US firm hopes to bring novel nitric oxide booster to EU market
Nutrition 21 markets the ingredient Inositol Stabilised Arginine Silicate under the patented name ‘Nitrosigine’, which in the US is used mainly in sports nutrition products.
Its novel food dossier lists intended application as products for special groups, fortified foods and food supplements.
While calling for views on the dossier, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it would forward the case onto the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to check if it is in agreement with EU regulation.
The FSA said a decision on authorisation would be taken once EFSA had conducted an “additional assessment” and given its advice.
Comments on the dossier should be submitted to the FSA by 15 August.
The company already achieved the US equivalent of novel food approval, ‘New Dietary Ingredient (NDI)’ status, for the ingredient back in 2013 where it is used in 21 sports nutrition products.
It says research has shown its ingredient can boost nitric oxide levels and is a bioavailable source of arginine and silicon.
Nitric oxide levels are linked to better blood flow and vessel flexibility.
The company did not respond in time for publication of this article.
