Glanbia Launches Potent Olive Antioxidant

12/05/06 Glanbia Nutritionals has launched a potent antioxidant extracted from olive fruit at Vitafoods 2006. OlivActiv is the result of a collaboration with R&D specialist Genosa, which gives Glanbia Nutritionals global rights to market and sell the patent-protected, 100% natural extract. This agreement marks the further extension of Glanbia Nutritionals' expertise in the nutritional marketplace and reinforces the company's investment in innovative new products.

An olive fruit-based polyphenol product, OlivActiv has an ORAC value more powerful than any existing olive extract reviewed. The extract offers a high concentration (35%) and the purest form of the active phenol hydroxytyrosol commercially available. 20mg of OlivActiv delivers 7mg of this valuable antioxidant. Known for their immune boosting properties, antioxidants neutralise free radicals that can damage cells and are believed to boost the immune system and improve general well-being.

Compared to olive leaf extracts, polyphenols in olive fruit have smaller molecules and may be more rapidly and completely absorbed. This, combined with OlivActiv's high polyphenol concentration, equates to lower dosage requirements in end products and potential cost savings for manufacturers.

While the bitter taste of olive leaf extracts may restrict their usability, OlivActiv imparts a clean flavour as it is extracted from olive fruit, not leaf. This makes it a versatile option for use in a variety of applications including dairy, nutritional bars, clear beverages, juices and dietary supplements such as capsules. Manufacturers using the extract can benefit from the added value of a 'contains antioxidants' or 'rich in polyphenols' front-of-pack label claim.

Commenting on the launch, Hugh McGuire, CEO of Glanbia Nutritionals, said: "The Mediterranean diet has long been synonymous with a healthy lifestyle and consumers are aware of the benefits associated with olive oil and antioxidants. This natural extract signals a real opportunity for manufacturers to leverage this understanding in marketing their olive extract containing-products to consumers."

Genosa created OlivActiv using a gentle patent-protected production process. The Spanish company has a strong background in developing scientific solutions in the field of plant-based oils and fats.