More than 20 million Americans suffer from the discomfort of dry eye syndrome (lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis, or LKC), an ocular surface inflammation that develops from tear film failure that is regarded as one of the most frustrating clinical problems in daily ophthalmic practice.

On October 9, 2008, the World Intellectual Property Organization published the pending patent by DSM Nutritional Products for genistein, which, according to the patent, when ingested, has been shown to provide a simple alternative to eye drops for maintaining healthy eyes.

This discovery is based on a novel study in an animal model of induced dry eye syndrome. 

In this study, supplementation of the diet with genistein restored tear volume in the animals and increased the density of mucus-secreting goblet cells in an apparent dose-dependent manner. Goblet cells are responsible for the mucus layer in the conjunctiva of the eyelid.
 
These findings suggest that genistein can potentially be used in dietary supplements to help maintain healthy eye structures and tear production, which would be a welcome alternative for millions of consumers who currently have little option but to use inconvenient eye-drop treatments.

GeniVida™, formerly known as BONISTEIN®, is a branded pure non-soy genistein from DSM.  It is available in both food- and pharmaceutical-grade and has an extensive, published safety package.  GeniVida™ is available in both crystalline and tablet-grade forms.

DSM Nutritional Products is the world’s premier ingredient supplier to producers of functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. The organization provides a solid platform for technological innovation and new product development. Utilizing its extensive resources, DSM Nutritional Products keeps its customers ahead of the ever-changing marketplace, anticipating customer needs as nutritional trends develop and customer demands evolve.

For more information, please contact DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., at 45 Waterview Boulevard, Parsippany, NJ, 07054-1298. Phone: 1-800-526-0189. Website: www.unlimitednutrition-na.dsm.com