Ajinomoto to Market New Dietary Supplement

16/07/07 Ajinomoto announced plans to introduce Capsiate Natura, a capsinoid dietary supplement, into the United States market. Capsiate Natura is sourced from the CH-19 Sweet chili pepper, selectively bred to contain high levels of capsiate, one of the capsinoid family of compounds. Capsinoids have been shown in animals and humans to safely increase metabolism and fat burning.

"Ajinomoto supported the rigorous research and development program that has led us to this dietary supplement introduction. U.S. consumers will now have access to the benefits associated with Capsiate Natura, which is consistent with our mission to develop foods, ingredients and dietary supplements that enhance the quality of health and life," stated Shinichi Suzuki, president, Ajinomoto USA, Inc.

Capsiate Natura has been available in Japan since September 2006. In the U.S., the dietary supplement is being marketed after the company's successful completion of the Food and Drug Administration's New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notification process.

Capsinoids, including capsiate, are non-pungent analogues of capsaicin, the heat-producing compound naturally found in hot chili peppers. Like capsaicin, capsinoids activate certain receptors in the body that are affect energy metabolism. Studies in overweight individuals (BMI > or = 25) demonstrate increases in metabolism and fat burning after capsinoid administration.

Capsiate Natura, which contains 1 mg capsiate/softgel tablet, will be available initially on a limited basis only through healthcare professionals in the New York Tri-State area. More information may be obtained on the product's Web site, http://www.capsiatenatura.com.

In an announcement earlier this month, Ajinomoto promoted its launch of the "Capsinoid Information Center," http://www.capsinoids.com, targeted for health professionals interested in additional information about the capsinoid family of compounds.