• Two products from the Amino-Value line containing functional component BCAA^*1 will be renewed in early April as Japan's first Foods with Function Claim for alleviation of fatigue caused by physical activity
• The Amino-Value brand was developed based on expertise accumulated through research into the benefits of BCAA in the fields of clinical and sports nutrition.
• Renewal of the two products as Foods with Function Claim bearing clear and easy to understand explanation of specific BCAA functions will increase opportunities for Amino-Value to support active lifestyles.

Tokyo, Japan -- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo, Japan; President: Tastuo Higuchi) has announced the renewal of Amino-Value 4000 and Amino-Value Powder 8000 with new labeling as Foods with Function Claims. These will be the first Foods with Function Claims for alleviation of fatigue caused by physical activity attributed to functional component BCAA (general term for valine, leucine, and isoleucine). The products in their new packaging will begin shipping in early April. Recommended daily intake as a Food with Functional Claim is 8,000mg of BCAA - two bottles of Amino-Value 4000 or one packet of Amino-Value Powder 8000.

Physical activity is recognized as beneficial for maintenance and promotion of health, but fatigue can be an obstacle for continuation of exercise regimes and a source of inconvenience in daily life. Otsuka Pharmaceutical has focused on consumption of BCAA as a way to lessen feelings of fatigue following physical activity. Based on Otsuka research into BCAA accumulated during development of amino acid preparations in the field of clinical nutrition and results of nutritional research in the sports field, Amino-Value BCAA beverage was launched in 2003. Subsequently, the product lineup has been expanded for consumption in a variety of active scenarios.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical believes that renewal of these two Amino-Value products as Foods with Functional Claim clearly indicating the functional benefits of BCAA will encourage more people to experience the appeal of the products, expanding opportunities for physical activity and contributing to extension of healthy life expectancy.

With the addition of these two products Otsuka Pharmaceutical now markets nine products labeled as Foods with Function Claims: two Amino-Value products, five Nature Made products, and two OMUGI SEIKATSU (Barley Life) products.

Based on our corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka - people creating new products for better health worldwide', Otsuka Pharmaceutical is dedicated to the development of innovative products that contribute to the health of people around the world.

About Amino-Value

BCAA (branched chain amino acids) serves as a source of energy during exercise and supports conditioning. Developed based on the concept of making these important nutrients - previously used primarily in clinical settings - available for convenient daily consumption by members of the public at large, Amino-Value was launched in 2003 as a product to support athletes, people who enjoy athletic pursuits, and those aiming to maintain active lifestyles. Subsequently expanded to encourage consumption of BCAA in a variety of active scenarios, the Amino-Value lineup currently consists of four products. Amino-Value 4000 and Amino-Value Powder 8000 will be renewed in early April 2017 as Foods with Function Claims.