DSM Introduces New Olive-Based Antioxidant Ingredient

07 May 2014 --- DSM is to launch its latest product innovation elaVida at this year’s Vitafoods. Available in both a liquid and a powder form, elaVida is a superior polyphenol preparation made from olive fruits, using a proprietary solvent-free process.

elaVida is standardized for its content in hydroxytyrosol – the principal and most-researched phenolic antioxidant in extra virgin olive oil – and supports heart health through the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. Literature also indicates that olive polyphenols may have a beneficial effect in joint health and cellular energy metabolism. elaVida complements the activity of vitamin E and C by activating the body’s own antioxidant system.

elaVida is expected to be a popular ingredient amongst manufacturers looking to compete in the global heart health market. Olive polyphenols are the only non-vitamin/non-mineral ingredient with a granted EU health claim for antioxidant function. An Article 13 health claim authorized by Regulation (EU) 432/2012 states that “olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress.”2 By protecting blood lipids from oxidation, polyphenols can help to reduce blood levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein particles (oxLDLs), which is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A daily dose of elaVida provides 5mg of hydroxytyrosol, the same amount found in 20g of extra virgin olive oils3.

Ruedi Duss, global marketing manager at DSM, comments: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our latest product elaVida. Olives and olive oil are an important part of the healthy Mediterranean diet and consumers are increasingly opting for more natural products. This new addition forms part of DSM’s wider nutritional portfolio and demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with naturally sourced nutritional solutions that are backed by strong science.”

elaVida is supported by strong safety credentials and clinical data. The powder formulation is suitable for use in foods, beverages and supplements and excels in handling and application performance. Benefits include water solubility, neutral taste, high quality color, flowability and stability and it allows for application in small tablets with high hydroxytyrosol content.

Available forms are elaVida 15%, which may be used in food supplements, foods, beverages, including clear and unflavored soft drinks, and elaVida 40%, which may be used for oil and beverage fortification.