Kemin's Slendesta Honored by Frost & Sullivan for Product Innovation

LONDON Frost & Sullivan awarded its 2009 Global Weight Management Ingredients New Product Innovation Award to Kemin Health, Des Moines, Iowa, for the companys Slendesta® appetite suppressant. The protein-based ingredient is sourced from potato and works by promoting the release of the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), which triggers feelings of satiety.

One of the most challenging aspects for weight management ingredients in 2009 is the availability of clinical trials to support ingredient efficacy, said Deborah Cross, Frost & Sullivan industry analyst. However, Kemin Health already has a total of 11 trials in humans supporting the efficacy of Slendestas active ingredient. The company is now focusing on the development of further clinical trials, to promote the product to health professionals and increase its value generation potential.

Cross noted the fact that the active dosage level for Slendesta is only approximately 300 mg, allowing the full dosage to be delivered in a single capsule. She said this makes consumption easier for consumers, and allows marketers to add other functional ingredients to support weight management. It can be incorporated into dietary supplements as well as foods and beverages, as it was affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) in early 2009. Cross added, Several food and beverage producers are currently doing trials and developing products within the areas of yoghurts, small bars and chocolates, with many products expected for worldwide introduction by the end of the year.