EFSA Issues Safety Opinion Supporting the Use of Chromium Picolinate as a Source of Chromium in EU Foods

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.

Safe Harbor Provision
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate" and other similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: the effect of the expiration of patents; regulatory issues; uncertainty in the outcomes of clinical trials; changes in external market factors; changes in the Company's business or growth strategy or an inability to execute its strategy due to changes in its industry or the economy generally; the emergence of new or growing competitors; various other competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2010. Actual results could differ materially from the results referred to in the forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will in fact occur. Additionally, the Company makes no commitment to disclose any revisions to forward-looking statements, or any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon forward-looking statements.

Contact Information:

Company Contact:
James Komorowski, M.S., C.N.S.
Vice President
914-701-4500

Investor Contact:
Alan Kirschbaum
Chief Financial Officer
914-701-4500