PURCHASE, NY, May 14, 2009 – Nutrition 21, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXI), the developer and marketer of nutritional supplements under the Iceland Health^® and Diabetes Essentials^® brands, recently presented results of a research study testing its chromium histidinate in animal models of obesity and of diabetes. The addition of chromium histidinate to the diet significantly increased brain serotonin levels. Increased serotonin levels are known to improve mood and decrease carbohydrate cravings. These results were presented at the Experimental Biology 2009 conference in New Orleans.

Additional research on chromium was presented by scientists from the U.S.D.A. and from the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). The U.S.D.A. study in animals showed that chromium histidinate and chromium picolinate reduced the expression of the gene in the brain that produces TAU proteins. The TAU protein is involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Research by MCG demonstrated that high doses of chromium picolinate are safe and does not cause kidney dysfunction in animal models of obesity and of diabetes.

James Komorowski, M.S., vice president – technical services and scientific affairs for Nutrition 21, stated, “These results provide a mechanism by which chromium histidinate and chromium picolinate improves mood and reduces carbohydrate cravings. The research by the U.S.D.A. provides evidence to support additional research in new chromium applications that address significant quality of life issues in our society. The research by MCG continues to support the safety of chromium picolinate, even at high doses.” Nutrition 21 owns issued and pending patents on multiple uses of chromium, chromium picolinate and chromium histidinate.

Michael A. Zeher, president and chief executive officer of Nutrition 21, commented, “We believe that the research work done by independent organizations like the U.S.D.A. and Medical College of Georgia continues to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our chromium products in conditions such as obesity and diabetes, and begins to demonstrate the potential to address additional health issues like Alzheimer’s Disease. We are pleased with the results of these studies and we remain dedicated to continuing scientific research and product development initiatives going forward.”

About Experimental Biology Conference
Experimental Biology is a multi-society, interdisciplinary, scientific meeting featuring plenary and award lectures, symposia, oral and poster sessions, career services, and exhibits of scientific equipment, supplies, and publications. Over 13,000 independent scientists representing the sponsoring and guest societies attend this meeting.

About Nutrition 21
Nutrition 21, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXI), headquartered in Purchase, NY, is a nutritional bioscience company and the maker of chromium picolinate-based and omega-3 fish oil-based supplements with health benefits substantiated by clinical research. Nutrition 21 holds more than 30 patents for nutrition products and uses. Nutrition 21’s portfolio of health and wellness products include: Iceland Health Chromax^®, Iceland Health Advanced Memory Formula^™, Diabetes Essentials^®, Iceland Health^® Maximum Strength Omega-3 and Iceland Health^® Joint Relief. The company also manufactures private label supplements and ingredients for third parties. Nutrition 21 distributes its products nationally through more than 29,000 major food, drug and super center stores throughout the United States and internationally. For more information please visit http://www.nutrition21.com.
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