pTeroPure Achieves GRAS Status

IRVINE, Calif.pTeroPure®, a pterostilbene ingredient from ChromaDex Corporation, was deemed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by a unanimous decision from an independent scientific panel of experts, paving  the way for the heart health compound to be used in food and beverage launches in the United States. The Allowable Daily Intake (ADI) for pTeroPure is up to 30mg/kg (or 1.89 grams) per day for food use and intake.

"The industry experts from the American Institute for Biosocial and Medical Research, including former USDA and FDA staffers, all agreed that pTeroPure merits this designation," remarked Frank Jaksch, CEO of ChromaDex Inc. "Their acceptance of GRAS for pTeroPure is a testament to the extensive scientific research for pterostilbene in general and the exceptional technical information that demonstrates the safety of pTeroPure in particular."

pTeroPure, a pure formulation of the naturally occurring compound pterostilbene, found in blueberries, pTeroPure has the potential to impact heart health by supporting cholesterol and blood pressure while providing additional benefits related to cognitive function and healthy aging , according to ChromaDex. By achieving GRAS status, ChromaDex can now expand pTeroPure into the food and beverage industry, moving beyond the supplement industry where it has recently been incorporated in more than 20 nutraceutical products.

The first human clinical trial to evaluate pTeroPure is currently underway at the University of Mississippi to evaluate the compound in patients with lipid (cholesterol) disorders. The primary outcome includes standard lipid laboratory markers, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-denisty lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, and secondary endpoints include blood pressure, markers of oxidative stress, and safety. ChromaDex holds exclusive worldwide patent rights for pterostilbene based on technology licensed from the University of Mississippi and the USDA.

William Spengler, President, ChromaDex, Inc. stated, "Achieving GRAS status for pTeroPure provides a significant new commercial opportunity for the company to enter the multi-billion dollar market segment for natural food and beverage ingredients. Based on a scientific foundation, we are seeking to establish a leadership role for pTeroPure in the rapidly growing market for health and wellness."

pTeroPure was recently named the 2010 North American Most Promising Ingredient of the Year by the prestigious independent research company, Frost & Sullivan. Capitalizing on the diverse potential applications of the product, ChromaDex is also developing pTeroPure for the skincare and pharmaceutical markets.