PURCHASE, NY--(Marketwire - December 15, 2010) - Nutrition 21, Inc. (OTCBB: NXXI), the developer and marketer of clinically substantiated ingredients for dietary supplements, foods and beverages, and animal nutrition, today announced the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued its safety assessment supporting the use of chromium picolinate in foods intended for the general population in the European Union (EU). In its safety assessment, EFSA concluded that chromium picolinate has a large margin of safety supporting its use as a source of chromium up to the maximum level established by the World Health Organization (WHO). EFSA's safety review was in response to Nutrition 21's Application to market Chromax® chromium picolinate as a source of chromium in conventional foods in Europe. The safety assessment is an initial step in obtaining formal EU approval of chromium picolinate as an acceptable form of chromium for use in foods. We expect the formal approval will be issued in 2011.

Chromax® chromium picolinate is Nutrition 21's top selling nutritional supplement ingredient in the U.S. The formal approval of chromium picolinate for its use in both fortified food and "medical" food applications in the EU and will provide Nutrition 21 with additional opportunities for business expansion. William J. Levi, Vice President - Ingredients for Nutrition 21, stated, "This is an exciting development for our Ingredients business. Expansion into the European Union is an important component of our growth strategy. We, along with our European distributor Ingredia, look forward to pursuing opportunities with food companies."

James Komorowski, Vice President, Research & Development at Nutrition 21, commented, "The safety review was extensive and included a review of Nutrition 21's safety data on Chromax chromium picolinate, our manufacturing and product specifications, and the long-term, high-dose, toxicity studies independently conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program." In total, the safety review included over 140 references. "The expert opinion on the safety of chromium picolinate and the extensive scientific support is consistent with the high quality standards Nutrition 21 stands behind when offering our premium ingredients to customers and consumers," added Mr. Komorowski.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks.

About Nutrition 21
Nutrition 21, Inc. (OTCBB: NXXI), headquartered in Purchase, NY, is a nutritional bioscience company and holds over 70 issued and pending patents for dietary supplement ingredients, including chromium picolinate, and combinations of chromium compounds with other ingredients. Its products are sold to leading dietary supplement, functional food and beverage, and animal nutrition manufacturers. For more information please visit http://www.nutrition21.com.