Cypress chooses distributor for selenium ingredient
SelenoExcell High Selenium Yeast is marketed for its cancer reduction benefits as well as its and antioxidant properties, which could promote immune health, anti-aging, cognitive function and heart health.
The new distribution agreement will see Oregon-based Amax take on sales of the ingredient to manufacturers in both the dietary supplements and functional food sectors. According to Cypress CEO Paul Willis, Amax’ strong distribution network will help the product meet “new market demands”.
Benefits
Selenium is a trace element that occurs naturally in the soil and is absorbed by plants and crops, from where it enters the human food chain - either directly or through consumption of meat and other products from grazing animals.
The mineral is included in between 50 and 100 different proteins in the body, with multifarious roles including building heart muscles and healthy sperm. However, cancer prevention remains one of the major benefits of selenium, and it is the only mineral that qualifies for an FDA-approved qualified health claim for general cancer reduction incidence.
The claim reads: “Selenium may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of selenium may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive.”
To access FDA’s qualified health claim guidance for selenium, click here .
GRAS
SelenoExcell only recently entered the food and beverage market backed by its new GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status.
The FDA-reviewed GRAS allows for its use in a range of food categories. These include: Baked products, non-alcoholic beverages, breakfast cereals, grain products and pastas, milk products, processed fruit and fruit juices, processed vegetables and vegetable juices, commercial soups and soup mixes, and medical foods.
SelenoExcell is produced through a yeast fermentation process using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, selected for its 50 to 55 percent protein content and optimal growth perimeters. It has been standardized to contain 1200 micrograms of organically-bound selenium per gram of yeast.
