By 2050, 2.1 billion people – more than 20% of the global population – will be over 60. However, research shows there is a ten-year gap between life expectancy and health expectancy, or those years lived in good health feeling well and mostly free of disease1 . With almost a decade lost to ill health, this gap poses major public health challenges and governments are faced with increasingly heavy healthcare burdens.
“At dsm-firmenich, our commitment to healthy longevity is rooted in science, bolstered by robust evidence generation and grounded in a portfolio of established innovative ingredients that includes new delivery formats and product forms developed by our scientists and technical experts,” said Anneleen Spooren the company’s Senior VP Innovation, Research & Development and Regulatory for Health, Nutrition & Care business, “Sprinkle It Technology (SIT) is a breakthrough micronutrient solution that is efficacious, and highly versatile. It perfectly aligns with the global food-first trend preferred by many consumers, to help close the gap between life expectancy and health expectancy via their diet.”
At the core of the Sprinkle It Technology (SIT) is a proprietary low-moisture, short-time extrusion process, which produces stable, highly compacted nutrient granules. Compared to traditional capsules, tablets, or encapsulated products, Sprinkle It Technology (SIT)’s patented technology uses a natural matrix made from semolina and wheat starch, vitamins to be integrated seamlessly into food. Each granule is composed of a multi-layered matrix protecting the micronutrients from environmental elements, while allowing their release once consumed. This advanced protection ensures that vitamins retain their potency without compromising taste or texture.
“We have worked closely with Rohto Pharmaceuticals over the last two and a half years to develop the optimal product formulation for the Japanese population using our patented Sprinkle It Technology (SIT). We believe this product fits seamlessly into the lives of many Japanese seniors and patients will make a positive difference in tackling micronutrient insufficiencies to support better nutrition and overall health for the country’s aging population,” said Tina Low, Senior VP Asia-Pacific, Health, Nutrition & Care, dsm-firmenich.
Sprinkle It Technology (SIT) is a multi-country collaboration, resulting in nine patent filings. The entire production process is initiated and completed in Europe, with nearly 90% of the ingredients being sourced from Europe, ensuring high quality and adherence to stringent European standards. It will launch this month in a number of Japanese medical institutions, where it will be provided with hospital meals or recommended to outpatients.
- Garmany, A., Yamada, S., Terzic, A., Longevity leap: mind the healthspan gap. npj Regenerative Medicine volume 6, Article number: 57 (2021).