UniK2T, a natural vitamin K2 MK-7 from Frutarom Health, Switzerland, is now self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), based on a critical evaluation and acceptance of a qualified, independent scientific panel. It can, says the company, now be utilised as a food ingredient for dairy products, soy milk, fruit drinks and sport drinks, as well as baked and bar products, such as quick breads, muffins and nutritional bars.
“A comprehensive evaluation of research and toxicology studies was completed to ensure that UniK2 meets the highest standards related to the self-affirmed GRAS determination,” saidWouter Haazen, product manager for Frutarom Health.
“We're extremely pleased that functional food and beverage manufacturers can now incorporate UniK2 into their products. This important achievement allows us to service functional food and beverage markets worldwide.”
UniK2 comes from natto-derived Bacillus subtilis, which, according to Frutarom, is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin K2. UniK2 provides Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), the most bioavailable and bioactive form of vitamin K. The high bioactivity of MK-7 (“7” describes the chain length) is predominantly due to a significantly longer half-life in the blood, which makes it the most important form of vitamin K with activity outside the liver.
Frutarom says that the sustainable manner in which UniK2 is produced utilises ecological principles by recycling nearly 100% of the waste, for the production of other materials or to generate thermal energy.
UniK2 is said to be highly suitable for functional foods, meeting food-processing demands including high temperature stability, dispensability and other common manufacturing processes. Frutarom claims that the low recommended dosage per serving makes UniK2 a cost-effective and appealing ingredient for the functional food and beverage market. UniK2 is available in two levels of concentration: as UniK2 MK-7 powder 0.2% and UniK2 MK-7 oil 0.15%.
