Bright red and vegetarian

* BASF launches starch-based, allergen-free lycopene for beverages
* Universal formula for use in all major countries worldwide

Ludwigshafen, Germany - Tomatoes, water melons, papayas and pink grapefruits: Responsible for their bright red color is the carotenoid lycopene. Apart from its coloring qualities lycopene is a potent antioxidant, which reduces the damaging effect of reactive oxygen species in human cells and helps promote cell protection.

With LycoVit® 10 CWD/S BASF offers now a vegetarian lycopene formulation designed especially for beverage and food applications. The product is allergen-free, vegetarian, non-animal derived, protein-free, GMO-free, BSE/TSE-unaffected, kosher and halal. As it is cold-water dispersible, it is suitable for basically all beverages like lemonades, sport drinks, multivitamin juices, fruit-based drinks, ready-to-drink beverages, liquid supplements and meal replacements. In addition, LycoVit 10 CWD/S can be used in many foods like dairy products, cereals and nutrition bars. LycoVit 10 CWD/S is part of BASF’s “Universal Formula” range of nutritional ingredients that can be used in all major countries worldwide.

BASF’s LycoVit is a nature-identical lycopene, manufactured for human nutrition. A direct-compressible powder (LycoVit 10% DC) for tablets and hard capsules as well as an oily dispersion (LycoVit Dispersion 10%) for use in soft capsules and fat-based foods have already been available for some time. With LycoVit 10 CWD/S BASF extends its product range to help its customers to embrace even more innovative applications for Lycopene.

Sound scientific evidence for health benefits as an antioxidant and in prostate health exists for BASF’s LycoVit. In clinical studies it was shown that intake of LycoVit supplements can reduce oxidative damage in white blood cells of elderly women, and it can inhibit progression of age-related prostate enlargement in elderly men.

BASF has over 30 years of experience in nutrition. In every region of the world, BASF’s customers can rely on the high quality of products and services. BASF is specialized in production of raw materials and the premium formulations needed for successful application in human nutrition. The products meet the highest safety standards and the regulatory requirements - worldwide. This sets an unprecedented quality standard in the industry. With its products, a sustainable commitment to the nutrition industry and a policy of continuous improvement, BASF is adding quality to the world of nutrition.

About BASF’s business unit Nutrition Ingredients

BASF’s Nutrition Ingredients business unit is a leading supplier of food ingredients and feed additives. The product portfolio for human nutrition includes vitamins, carotenoids, omega-3s and others. BASF offers products of outstanding quality produced with modern, state-of-the-art technologies. BASF also combines technical services and scientific expertise to meet the highest demands and to deliver the best value to the industry. Premium formulations are a key strength that has made BASF a leader in the industry. Further information is available at www.nutrition.basf.com .