Cargill Acidulants is to market Regenasure glucosamine hydrochloride, a product for the dietary supplement industry that does not use shellfish as its source.
Glucosamine used in dietary supplements today is derived from shellfish, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Cargill has developed a process for manufacturing a supply of glucosamine using naturally occurring sources other than shellfish.
"The Regenasure product will offer manufacturers the only source of glucosamine that is free of potential shellfish allergens," said Tim Bauer, director of sales and marketing for Cargill Acidulants. "Our proprietary process will ensure customers a stable and cost-effective supply of glucosamine that is produced in an environmentally sound manner.."
Clinical research suggests that glucosamine may be effective in promoting joint health. More than 21 million adults suffer from osteoarthritis. The US National Institutes of Health is currently conducting a multi-year clinical trial designed to test the effectiveness of glucosamine in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
The Regenasure glucosamine will be sold in the hydrochloride form, which the company claims has at least 83 per cent active glucosamine as compared to the sulfate form, which has 50.7 per cent active glucosamine.
The product will be jointly marketed by Cargill Acidulants and Cargill Health & Food Technologies.