Tyson enters joint care market
ingredients made from processed cartilage to supplement makers, it
said today.
Meat processor Tyson Foods is to supply glucosamine and chondroitin ingredients made from processed cartilage to supplement makers, it said today.
Tyson will produce the natural glycosaminoglycans chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine using patented technology developed by Active Life Foods.
Rich Marino, holder of the patent, said the agreement with Tyson would "ensure a high quality supply of processed cartilage for the market from a variety of animal sources to meet the needs of a wide range of customers".
Jim Cate, senior vice president of Tyson Foods, said processed cartilage had the advantage of being a natural source of glucosamine and also performance advantages compared to synthetic glucosamine and chondroitin ingredients.
Recent studies have shown that chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and cartilage matrix can reduce inflammation in joints of humans and animals, and possibly help regenerate bone cartilage tissue. Sales of arthritis and joint pain supplements are thought to be worth more than $750 million, with glucosamine/chondroitin products reaching over $365 million and growing by 14.2 per cent last year.
Tyson, the world's largest processor of chicken, beef and pork and the second largest food company in the Fortune 500, will handle sales of the ingredients, with technical and marketing support from Active Life.
