Protica Launches All-Natural Protein Beverage, Proasis

WHITEHALL, Pa., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Protica, Inc., the makers of the first capsulized protein beverage, Profect(R), is adding a new brand to its product line.

Following the FDA approval of rebiana, Proasis(R), an all-natural version of Profect made with the natural sweetener will hit the shelves of stores January of 2009.

Like Profect, the compact 2.9 fluid ounce beverage utilizes Actinase(R). The patent-pending 25-gram protein complex is a natural, hypoallergenic, enzymatically-hydrolyzed formula that stimulates the metabolism by signaling the body to increase assimilation and absorption of essential nutrients.

Rebiana (also known as Reb A), a sweetener extracted from the leaf of the stevia plant is said to be 300 times as sweet as table sugar, but without the calories. The stevia plant, native to Southern America has been long been used as a sweetener in yerba mate. Recently, the FDA recognized rebiana at 95 percent purity or above to be GRAS (generally recognized as safe).

"When we [Protica] developed the first, ready-to-drink, liquid protein shot [Profect] in 2001, we also wanted to create a protein shot that was 100% natural. At the time, we were not satisfied with the all-natural, high intensity sweeteners available," said Jim Duffy, Protica President. "Over the years, stevia processors have refined their methods to yield a material that tastes clean and sweet. The recent FDA approval allows us to unveil Proasis as the market's first, all-natural, liquid protein shot."

Proasis will be initially available in nine flavors and packaged in Protica's renowned ready-to-drink vial. Proasis will be distributed by Tree of Life.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a research-based nutraceutical firm with offices in Horsham and Whitehall, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, such as Profect and Proasis, in ready-to-drink form. To learn more about Protica please visit http://www.protica.com.

About Tree of Life

Tree of Life, Inc. is the world's leading marketer and distributor of organic, natural and specialty foods, serving customers throughout the United States and Canada. The parent company, Wessanen, has over two centuries of experience in the food industry.

Protica, Profect, Proasis and Actinase are registered trademarks of Protica, Inc.