Kemin ~ ZeaONE

DES MOINES, IowaKemin introduced its ingredient ZeaONE,  a free-form zeaxanthin ingredient naturally sourced from marigolds.

Zeaxanthin, similar to lutein, acts as a protective antioxidant in the eye to promote eye health. Scientific evidence shows daily supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin can improve visual performance and reduce the risk of certain eye conditions. The latest findings from the National Eye Institutes second age-related eye disease study (AREDS2) indicate 2 mg of zeaxanthin, along with 10 mg of FloraGLO® Lutein, can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

The human body does not produce the zeaxanthin and lutein it needs daily, so its essential to obtain these nutrients through diet or supplementation. Heather Richardson, Kemin product manager, said getting just 2 mg of zeaxanthin each day through diet can be difficult, and most Americans consume only 10 percent of the zeaxanthin and lutein needed daily.

The zeaxanthin in ZeaONE comes from a patented line of hybrid marigolds containing high levels of the zeaxanthin carotenoid. This ingredient provides the free-form of zeaxanthin found in most fruits and vegetables, and it does not contain zeaxanthin esters. Dietary, free-forms of zeaxanthin differ from zeaxanthin esters, which first must be de-esterified by the body, requiring an enzymatic process that varies among individuals and affects absorption.

Kemin also recently launched AssuriTEA Sport, which can help athletes and fitness-focused individuals overcome muscle soreness and fatigue to maximize recovery time.