Phytochemical specialist Kensing has expanded its plant-based vitamin E portfolio with Sun E, an upcycled, clean-label vitamin E brand.
The sunflower-derived vitamin E nutraceutical is produced as a side venture in the sunflower oil production process, and is designed to offer the cardiovascular health benefits associated with the key vitamin while reducing waste and minimising environmental impact.
Sun E's debut follows Kensing's recent acquisition of Advanced Organic Materials (AOM), and will allow the company to expand the ingredient's reach across new international markets.
According to Kensing, naturally derived vitamin E sourced specifically from sunflower oil can offer double the bioactivity compared to synthetic alternatives.
This is because synthetic forms contain around 12.5% of the vitamin E isomers the body can absorb and utilise, meaning less overall impact and faster excretion.
Considering sustainability
According to Kensing, Sun E stands out as a vitamin E solution because of its sustainability profile and clean-label nature.
"Sun E is sourced exclusively from an upcycled side-stream of sunflower oil production," noted the company's CEO, Serge Rogasik.
"By harnessing the by-products of the food industry, we can maximise process efficiency and reduce waste — offering supplement manufacturers a pure and potent ingredient," he added.
The raw materials from which Sun E are derived are cultivated to fuel the edible oils industry, with Kensing's processing facilities situated close to these operations; further contributing to the ingredient's sustainability profile.
The company currently produces Sun E in four global manufacturing facilities across North and South America, as well as Europe.
"Sunflowers are a sustainable crop, as they are naturally drought resistant," states Rogasik. "They also require minimal fertilisers or pesticides, and not single square meter of land is planted for our activity."
Natural vitamin E for improved bioavailability
When creating supplements containing vitamins, Kensing believes that brands should consider the source.
"Not all vitamin E forms are made equal," said Kensing's VP of R&I, Denis Bendejacq. "Biological activity is generally determined by the composition of tocopherols and their different isomers."
"The RRR-alpha isomer is the most bioavailable to the body, as they become naturally concentrated via stereospecific receptors such as tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP)."
As the human body cannot synthesise vitamin E on its own, individuals must obtain it through the diet or supplementation; making sunflower-derived iterations perfect for supplement formulations due to their natural richness of RRR-alpha.
Recent research has revealed that supplementation with vitamin E can reduce exercise-induced muscular damage, while promoting healthy ageing, contributing to the slowing of cognitive decline and improving eye health, suggesting the wide-ranging benefits of vitamin E intake.
It is also a potent antioxidant, a fact which is supported by a EFSA health claim (EU Regulation No. 432/2012).
Attendees at Vitafoods Europe 2025 will be able to sample Kensing's Sun E beauty from within-focused gummies at the event from 20–22 May.