Enzymotec adds higher grade PS
nutrient phosphatidylserine (PS) in concentrations of up to 90 per
cent, allowing manufacturers to use smaller capsules and increase
dosages.
The company has previously offered PS under its SharpPS line ranging from 20-60 per cent purity. It said today that it can now supply concentrations of 70 and 90 per cent.
"It answers the consumer's need for smaller capsule size without compromising on the required RDA," said Dr Dorit Plat, R&D manager at Enzymotec.
"Moreover, the high grades enable increasing the PS amount in the capsules without changing the capsule size and create stronger formulations of PS for better cognitive performance."
The new products, which comply with current GMO-free European regulations, are more expensive than lower concentrations but the company claims that their higher purity makes them cost-effective.
Phosphatidylserine is present in all biological membranes but in animals is most concentrated in the brain. It regulates many metabolic processes including neuronal signalling. However it cannot be synthesized by the body and changes in the western diet over recent years have led to a decline in dietary uptake of the nutrient.
The supplement, derived from soybeans, has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive performance, and is targeted at both the elderly and young adults under stress.
The new Enzymotec products are suitable for use in dietary supplements and functional foods, according to the firm, while the PS90 is also suitable for pharmaceutical applications.
The leading PS producers, Degussa and Chemi, were unavailable to comment on their rival's new product launch.
Enzymotec says a new process, which allows for production of high grade IP lecithin and PS in a single phase, has improved efficiency and makes it more competitive on the market.
