Israel-based nutraceutical ingredients company LycoRed has received European patent for its proprietary extraction process of the Lyc-O-Mato oleoresin from tomatoes.
This process of extracting the natural tomato complex is the basis for 'Novel Food approval' of this tomato extract and for the development of food additive 'E 160d'. The company noted that in the US, this patent is the basis for the GRAS affirmation and for the Color Additive Petition.
LycoRed CTO Yoav Blatt said this is significant news for food and beverage industries, where fortifying foods with ingredients offers added health benefits and leads to higher profits.
"Our Lyc-O-Mato? contains a specific proprietary natural composition of tomato lycopene and other tomato phytonutrients, including phytoene, phytofluene, tocopherols, phytosterols and beta-carotene, as opposed to other lycopene products available currently on the market," Blatt added.
LycoRed noted that Lyc-O-Mato, a tomato lycopene complex, when taken orally, offers protection against free-radical damage and environmental stress; protects the skin from sun exposure; and helps maintain healthy appearance and structure of skin that has been exposed to sun.
LycoRed supplies natural carotenoids and a wide range of other nutritional and coloring ingredients to the dietary supplement, functional food and beverage and nutricosmetic industries. It has regional facilities in the US, Europe, China and Israel.