Kyowa Hakko USA, Inc., the wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Bio Co, has announced that it has completed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) self-affirmation for amino acid L-Ornithine.
L-Ornithine is an amino acid that is used to build muscle by stimulating protein synthesis through the enhancement of growth hormone secretion and to assist weight loss by increasing the basal metabolism. It is also known that L-ornithine has the ability to enhance immunity, liver function and anti-fatigue.
“We are excited about having GRAS for L-ornithine, as this will expand the use of this important amino acid into traditional food and beverages,” said Dr. Toshikazu Kamiya, CEO and President of Kyowa Hakko USA.
Research supported by Kyowa Hakko Bio suggests that L-ornithine has an anti-fatigue effect by increasing the efficiency of energy utilization and promoting the excretion of ammonia.
This self-affirmation is expected to expand the application of this amino acid into functional food and beverage market. GRAS affirmation will allow L-Ornithine use in the U.S. at levels of 200 mg per serving in various products including beverages, beverage bases, milk products, processed fruits and fruit juices, and grain products including pasta, said the company.