PURCHASE, N.Y.—Nutrition 21 LLC’s newest sports nutrition product, Nitrosigine^® bonded arginine silicate, received generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status at 1,500 mg/d for use in nutritional bars and beverages.

An independent panel of experts approved this level of Nitrosigine as GRAS after careful review of safety data that was compiled by Intertek, a pre-eminent science and regulatory consultant group.

“This newly affirmed GRAS status now enables functional beverage and nutritional bar manufacturers to utilize Nitrosigine^® and all of its clinically supported claims," said Bill Levi, vice president, strategy and business development, Nutrition 21. “Fitness-focused consumers who want to get the most out of their training regimen will appreciate that Nitrosigine is quickly absorbed by the body, taking effect in 30 minutes and lasting up to three hours."

Nitrosigine has been clinically shown to significantly boost nitric oxide (NO) levels, a key factor in increasing blood flow to working muscles. Nitrosigine has also been shown in clinical and pre-clinical studies to significantly raise arginine and silicon levels—both important nutrients for cardiovascular performance. Along with sports nutrition, the ingredient can provide benefits in the categories of heart health and men’s health.