers of foods, beverages and dietary supplements. The company has an international network of technical service, production and distribution facilities along with sales and marketing presence in more than 100 countries.  In addition to its vast ingredient portfolio, DSM Nutritional Products provides unparalleled processing and manufacturing expertise in developing innovative formulations that add value and consumer appeal to fortified foods and beverages.

For more information about DSM Nutritional Products OPTISHARPTM brand zeaxanthin, attendees to the 2006 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) annual convention in Orlando can visit the DSM Nutritional Products booth (#2020).  Also, please contact DSM Nutritional Products, Inc. at 45 Waterview Boulevard, Parsippany, New Jersey, 07054-1293. Phone: 1-800-526-0189.  Website: www.nutraaccess.com.

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