Maypro Named U.S. Distributor for Spinach Extract Weight-Management Ingredient

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Ingredient distributor Maypro Group (Purchase, NY) is now the exclusive U.S. distributor for Appethyl, a spinach extract weight-management ingredient from research and development firm Greenleaf Medical AB (GLM; Stockholm).

Appethyl is made from all-natural spinach supplied by GLM that is extracted via a proprietary, patent-pending processing method. In a press statement from Maypro, the company explained that this processing method frees the actives (thylakoids) inside the spinach cells, making them more bioavailable. Thykaloids are membrane-bound compartments inside chloroplasts and cyanobacteria found in spinach and other leafy greens. These thykaloids are the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, and have also been shown to have marked effects on appetite control.

The company stated that clinical research conducted with Appethyl has shown that it has several health benefits related to weight management and appetite suppression in particular. In these studies, the company said, Appethyl helped to slow the digestion process, giving the body’s systems enough time to tell the brain that they were satiated, and in turn reducing hunger cravings. Appethyl has also shown potential in reducing waist circumference, and may offer support for blood sugar and cholesterol levels already within normal limits, as well.

Dan Lifton, president, proprietary and branded ingredients division, Maypro, commented on the deal in the press statement: “We are excited to be working with GLM to build the presence of Appethyl in the U.S. market. We believe that it has immense potential and look forward to working with customers on unique formulations and delivery methods with this impressive NutrAward-winning ingredient.” (NutrAward is an industry award presented by New Hope Network.)