Taiyo introduced SunActive IsoQ, a water-soluble form of isoquercetin, which is a precursor to the flavonoid quercetin. Its bioavailability is many times higher than that of the flavonoid in its free form, and this launch will be the first in a series of enhanced bioavailable flavonoids the company will offer, according to Taiyo.
 
The patented ingredient is produced with a novel delivery system that enables manufacturers to use a lower dose for greater benefit, and is now available to the U.S. dietary supplement market through Nutriscience Innovations, Taiyo’s exclusive U.S. partner.
 
Quercetin, which is found abundantly in capers and onions, is studied for a wide range of health benefits, including support for immune function, sports nutrition, antioxidant activity, cardiovascular health, healthy cartilage, and allergy relief benefits. It has been the subject of more than 2,000 published papers in 2020 alone. Key obstacles in formulating with the ingredient include taste, solubility, and bioavailability, according to Taiyo.
 
SunAcive IsoQ is derived from rutin (the flower buds of the Japanese Pagoda tree) using Taiyo’s patented, solvent-free, enzymatic process. The result is a water-soluble dietary ingredient chemically identical to isoquercetin found in nature. The company uses a unique microencapsulation technology which improves absorption, and conversion to free quercetin in the body, as demonstrated by a human clinical study. The ingredient is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by a panel of independent experts.
 
According to the study, appearing in the Journal of Functional Foods, isoquercetin was 25 times higher in bioavailability than free quercetin, allowing for a 100 mg dose of SunActive IsoQ to deliver the equivalent of 275 mg of bioavailable quercetin, which is a substantial benefit for formulation.
 
“Improving the bioavailability of quercetin is a highly sought-after benefit to brands trying to formulate with quercetin and consumers who want effective results,” Scott Smith, Taiyo International Vice President, said. “Taiyo has committed to expanding our bioavailable flavonoid series and exploring the health benefits with clinical studies to open new horizons for sports nutrition, cardiovascular health, immune health, healthy aging, and more.”
 
“This new innovative delivery form for quercetin will be sought-after by brands because of its ease of formulation in powders, capsules, gummies, soft chews, and beverage applications. NutriScience will work with brands to maximize the benefits while minimizing the formulation challenges,” Alan Yengoyan, CEO of NutriScience Innovations, said.