L-ergothioneine Affirmed GRAS

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.L-ergothioneine was affirmed GRAS by an independent scientific panel of experts, allowing the antioxidant to be used in functional foods and beverages in the United States. The petition was submitted by Oxis International.

For Oxis, the GRAS status opens the door to significant new commercial opportunities including the multi-billion dollar market segment for functional foods and beverages, according to David Saloff, CEO of Oxis. Based upon the extensive body of scientific and safety data for L-ergothioneine, Oxis will now move ahead to establish a leadership role in the rapidly growing global market for health and wellness products."

According to the company, potential benefits of L-ergothioneine include conserving and maintaining levels of other antioxidants, increasing respiration and oxidation of fat, protecting mitochondria from damate, reducing the damaging effects of UV radiation on the eyes, and neutralizing oxidative stress.