A nutritional powdered product that could reduce the size of strokes in humans, is being researched and developed by NutriFusion.

The Medical University of South Carolina conducted research on animals in regard to the health affects of GrandFusion - developed by NutriFusion - the first graduate of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation in Bluffton.

NutriFusion's next step is to conduct human trials. MUSC is waiting for results for the hypertension model, which means testing the ability to delay strokes and reduce the size of a stroke.

The research showed that GrandFusion reduces oxidative stress. In humans, oxidative stress is involved in many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The goal of NutriFusion is to ensure consumers are improving their diets by adding the necessary nutrients and reducing the risks of those diseases.

Bill Grand, CEO of NutriFusion, created GrandFusion to restore nutrients into processed foods and supplements. With GrandFusion, unhealthy food, like chips or pizza, can become healthier because it adds a nutritional powder which doesn't affect the taste.

MUSC's research shows GrandFusion was able to reduce the oxidative stress in animals and shows a reduction in the DNA damage caused by the stress. Grand said the research will help consumers understand the need for daily nutrients and how GrandFusion can add nutrients into their diet.

Besides researching the positive affects of the products, Grand is consodering relocating the NutriFusion plant from the Northeast to Hilton Head.

"There's more accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables with a longer farming season so having the plant here would help us expand," Grand said. "Plus, with it here I could manage it better."

Setting an example

Being the first innovator to graduate from the DRCI, NutriFusion will set an example for others who seek to become a successful business through the help of the Don Ryan Center.

After joining the center, Grand said he received numerous new contacts within Beaufort County and town of Bluffton to expand the brand's concept.

The Don Ryan Center is a public-private program designed to support new technology company formation and development. The program connects entrepreneurs with consulting, resources and research through Clemson University, seed financing and other services.

"We have provided Bill with business plan formation, marketing analysis, mentoring, directing to resources at Clemson and our regional community," said Larry Hughes, assistant to the center's interim director, Marc Orlando. "As our first graduate, we take great pride in Bill's preparation for success. He has a strong game plan for a product with a potential global impact as a food additive, nutrient supplement for employment in dealing with world hunger and diet deficiency."

Hughes said the center will continue to work with Grand as he needs it in the areas of strategic marketing and financial counseling.

"Part of our work at the center involves knowing where each innovator is in the early maturation business cycle," Hughes said. "What additional collaboration will bring them closer to success? It is an intuitive process and innovators are as different as snowflakes."

Unlike other start-up businesses, NutriFusion wasn't in search of funds. Grand used the resources of the center to collaborate with the town and Clemson University.

"I hope to continue growing and keep managing it as it develops," Grand said. "We're completely self-financed and I'm thankful to have the resources offered by the center. In the last month, I've really enjoyed working with Larry Hughes because he's a high energy guy who was able to get a lot of things accomplished for us before graduating."

Expanding the product

Grand has hired two full-time employees in the past few weeks.

"They're clones of me. I really needed someone who could do basically everything I do on a day-to-day basis," Grand said.

Through the GrandFusion product, nutrients can be added to almost anything including hamburger meat, buns, chips, beverages and pasta. NutriFusion has coined the phrase, "better for you" to let the consumer know that adding the product will make daily foods consumed more healthy.

The Girl Scouts Cookie Program decided to offer a healthy cookie for the nation by providing their new Mango Cremes with NutriFusion. The vanilla and coconut cookies with a tangy mango flavored crème filling are enhanced with GrandFusion derived from fruits, like cranberries, pomegranates, oranges, grapes and strawberries.

While Grand is unsure whether the cookies will continue, he looks forward to providing GrandFusion for many multi-national food companies.

NutriFusion's process stabilizes the nutrients from perishable fruits and vegetables allowing an extended shelf life. There are no synthetic additives, preservatives or synthetic ingredients in the GrandFusion powder.

For NutriFusion, Grand hopes to continue expanding the products and giving a healthier option in a fast-paced food business.