Resvida, which has been in development for the past ten years, was introduced to industry last week at Supply Expo, part of the Expo West trade show in Anaheim, California. According to Frank DeJianne, senior marketing manager at DSM Nutritional Products, the launch of Resvida comes at a time of growth for the resveretrol market, as consumer awareness starts to pick up. "Consumer momentum around resveretrol is building rapidly, particularly over the past two years. It's still not right up there, but it will get there," he said. Sources, benefits and dosage
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grapes and red wine, mulberries, peanuts and 'knotweed' (polygonum cuspidatum). It has been shown to have positive anti-aging benefits, and has also demonstrated benefits in diabetes, heart health, obesity and some cancers. But, according to DSM, these natural sources of the compound do not deliver the ingredient at high enough levels in order to receive the maximum benefits. For example, red wine of the pinot noir variety contains only 3.1mg of resveretrol per liter. Because there are so few clinical studies conducted on humans related to the ingredient, there is no golden standard for the necessary dosage levels. However, using animal studies as a guideline, minimum levels are thought to be 30mg per person per day. DSM recommends that its branded ingredient is used at 30-150mg per day. Some resveratrol supplements currently on the market include products from Source Naturals and Jarrow Formulas, both of which recommend 30mg resveratrol per day. Another product from Cellular Health Technologies recommends 100mg per day. Purity and safety
Resvida is a synthetic resveratrol, but is said to be 'nature identical'. It comes in two forms: a crystalline form, with 99 percent purity; and a tablet grade form, with a purity of 90 percent. According to DSM, this is the purest form of resveratrol currently found on the marketplace. Another major selling point that the company is promoting is the safety package surrounding the ingredient, which it claims is unmatched by any other form of resveratrol currently available. "Previous New Dietary Ingredient notifications were rejected by the FDA because sponsors did not provide a thorough safety assessment," said DeJianne. "We have performed a very comprehensive safety analysis around this ingredient. That's why it has taken around ten years of work to bring the product to market." This is also why DSM is confident its ingredient will successfully compete with other resveratrol products, which have the benefit of being naturally sourced. GRAS and branding
DSM will be filing for self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status for Resvida. It hopes to receive this by the second quarter 2008, which will open up the market for its use in foods and beverages. In fact, an initial response from Supply Expo indicated high interest from beverage manufacturers, DeJianne told NutraIngredients-USA.com. The ingredient is not yet completely soluble in water, but DSM said it is "working on" a food formulation. However, DeJianne added that this may not be necessary, as the ingredient is stable. DSM said it plans to accompany the launch with a comprehensive PR campaign, which it hopes will help build the brand and create consumer awareness. Science and markets
A number of studies have already examined the effects of aging, caloric restriction and resveratrol in mice. According to Ying Wang, project manager of DSM's R&D Human Nutrition, the demonstrated benefits of resveratrol include: lifespan extension; anti-inflammatory effects; neuroprotective effects; prevention of decline of locomotor abilities; cardiovascular protective effects; and anti-microbial effects. DSM has also conducted its own clinical study on the ingredient, which is currently being peer-reviewed. The company expects this to be published "later this year". DSM said it is launching Resvida in the US market for the time being, but it is "working on the registration in a number of other countries".