Results of a cross-over clinical evaluation showed that ChromaDex Corp’s PURENERGY caffeine alternative—a patented co-crystal ingredient comprised of caffeine and pTeroPure pterostilbene, a potent antioxidant found in blueberries—allows formulators to reduce the total amount of caffeine in their products by as much as 50% without sacrificing consumers’ expectations from such products.

The clinical evaluation was designed to determine the relative bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and safety of PURENERGY. This study was conducted by scientists from Miami Research Associates in Miami, FL, led by principal investigator Dr. Diane R. Krieger.

The study compared the co-crystallized caffeine in PURENERGY™ with ordinary caffeine.  The findings of the study showed:

• PURENERGY delivers almost 30% more caffeine into the blood than ordinary caffeine.
• The rate of caffeine absorption is significantly slower with PURENERGY, by about 30% as compared to ordinary caffeine.
• The half-life of caffeine from PURENERGY is extended significantly by about 25% over that of ordinary caffeine.  

• At 4 hours, there was 45% more caffeine from PURENERGY compared to ordinary caffeine alone.
• At 6 hours, there was 51% more caffeine from PURENERGY compared to ordinary caffeine alone.
• At 6 hours, subjects taking PURENERGY showed significantly less fatigue and greater concentration compared to baseline. Ordinary caffeine did not.
• At 6 hours, subjects taking PURENERGY showed improved energy, alertness and focus compared to baseline. Ordinary caffeine did not.
• PURENERGY showed no adverse effect.

Recently, caffeinated energy products have been coming under increased political and regulatory scrutiny because of the potential health risks associated with consuming large amounts of caffeine.

“The results of our clinical study of PURENERGY validate its suitability as an alternative to ordinary caffeine in energy drinks and other energy products, said Frank Jaksch, ChromaDex’s co-founder and CEO. “PURENERGY balances the consumer’s desire to feel the effects of caffeine with the pressure consumer product companies are under to reduce caffeine levels in finished products.”

In conjunction with the clinical evaluation, ChromaDex commissioned Ipsos to conduct a national consumer survey of the caffeine consumption habits and attitudes of the American public. The survey revealed that although most Americans are committed to their daily caffeine habit, they would be interested in a product with less caffeine that delivers a sustained energy boost, but without the negative side effects associated with excessive caffeine consumption such as anxiety, jitters and increased heart rate.

ChromaDex’s consumer survey found that 57% of American ages 18 to 54 reported consuming between two and five caffeinated beverages or products a day. According to the survey, 70% of Americans are either concerned about the potential health risks of using highly caffeinated products or have already stopped using these product altogether.

Seventy one percent of respondents age 18-34 reported that they were interested in a reduced caffeine energy beverage that provided the same benefits or feel without the negative side effects and the associated “crash” from ordinary caffeine.

Mr. Jaksch continued, “The consumer survey, which reveals that consumers are seeking a caffeine alternative that delivers less caffeine, but the same energy boost, validates the need for a safe, clinically studied ingredient like PURENERGY.”

The results of ChromaDex’s clinical evaluation support those of an earlier animal study, which showed that PURENERGY has a longer half-life by comparison with caffeine alone.

In addition to being a caffeine alternative, PURENERGY has additional health benefits stemming from its co-crystal formulation with pTeroPure pterostilbene, which has shown great promise for supporting heart health, cognitive function, anti-aging, weight loss and other metabolic disorders. pTeroPure was named the 2010 North American Most Promising Ingredient of the Year by the independent research company Frost & Sullivan.

PURENERGY and pTeroPure are manufactured exclusively for ChromaDex by Laurus Labs, a leader in API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) manufacturing.