09.01.05
GTC Nutrition: Enhancing Health…Naturally
GTC Nutrition, Golden, CO, broke onto the nutraceuticals scene in 1988 with its flagship product NutraFlora (short-chain fructooligosaccharides—scFOS), a natural prebiotic fiber. Since then it has expanded its product portfolio considerably with the addition of several other complementary, science-based nutritional ingredients that support today’s healthy lifestyles. These include: Aquamin natural calcified mineral source; CalciLife prebiotic mineral formulation; Natureal oat bran concentrate and Polyglobe xylitol naturally occurring polyol. These products have a wide variety of applications in functional foods nutritional beverages and supplements.
To elaborate, NutraFlora is a prebiotic fiber derived from cane or beet sugar that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria—probiotics—which promote calcium absorption and enhance immunity. NutraFlora can also be incorporated into a low-carb lifestyle, and it is considered diabetic-safe because it does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels. It also improves digestive health due to its ability to function as a dietary fiber.
The company’s Aquamin product is harvested off the west coast of Ireland and it contains bioactive calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals essential to maintaining bone health and overall wellness. According to GTC, this product has superior bioavailability, and promotes strong bones and digestive comfort.
CalciLife is a product that combines the benefits of prebiotic fiber and minerals. This unique blend benefits the body by enhancing probiotic cultures and ensuring proper bone mineral content.
Natureal oat bran concentrate is the company’s soluble/insoluble fiber offering. In addition to containing protein, the product is rich in oat beta-glucan. GTC says Natureal brings benefits to weight control, healthy cholesterol metabolism, blood sugar control and heart health. The product also has the ability to exert strong control over insulin release, extending satiety and meal satisfaction.
The last product in GTC’s portfolio is Polyglobe xylitol, which is a naturally occurring polyol that provides 100% the sweetness of sugar with 40% fewer calories. Derived from corncobs, xylitol is diabetic-safe, reduces the incidence of cavities and protects tooth enamel.
In a major turn of events, last year GTC Nutrition joined forces with Westchester, IL-based Corn Products International, Inc., which is one of the world’s largest corn refiners and suppliers of sweeteners and starches. As part of the agreement, Corn Products acquired a majority ownership stake in GTC Nutrition and constructed a production channel to produce scFOS products in Ontario, Canada. The new production channel is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
Most recently, GTC announced plans to launch a health education initiative teaching consumers “Health Sense” through a new campaign. This program, which incorporates the health benefits offered by GTC Nutrition’s line of specialty ingredients, will empower consumers to make better food and lifestyle choices. Scheduled to launch early next year, the program will reach end consumers through a variety of channels, including partnership opportunities, co-branding logo and label statement opportunities, a consumer-focused website, education programs, community events and additional public relations and advertising efforts.
Everything seems to be coming together at the right time for GTC Nutrition. According to its president, Patrick Smith, “Consumers are becoming better educated regarding functional ingredients and the unique health benefits that they offer. As a result, they are searching and paying premiums for supplements and foods that address their needs.” He added, “GTC Nutrition is in a unique position to help its customers capture this growth. One challenge that will need to be addressed is making marketing messages simple, clear and relevant to consumers.”—R.W.
GTC Nutrition
600 Corporate Circle
Suite H
Golden, CO 80401
Telephone: 303-216-2489
Fax: 303-216-2477
E-mail: generalinfo@gtcnutrition.com
Website: www.gtcnutrition.com
