MAY 2020 – Between February and March alone, the number of daily vitamin and nutritional supplement takers rose 14% with much of that focus on wellness and immune support.1 According to a recent article from the American Botanical Council’s (ABC) HerbalGram written by Karen Raterman, “as alarm about the virus (COVID-19) grew, so did the demand for herbal immune enhancers, wellness formulas, traditional medicines, and botanical ingredients.”2 Increased demand has raised concerns over availability and application, prompting many to look for alternatives to support immune health and wellness, including through a healthy gut microbiome.

The potential benefits of a balanced gut microbiome are well supported through a number of studies.3,4 In part, a balanced and healthy gut flora has been identified as critical in promoting overall health and wellness. Further, these studies go on to explain that an imbalance in the microbiome can result in dysbiosis— “a microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body, such as an impaired microbiota”6—as well as increased permeability of toxins and disease. Dysbiosis can impact the immune system from the resulting antioxidant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) imbalance.6 Promotion of a healthy gut microbiome, gut flora, and a balanced immune response may be supported by targeting oxidative stress through antioxidant solutions.

Ranked highest in antioxidant activity across a number of assays compared to twenty-six other antioxidant products, patented Pomella® Pomegranate Extract is standardized to punicalagins.7 In healthy humans, a single dose of Pomella led to a significant 32% increase in antioxidant activity in the blood.8 In addition to proven antioxidant capacity, Pomella may act as a prebiotic to support the growth of Akkermansia muciniphilia, a bacterium commonly found in the microbiome. Evidence suggests that conversion of punicalagins to urolithins in the human gut is vital to the successful promotion of pomegranate extract’s prebiotic potential.9,10 Interestingly, in healthy people with normal glucose tolerance, increased presence of Akkermansia is suggestive of a balanced gut microbiota.9 The hydrolysis of these antioxidant ellagitannins in the gut indicates that ingestion of Pomella may stimulate the growth of Akkermansia, thus acting as a prebiotic, explain researchers.12

Beyond the mounting evidence continuing to distinguish Pomella, the pomegranate extract is recognized for traceability, sustainability, and global stewardship initiatives through our internal Verdugration® program. The market demand for clinically supported, quality assured ingredients that offer balanced support has been rising. Leisha Jenkins, Marketing Associate with Verdure Sciences explains, “We have seen a substantial number of inquiries seeking solutions that can offer microbiome support.”
While trends continue to increase for the dietary supplement sector, concerns regarding supply chain and potential impact to quality assurance are of paramount importance. “As we know, the herbal industry is very much dependent on global supply chains and especially the botanicals which are trending with consumers and with increased growth,” said Ajay Patel, Founder and CEO of Verdure Sciences. There is concern that adulterated ingredients and products may enter the supply chain as demand increases. “It is very likely that brand owners are having to scramble for raw materials to keep their pipeline filled, and, as a result, are diverting to suppliers that may not be qualified or trustworthy,” Patel added.

Companies, such as Verdure, with branded ingredient solutions add assurance and reliable transparency for manufacturers of finished products. “Since January, Verdure has been extremely proactive with supply chain partners in the expedition of increased inventory in adherence of our mitigation protocols and strategies,” said Patel. †

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Nektium expands its portfolio of standardized botanical ingredients with Echinacea angustifolia. It´s an ingredient with historical use and scientific evidence for supporting the immune system and strengthening the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral diseases.

The ingredient is produced from Echinacea angustifolia roots and standardized to 4% echinacoside, the major polyphenol prevalent in the root. “We have established a transparent supply chain with an accredited European raw material supplier, backed by our established ID testing to ensure the quality of our ingredient”, says Deborah Thoma, Marketing Manager at Nektium. “Since we manufacture the ingredient in our GMP-certified production plant on the Canary Islands, this is an ingredient 100% made in the EU.”

Whilst there are many products containing different Echinacea species, the ingredient provided by Nektium is a standalone product from Echinacea angustifolia – a herbal remedy that was traditionally used by Native Americans, primarily to treat upper respiratory tract infections and snake bites. Scientific research furthermore emphasizes the immune-stimulating properties of Echinacea angustifolia as well as the applicability as anti-inflammatory.

Besides other ingredients such as Elderberry that are already established in the product portfolio, Echinacea angustifolia is the most recent addition of immunostimulant ingredients.

