SAVANNAH, Ga.—Arboris, LLC, a maker of non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) plant sterols, announced its entry into North American markets with its flagship plant sterol ester product Protanica, a heart-healthy functional food.

A "consensus statement" from the European Atherosclerosis Society (AES) recently published in its journal Atherosclerosis supported that adding plant sterols into a diet has been clinically proven to reduce cholesterol. EAS found that "two grams of plant sterols or plant stanols per day in functional foods can help manage cholesterol for those with moderate heart disease risk and who are taking statin drugs." 

The makers of Protanica see this statement as a positive step in the acceptance of plant sterols as a functional food ingredient in North America. FDA has approved the following health claim for plant sterols: "Foods containing at least 0.4 grams per serving of plant sterols eaten with meals or snacks for a daily total intake of 0.8 grams as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease."

Protanica's benefits include:

·         Naturally occurring

·         Clinically tested and demonstrated to be safe and effective

·         Endorsed by the American Heart Association

·         Easily formulated into heart-healthy foods

·         Minimal sensory/texture impact on food

·         Manufactured under cGMPs (current Good Manufacturing Practices)

·         Kosher and Halal certified

·         Can be stored at room temperature with an 18-month shelf life

“Well-understood and accepted in other parts of the world, the U.S. is beginning to recognize the health benefits of plant sterol esters as a functional ingredient for heart healthy foods," said Manuel Canales, president and CEO, Arboris, LLC.  “We are seeing an increased interest among food manufactures looking to increase the heart-healthy cholesterol-lowering properties of their products.  Protanica is a supported product offered to food manufacturers and retailers to help the formulation and launch of such products."