Kalsec® is a proud member of the Council for Responsible Nutrition. For more information on the CRN, please visit their website at http://www.crnusa.org.
Kalsec® is a proud member of the Zeaxanthin Trade Association (ZTA).
The Zeaxanthin Trade Association (ZTA) is an organization that was formed in 2009 by a group of international manufacturers (Kalsec® Inc., Chrysantis Inc, DSM Nutritionals) with a goal of increasing global awareness and promoting the use of dietary zeaxanthin. Dietary zeaxanthin (3R, 3'R isomer) is a critical nutrient for eye health; however, the difference among various zeaxanthin isomers is not completely understood.
The goal of the association is to educate marketers, manufacturers and consumers about dietary zeaxanthin plus provide our expertise and the highest quality dietary zeaxanthin to our customers. Dietary supplement manufacturers need a methodology that is dependable and universally accepted to minimize confusion between the zeaxanthin isomers in the industry.
The Zeaxanthin Trade Association has collaborated on a chiral HPLC method for distribution; it is the first industry standard method for identifying zeaxanthin isomers. The method can be located here. and standards for this method can be obtained from Carotenature with a special ZTA purchase price here.
Meso-zeaxanthin is a non dietary zeaxanthin isomer that has found its way into the commercial market place due to zeaxanthin suppliers not disclosing the nature of the isomers present in the products they sell. Meso-zeaxanthin is manufactured from lutein product forms using a harsh saponification. This material has not been detected in the diet nor has it been found to occur in nature. In the United States, meso-zeaxanthin does not have G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized As Safe) status nor does it have an N.D.I. (New Dietary Ingredient) as needed for a product that:
• Has not been marketed in the U.S. prior to October 15, 1994
• Is not present in the U.S. food supply
• Is typically a chemical alteration of lutein
The presence of this isomer within commerce has created confusion among supplement and food manufacturers. It seems the intent of providing meso-zeaxanthin is to supply a lower cost alternative. However, this isomer does not have the same characteristics of dietary zeaxanthin.
As a proud member of the ZTA, Kalsec® is committed to supplying the dietary form of zeaxanthin (3R 3’R Isomer) with the highest quality standards for all of our customers. Kalsec®’s source of zeaxanthin from paprika (Capsicum annuum) is the only natural zeaxanthin from a whole food source and our product forms offer the best quality and bioavailability for your dietary and food supplement products.
Zeaxanthin Trade Association Press Releases:
Zeaxanthin Trade Formation Press Release (pdf)
ZTA Chiral Method Press Release (pdf)