A new independent clinical trial confirms body composition improvement after supplementation with Sinetrol, a citrus polyphenol extract.

A new clinical study, published this month in the Journal of medicinal foods, releases proof of the efficacy of the citrus polyphenol-based ingredient Sinetrol on Asian population. The synergy of naringin and hesperidin is being studied for the first time on Asian population, associated with a low-calorie diet in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-control trial involving 86 South Korean subjects with 25<BMI<30.

The study has been run by the Research team of the department of <family medicine from Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul.
Participants took either Sinetrol-XPur in tablet form or a placebo once a day. Bodyweight, body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass, waist circumference, and various safety parameters were measured. After the 12-week intervention, a significant reduction was observed in the body fat mass (P = .030) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), body weight (P = .002), and BMI (P = .002) compared to the placebo. Safety profiles were not different between the two groups.

These results suggested that Sinetrol-Xpur significantly reduced body weight, body fat mass, and BMI in obese Korean subjects, which confirms the body composition benefits of Sinetrol-XPur in the Korean population.

The study has been funded by South Korean pharmaceutical leader RP Bio, which has been using the results of this study to submit to the MFDS (South Korean Ministry of Food & Drug Safety, formerly known as KFDA) a dossier supporting the application of Sinetrol on the improvement of body composition. Independent mechanistic and clinical study on South Korean population have been financed and piloted by RP Bio in Seoul to complete the scientific dossier developed by Fytexia, the French company developing the ingredient Sinetrol.

RP Bio has been receiving Individual authorization registration (IAR) on the 11th of September 2019 and is the only company in Korea able to commercialize Sinetrol in food supplements in South Korea. The South Korea MDFD’s health claim approval recognizes the ability of Sinetrol to “help reduce body fat” in overweight population.

Sinetrol is now being used in numerous new product developments sold over South Korea.

(PURDY, MO and TRUMBULL, CT) – Devon Bennett, CEO of INS Farms, and Alan Yengoyan, President/CEO at NutriScience Innovations LLC, have announced the launch of Eldermune™* (Elderberry + Sunfiber®**) in two grades, certified organic and conventional. Eldermune™ was developed by INS Farms and will be marketed/supplied exclusively by NutriScience.

According to Devon Bennett, “This agreement will enable us to strengthen our position as a major elderberry grower, manufacturer and supplier in the nutraceutical industry”. Bennett commented, “NutriScience has strong roots in the natural ingredients industry, which makes the company a preferred partner for Eldermune™.”

Eldermune™ combines elderberry juice concentrate, for immune support, plus Sunfiber®, a natural, soluble prebiotic dietary fiber. These ingredients work synergistically to enhance the absorption of elderberry’s immune-supporting phytonutrients in the digestive tract. Eldermune™ is well suited for use in both dietary supplements and the wide-ranging beverage market.

“The use of Sunfiber as a functional carrier brings these synergistic benefits to the consumer by harnessing the immune benefits of elderberry and the prebiotic benefits of Sunfiber®,” said Alan Yengoyan. “Eldermune™ is 100% water soluble elderberry juice powder made with elderberry concentrate that is dried with Sunfiber®,” Yengoyan added.

Eldermune™ is created with a low-temperature drying process that helps maintain higher levels of key antioxidants – polyphenols and anthocyanins – which are fundamental to elderberry’s activity. This product utilizes Sunfiber®, rather than maltodextrin, during the drying process, thus creating an elderberry product that enhances the digestion of healthy nutrients that support immune health.

“Eldermune™ represents a game-changer for the dietary supplement and beverage industries as there is no more need to dry with maltodextrin” Alan Yengoyan explained. Yengoyan adds “Most companies spray dry concentrate using maltodextrin, however, a high-heat drying process destroys and degrades many of the nutrients in elderberry, including the immune-supporting polyphenols”.

Devon Bennett added that Eldermune™ is fully traceable from the fields to the final product with complete control of the supply chain. “It hits all the right consumer notes, as the ingredient is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, Kosher, and is available as organic certified. By using Sunfiber®, Eldermune™ contains a fiber source that is Monash University Low FODMAP Certified, making it ideal for adults suffering from digestive conditions like IBS,” commented Bennett.

