Geno, a company specializing in alternative materials derived from plant-based waste- or feedstocks instead of fossil fuels, has entered the functional foods and beverages market with the launch of a new ingredient, Avela natural (R)-1,3-Butanediol.
 
The novel, sugar-free ingredient debuted at SupplySide West 2022 in Las Vegas, and is formulated to raise beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ketone levels, the primary source of energy produced by the body during ketosis.
 
According to a recently-published study, ketone supplementation can help elevate BHB. Further research has linked ketone supplementation to improvements in mild cognitive impairment and in exercise performance.  
 
Ketone supplementation offers consumers a means of achieving ketosis, a metabolic response to an energy crisis which alters oxidative fuel selection, without the need for a restrictive diet or prolonged fasting.
 
Geno’s Avela is made from plant sugars through a proprietary fermentation process.
 
“Geno’s safe and sustainable fermentation processes have revolutionized some of the largest industries in the world, and we’re excited to bring this leading-edge technology to the functional foods and beverages market,” said Damien Perriman, senior vice president of specialty products at Geno. “As a longstanding sustainability leader, we are well-positioned to disrupt the keto industry in ways not possible until now.”
 
Avela is self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and can be formulated in a range of products including beverages, bars, and gels. It can support label claims including allergen-free, caffeine-free, gluten-free, plant-based, salt-free, sugar-free, and vegan/vegetarian.
 
According to Geno, Avela has been clinically evidenced to safely raise BHB levels after ingestion and provide more caloric energy than the same amount of carbohydrates alone. As a pure (R)-1,3-Butanediol, the ingredient is metabolized to form (D)-BHB, the same ketone produced during ketosis in the body.
 
“There’s a growing awareness about the benefits of ketones,” said Terry Kitagawa, PhD, nutrition product development manager at Geno. “Geno is helping companies answer rising consumer demand for keto products across the globe safely and sustainably.”