Bioengineering company Geno introduces first functional ingredient for keto products

Photo © AdobeStock.com/vitaliy_melnik

Geno, a biotechnology company devoted to developing sustainable materials from plant- or waste-based feedstocks, is entering the functional food and beverages market with a new ingredient targeting keto products. The ingredient is called Avela, and it is a natural (R)-1,3-butanediol ingredient that raises beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ketone levels, which is the body’s primary source of energy during ketosis, the firm says.

“Studies have shown that ketone supplementation elevates BHB levels, providing a readily available energy source that can help boost mental clarity and athletic performance,” the company said in a press release. “Avela can help companies bring these benefits to a wider consumer audience by fueling every day and high-performance activities anywhere—without the need for a highly restrictive diet and/or prolonged fasting. Made from plant sugars using Geno’s sustainable, proprietary fermentation process, the ingredient is a source of natural energy and can provide these benefits of ketosis on demand, supporting a variety of lifestyles.”

It adds: “Avela is clinically demonstrated to rapidly raise BHB levels safely and effectively after ingestion and provide more fuel than the same amount of carbohydrates alone. As pure (R)-1,3-butanediol, the ingredient is metabolized to form (D)-BHB, the same ketone that’s naturally produced during ketosis. After ingestion, Avela rapidly elevates BHB levels, providing a clean, sugar-free ketogenic energy source for use by muscles and the brain.”

The ingredient is free of allergens, caffeine, gluten, salt, and sugar, and can be labeled as plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian.