DES MOINES, IOWA – (August 25, 2004) – Kemin Foods, L.C. has obtained a patent from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for the production of purified, crystalline lutein. Kemin manufactures and markets the lutein under the brand FloraGLO Lutein.

The Canadian patent – no. 2239971 – is a 20-year patent in Canada granted to Kemin for the process of  “forming, isolating and purifying xanthophyll crystals, preferably lutein, from marigold flower petals...The substantially pure xanthophyll crystals so obtained are suitable for human consumption,” according to the patent abstract.

“Our purified lutein is identical to the lutein found in spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, as well as eggs. It requires a unique, complex production system. The patent protects the substantial investments in quality and innovation crucial to producing purified lutein,” said Zoraida DeFreitas, Ph.D., director of research and development for Kemin Foods.

“Consumers of supplements, foods and beverages enhanced with Kemin Foods’ FloraGLO Lutein can be confident it is a quality ingredient made according to a proven and patented process,” said DeFreitas.
The Canadian patent is the latest among patents granted for FloraGLO Lutein in the United States, Japan, The European Union, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.

About Kemin Foods and FloraGLO Lutein

Numerous peer-reviewed studies link the important eye-health benefits of the natural antioxidant lutein with reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Newer science also has suggested lutein may promote healthy skin. Sourced from marigold flowers and purified from marigold flower oleoresin, FloraGLO Lutein is the world’s leading patented, purified lutein. Products with FloraGLO Lutein contain the same lutein naturally found in spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables, as well as eggs.

Lutein, present in many areas of the eye including the macula and lens, appears to filter high-energy blue wavelengths of visible light—from both natural sunlight and indoor light. Lutein also appears to quench free radicals that may lead to oxidative stress that can damage cells in these tissues. Studies indicate that daily intake of 6 mg to 10 mg may be beneficial.  Lutein’s light-filtering, antioxidant qualities may help protect the outer and inner layers of skin through use of oral and topical skin-care products.

Kemin Foods is ISO 9001:2000 certified and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.  It is an affiliated company of Kemin Industries Inc., with manufacturing facilities in Iowa, Texas, Belgium, India, China, Singapore and Thailand. To learn more about Kemin Foods and FloraGLO brand lutein, visit www.FloraGLOlutein.com or www.luteininfo.com.

Contact:
Craig Maltby
Kemin Foods L.C.
Email Address: cmaltby@keminfoods.com
Telephone: 515.248.4037