New GRAS Status for Zinc Citrate
So far in the USA, zinc citrate is used as zinc source in dietary supplements and oral care product only. With the new GRAS status, zinc citrate can now also be used for the fortification of food and beverages.
03 Aug 2009 An independent scientific panel concluded that Jungbunzlauer’s zinc citrate is “generally recognized as safe” (self-affirmed GRAS) in full compliance with the US Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
So far in the USA, zinc citrate is used as zinc source in dietary supplements and oral care product only. With the new GRAS status, zinc citrate can now also be used for the fortification of food and beverages.
As an organic mineral source zinc citrate is preferred in many applications over inorganic sources because of its superior bioavailability, physiological compatibility and better taste. Additionally, zinc citrate has among the organic zinc salts one of the highest zinc contents (31%).
As zinc is an essential trace element for all forms of life it is getting increasing attention in the functional foods and supplements industry. Several human studies have highlighted the beneficial effect of this important mineral in growth and development, in the immune response, in neurological function and in reproduction. When people absorb too little zinc they can experience a loss of appetite, decreased sense of taste and smell, slow wound healing and skin sores. Zinc-shortages can even cause birth defects.
According to the WHO Report 2002 one-third of the world’s population fails to reach the recommended daily intake of zinc. Infants, children, and pregnant and lactating women or people on a strict vegetarian diet are at increased risk of zinc deficiency. The U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc is 15 mg per day.
Jungbunzlauer started to manufacture zinc citrate for food and pharmaceutical applications in 2009. Zinc citrate is an excellent add-on to the existing range of the Jungbunzlauer organic calcium, magnesium and potassium sources and is available in food and oral care qualities.
Zinc Citrate is part of Jungbunzlauer's HealthyChoices portfolio.
