New eye health ingredient with exceptional stability targeted for growing vegetarian market

NEW ORLEANS, LA (July 17, 2005) -- Cognis Nutrition & Health is introducing its first vegetarian lutein esters beadlet, Xangold® 10% GFB, a natural-source eye health ingredient, at the IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) Food Expo.  Perfect for a range of baked goods including bars, crackers and cereals, Xangold® 10% GFB offers manufacturing advantages along with nutritional value to dry food formulators worldwide.
“Xangold® 10% GFB will appeal to food companies looking for one ingredient that will easily fit a range of needs from a manufacturing standpoint, with a consumer-friendly list of added benefits,” said Carrie Potaczek, Xangold® Product Manager.  Xangold® 10% GFB natural lutein esters are kosher, gelatin-free, non-GMO, GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) beadlets. “These product features make Xangold®  10% GFB the beadlet of choice for the burgeoning vegetarian market.” 

A growing body of evidence supports the role of lutein ester supplementation in maintaining healthy vision as we age.  Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts are among the leading causes of visual loss and blindness affecting millions of aging adults worldwide.  Fortunately, carotenoids found in Xangold® natural lutein esters are showing promise to help support eye health.  Research has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin, the only carotenoids found in the retina and lens of the eye, may act as antioxidants and filters to protect the eye from oxidative damage over a lifetime of exposure to harmful light.  Xangold® natural lutein esters are an excellent, bioavailable source of lutein.

Cognis has petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a qualified health claim (QHC) linking consumption of Xangold® natural lutein esters to a reduced risk of AMD and cataracts. 

About Xangold® Natural Lutein Esters
Xangold® natural lutein esters, extracted from marigold flowers that are grown specifically for Cognis, are available in two forms suitable for foods and nutritional supplements: 15% oil for soft gel capsules and oil-based food products, and 10% microencapsulated beadlets for tablets or dry foods. Both forms are available in IP-certified, non-GM grades.  Xangold®, which was the first source of lutein to complete the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) notification process in January 2003, is the natural ingredient of choice for successful eye health products, offering excellent bioavailability and stability.

For more information about Xangold® Natural Lutein Esters visit www.cognis.com or in North America, please call 800.673.3702 to place an order, e-mail cognis.custserv@cognis-us.com, or fax 513.482.3576. 
For information in Europe, call +49 2173 4995 116, e-mail nutrition-and-health-europe@cognis.com, or fax +49 2112006-10116.

For information in Asia Pacific, call +61.3.9584.4588, e-mail nutrition-and-health-asia@cognis.com, or fax +61.3.9584.8348.

About Cognis:
 
Cognis (www.Cognis.com) is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients.  It employs about 8,100 people, and has production sites and service centers in 30 countries.  The company has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries.  Additionally, Cognis provides solutions for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, textiles and plastics, as well as agriculture and mining.  Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and Schroder Ventures Life Sciences.  In 2004, Cognis recorded sales of 3.07 billion Euros and an operating profit before depreciation, amortization and exceptional items (EBITDA adjusted) of 362 million Euros.
  
Cognis Nutrition and Health, a business unit of Cognis Group, offers one of the industry’s largest  portfolios of natural-source, health-enhancing ingredients for dietary supplements, functional foods,  medical nutrition, pharmaceutical and healthcare products.  As a global supplier, Cognis partners with  industry leaders to provide science-backed products to meet today’s most pressing consumer health  needs. Cognis also manufactures emulsifiers, emulsifier-based compounds, and numerous other specialty  products for the food industry worldwide.

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