Frost & Sullivan Honours GELITA for Developing European Health Ingredient o...( MOUNTAIN VIEW Calif. Nov. 11 /- T...),Health

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2008 Frost & Sullivan European Health Ingredient of the Year Award is presented to GELITA AG in recognition of its pioneering efforts in developing the novel ingredient FORTIGEL(R) to treat joint health problems.

"Rather than cure, current medical treatments for osteoarthritis only address the symptoms such as inflammation and pain," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Kaushik Ghosh. "FORTIGEL(R) represents the first ingredient in both the food and drug industries, which can actually result in cartilage rejuvenation, thus providing a practical treatment for osteoarthritis."

Manufactured through a special enzymatic process, FORTIGEL(R) is a specially purified protein containing 'bioactive collagen peptides(R)' (protein of the connective tissue in animals). A pure protein, FORTIGEL(R) effectively combats the wear and tear of joints brought about by age and stress.

FORTIGEL(R) does not contain gluten, purine, tryptophan, GMO and cholesterol, and thus is not associated with the risk of any allergy or side effects. Its neutral taste and odour, coupled with its excellent solubility, make it ideal for fortification in a variety of food products. Being a natural ingredient, FORTIGEL(R) is ideally aligned with the 'health and wellness' trend in the food industry.

"FORTIGEL(R) is also characterised by a high degree of bio availability, which ensures value-chain feasibility for food manufacturers," remarks Ghosh. "Thus, food products containing FORTIGEL(R) can safely be positioned for joint pain arising due to osteoarthritis, obesity, old age and sports activities."

FORTIGEL(R) has also been approved by the FDA with the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status on account of its proven health benefits and safety parameters. It also currently represents the only ingredient to be authorised by the Collagen Research Institute (CRI), Germany. It has been certified by the International
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