New scientific studies conducted by LifeGen Technologies, LLC, a leading genomics company based in Madison, WI in collaboration with Swiss-based DSM Nutritional Products indicate that low doses of resveratrol, a natural constituent of red wine may have significant health benefits for the heart and other organs.

Specifically, the researchers found that low doses of resveratrol in the diet of middle-aged mice mimic the effects of caloric restriction (diets with 20-30 % fewer calories), which is the only intervention that has been shown to extend life in mammals.

“This is the first time that any ingredient has been shown to mimic caloric restriction to this extent,” says Dr. Ying Wang, a contributing author to the report and a Research Scientist at DSM Nutritional Products. “ Our findings also revealed that resveratrol helped to prevent the decline in heart function which is a natural result of aging.” The discovery is doubly important because, as Dr. Tomas Prolla, a professor of genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a senior author of the report explains, “ Resveratrol is active in much lower doses than previously thought.”

Previous research had indicated that resveratrol in high doses extends lifespan in invertebrates and helps prevent early mortality in mice consuming a high-fat diet. The new studies extend these findings, suggesting that resveratrol in low doses may elicit many of the same health benefits as a reduced-calorie diet.

Researchers now believe that dietary supplements or foods that contain even small amounts of resveratrol may significantly promote cardiovascular health. It may also help to explain the so-called “French paradox” - the phenomenon whereby the red-wine-drinking inhabitants of certain regions of France experience low rates of heart disease although their traditional diet is high in saturated fats.

DSM Nutritional Products has recently released Resvida™, a high-purity form of resveratrol which is ideal for use in many types of dietary supplement, food and beverage formulations. “Resvida™ is an important part of our Functional Foods ingredient portfolio, and with the growing trend towards healthy lifestyle and wellness products we have big expectations for Resvida™” explains Garnet Pigden, Senior VP - Functional Foods Marketing Group.

About DSM Nutritional Products
DSM Nutritional Products is the world's leading supplier of vitamins, carotenoids and other fine chemicals to the feed, food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries. The business has sales of over EUR 2 billion and a long tradition as a pioneer in the discovery of new products, new formulations and attractive applications for all industry segments. For further company information please visit www.dsmnutritionalproducts.com.

DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

About LifeGen Technologies, LLC
The mission of LifeGen Technologies is to discover the genetic basis of the aging process with the goal of increasing the healthy life span of humans and animals. LifeGen Technologies, LLC is a Madison, Wisconsin-based genomics company that is focusing on gene expression analysis as it relates to the aging process of humans and animals. LifeGen's founders pioneering research has resulted in several pending patents, and on-going research is expected to yield additional, important intellectual property. Accordingly, LifeGen Technologies is strategically positioned to serve as a valuable partner to other companies involved in drug development and in animal and human nutraceuticals. More information: www.lifegentech.com.

For more information:
DSM Nutritional Products
Charlotte Frederiksen
Tel. +41 (0)61 815 75 03
Fax +41 (0)61 815 88 90
E-mail: charlotte.frederiksen@dsm.com

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of DSM and information currently available to the company. The statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore DSM does not guarantee that its expectations will be realized. Furthermore, DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release. The English language version of the press release is leading.