Press Release:

New study is expected to prompt increased public pressure to remove artificial food coloring

Natural red coloring with lycopene, made from
non-GMO tomatoes is a healthy alternative

Morristown, NJ .................. October 9, 2007

If your customers are not already pressuring you to remove artificial colors from your products, they might soon start. Results of a new clinical trial published in the British medical journal The Lancet* reveals that children who consume food and drinks containing certain artificial colors and preservatives exhibit increased levels of hyperactivity. The study results, which have created quite an uproar against artificial food colorants in the United Kingdom, also has distributors of a natural, non-GMO red coloring here in the U.S. preparing to meet an increased demand for their product.  

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, conducted by medical researchers from the University of Southampton, included 153 three-year-old and 144 eight-to-nine-year-old children. Researchers found that at least three red dyes as well as the chemical sodium benzoate had adverse affects on the children’s behaviors.  

“This study has huge implications because it echoes and legitimizes 30 years of previous data on the negative effects of artificial colors and additives,” comments Cathleen London, M.D., a board certified family physician. “If parents have children with ADD or ADHD, why should they take a chance with their child’s behavior when there are good alternatives available?”

 Adds Paula Nürnberger, marketing manager for natural ingredient distributor P.L. Thomas, “With all of the increased scrutiny on artificial food additives, we anticipate a

dramatically increased demand for Tomat-O-Red ^® from LycoRed, a natural red coloring with lycopene made from non-GMO tomatoes. The ingredient is ideal for many uses because it is vegetarian and Kosher-certified, and is heat- and pH-stable.”

Biography – Cathleen London, M.D., P.C.

Cathleen London, M.D., is a board certified Family Medicine Physician. As such, her practice encompasses the entire family, including all ages, both sexes, and any health problems that may arise. Family Medicine is the only specialty that requires board recertification by written exam every seven years. As a result, many believe that Family Physicians are best qualified to serve as each patient’s advocate in all health-related matters, including use of consultants, health services, and community resources.   Dr. London is on the clinical faculty of Boston University and Tufts University School of Medicine.  Dr. London is a graduate of Yale University School of Medicine and Brown University. 

Dr. London believes in a holistic, integrative approach to healthcare.  She utilizes a combination of western medicine, allopathic medicine, diet and lifestyle modification, and herbal medicine when appropriate.

About LycoRed

LycoRed supplies natural carotenoids and a wide range of other nutritional ingredients to the dietary supplement and functional food industries, internationally. Our carotenoid heritage started with Lyc-O-Mato^® natural tomato lycopene complex. Lyc-O-Mato^® development began in the tomato fields and continued through extensive clinical research and consumer marketing. Over the years, LycoRed acquired Nutriblend and Biodar, whose expertise is now fully integrated with that of LycoRed. This merger of experience has allowed for expansion into production of microencapsulated ingredients, vitamin and mineral premixes and integrated fortification solutions. LycoRed has a world-wide presence, with regional facilities in the US, Europe and Israel.  www.lycored.com

About P.L. Thomas

P.L. Thomas, a New Jersey-based ingredient supplier, offers more than fifty years of innovation in securing reliable, high quality raw materials for the food/functional food, beverage and nutrition industries. PLT specializes in water-soluble gums, natural colors and flavors and clinically-supported botanical extracts. PLT are a one-stop resource for application ideas, current industry information and technical service.

  * "Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial", Donna McCann PhD et. al.; Lancet Early Online Publication, 6 September 2007   DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-3

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