Frutarom offers benefits of Med diet with new CitrOlive ingredient

“​CitrOlive is an important addition to our Mediterranean ingredients line,”​ said Yannick Capelle, Product Manager for Frutarom Health​. “It reflects our mission to explore the benefits of the ​Mediterranean Diet and provide pure, safe ingredients backed by solid scientific research.”​

He told NutraIngredients-USA that the ingredient has been used in Latin American markets in dietary supplements. It’s introduction to the US will formally start at SupplySide West in Las Vegas this week (the company’s booth is #L137).

Citrus and olive extracts​

The patented ingredient is a combination of olive and citrus extracts, which the company said is “backed by extensive research of key phytochemicals, polyphenols and flavonoids.”​ A study on the ingredient, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed at Murcia University in Spain, is awaiting publication.

Data from this study revealed a “significant drop in triglycerides and oxidized LDL levels—both considered prominent risk factors for cardiovascular disorders—versus the placebo,” ​the company said. This result came after participants ingested 500mg/day of CitrOlive or placebo for a period of 90 days.

Overall, CitrOlive is marketed for cardiovascular health and “protects against the hardening of the arteries, the underlying cause of most heart problems,” ​the company said. The benefits of CitrOlive result from its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Proposed applications​

The ingredient is water-soluble and can be combined in functional food and drinks, dietary supplements and nutrition bars, the company said.

“The Mediterranean diet, with its abundant use of olive oil, has long been considered the gold standard for a healthy, nutritious diet and for decades has been clinically associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular problems,” ​explained Capelle. “CitrOlive ​is an innovative and natural ingredient that delivers the phytonutrients of the Mediterranean Diet in a concentrated form.“​

For the US market, Capelle said the company will focus on getting the ingredient into dietary supplements targeting the 40 and up age group.