Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Harnesses Amino Acid Power to Improve Sleep

FORT LEE, N.J., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ajinomoto Food Ingredients announced that Ajinomoto Co., Inc., a leader in the development of pharmaceutical-quality amino acids and safe, effective nutraceutical solutions, will showcase Glysom™ (www.glysom.com) during Sleep 2011, the 25th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies to be held in Minneapolis, June 11-15, 2011.

Glysom™ is the latest breakthrough in amino acid and sleep research.  Made from glycine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body, Glysom™ is scientifically proven to promote deeper, sounder and more satisfying sleep for occasional sleeplessness without morning drowsiness.* Developed by a team of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. scientists led by Dr. Makoto Bannai, one of the foremost authorities on glycine and its applications to sleep, Glysom™ is particularly effective in promoting the deep, non-REM sleep crucial to feeling refreshed and restored in the morning.*  

"Since not all sleep is created equal, it's not enough to simply increase the number of hours at sleep," said Brendan Naulty, president of Ajinomoto Food Ingredients.  "Glysom™ zeroes in on sleep quality, inducing the healthy deep sleep critical to optimal well-being."

Glycine, the amino acid that is produced naturally in the body and present in many healthy foods such as fish, meat and bean, has been extensively researched.  Dr. Bannai has led glycine research at Ajinomoto Co., Inc. since 2005.  In the past decade, he has authored or co-authored over 20 studies examining various mechanisms of improving sleep and the critical connection between glycine and enhanced sleep quality and daytime performance.   Among Dr. Bannai's key findings are an early appearance of slow wave sleep (SWS) and the reduction of deep (core) body temperature in early phases of sleep after glycine ingestion, all indicators of improved sleep quality.

Introduced in the US in May 2010, Glysom™ is available exclusively through medical professionals.  In the year since its introduction, approximately 70 medical establishments nationwide have begun recommending Glysom™ to patients who experience occasional sleeplessness.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic, with an estimated 50-70 million US adults having difficulties with sleep or wakefulness.  

In addition to Glysom™, Ajinomoto Food Ingredients' safe, effective nutraceutical solutions include Capsiate Natura®, a patented, side effect-free dietary supplement with natural capsinoids shown to boost the body's metabolism*; and Natura Guard BP™, a milk protein-derived nutraceutical to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range*.  These products are backed by rigorous clinical studies and are available exclusively through medical professionals.  For more information and a complete list of healthcare professionals that carry Ajinomoto Food Ingredients' nutraceuticals, visit www.capsiatenatura.com, www.glysom.com and www.naturaguardbp.com

About Ajinomoto Food Ingredients

Ajinomoto Food Ingredients delivers safe, effective ingredients whose functionality has been scientifically proven.  Our mission is the pursuit of better health through better nutrition.  Beginning with AJI-NO-MOTO® MSG, a highly versatile seasoning, our products have diversified to flavor seasonings (bonito, pork, chicken, and beef), sweeteners, savory sauces, enzymes, other food ingredients and nutritional supplements.  Based on the five basic tastes centering on Umami, Ajinomoto supplies ingredients with unique aroma, texture, kokumi (full-bodied taste) and nutritional functionality.  These ingredients make it possible for our customers to build strong brands and offer consumers great-tasting, nutritionally beneficial products.

About Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Ajinomoto is a global manufacturer of high-quality seasonings, processed foods, beverages, amino acids, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals.  For many decades, Ajinomoto has contributed to food culture and human health through wide-ranging application of amino acid technologies.  Today, the company is becoming increasingly involved with solutions for improved food resources, human health and global sustainability.  Founded in 1909 and now operating in 23 countries, Ajinomoto had net sales of 1,170.8 billion yen (12.8 billion USD) in fiscal 2010.  For more about Ajinomoto (TYO: 2802), visit www.ajinomoto.com.

Glysom™ clinical studies are available on request.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

SOURCE Ajinomoto Co., Inc.