Bennett emphasized that “Eldermune™ is a new concept for flavonoid antioxidants in immune health. The addition of Sunfiber® prebiotic fiber makes this ingredient free of unwanted carriers such as maltodextrin and other additives. This ingredient is pure, simple, natural and ideal for clean-label dietary supplement and beverage applications.”

Eldermune™ will be supplied to food, beverage and dietary supplement customers in North America exclusively by NutriScience Innovations, LLC.

Every year, people around the world spend billions of dollars on products, many of which are topical solutions like moisturizers, to improve skin health. As a result of her findings, the study’s co-author, Neelam Muizzuddin, Ph.D., now believes that orally ingested supplements are superior to other forms of skincare.

“This research was very fascinating to me because the bulk of my experience has been in topical skincare solutions,” said Muizzuddin. “Examining the ‘beauty-from-within’ approach has me converted to believing it is a better way of improving beauty because it helps improve the whole body. You fall short by focusing on topicals, as they only address the skin.”

During the second phase of the study, 63 participants ingested either 1 or 3 grams of MSM over 16 weeks. Results were judged using subject self-assessment of wrinkles and skin texture, expert clinical grading, and instrumental measurement and analysis. The results indicated that oral ingestion of MSM reduces signs of aging, like facial wrinkles and skin roughness, and also improves skin firmness, elasticity and hydration. With both doses (1 or 3 grams) showing efficacy, researchers point towards MSM’s effectiveness in reducing visual signs of skin aging, even at a low dose of 1 gram per day.

“What surprised me about the results was how effective the product was in reducing wrinkles, which is the most important element because everyone is so concerned about them,” said Muizzuddin. “Even the visual pictures showed promising change. There was also some nice softening of the facial skin, but I think the reduction in wrinkles is the most important part of this study.”

Rimouski (Quebec), February 24, 2020 – InnoVactiv inc., a Canadian supplier of sciencebased dietary ingredients servicing clients in over 15 countries, announced today that the company has achieved SQF (Safe Quality Food) level 2 certification. This certification includes a FSMA Food Addendum covering the requirements of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which is mandatory for all dietary ingredient suppliers in the U.S.
The SQF Code is a globally trusted and independent food safety program and management system designed to meet the needs of buyers and suppliers worldwide. Widely considered one of the most rigorous and comprehensive food safety standards in the world, SQF certification requires to develop and implement a stringent food safety system that applies to every step of the supply chain, ensuring that products are manufactured and distributed in accordance with the strictest standards in the industry.
“One of our top priorities at innoVactiv is ensuring that the ingredients we supply are safe and meet the highest industry requirements” stated Raphaël Anguenot, Vice-President Supply Chain. “This achievement, obtained through an internationally recognized certification system and on-site audits, confirms our pivotal role in the risk-management of all stages from ingredients manufacturing to their distribution to retail environments.”
InnoVactiv obtained a perfect score with the FSMA Food addendum of the SQF certification. “As a leading supplier of dietary ingredients, we are proud to offer complete peace of mind to our esteemed clients and partners in the U.S. This certification highlights our team’s expertise and dedication to deliver only the safest and most effective ingredients” concluded Patrice Dionne, CEO of InnoVactiv.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — February 18, 2020 — Today Bergstrom Nutrition, the world’s leading and largest manufacturer of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), OptiMSM®, announces Adrian Polliack, PhD as its new president and CEO. The business executive comes to Bergstrom Nutrition with more than two decades of leadership experience in roles such as CEO, president and founder for companies in the manufacturing, bioscience and medical technology spaces. He is also the inventor of 11 issued U.S. patents, ten of which are currently being offered in the marketplace.

In 2015, while running Bridge Biomedical Consulting, Polliack worked with Bergstrom Nutrition’s leadership team on their quest to uncover new uses for MSM beyond its more well-known usage in joint health and inflammation, mobility and aging, along with skincare and now a new focus on hair and nail strength.

“My previous work with Bergstrom Nutrition offered me a glimpse into the many possibilities for MSM. Today I’m thrilled at the prospect of embarking upon yet another exploration of OptiMSM’s bright future,” said Polliack. “Bergstrom Nutrition has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality and expanding its usage, in part due to the vast amount of lab and clinical research it undertakes. In 2015, I consulted with Bergstrom on implementing a stage-gate process to begin vetting new product development and claims opportunities. It’s my hope to put that framework to better use so we can offer our customers studies with more defined outcomes and marketable claims.”

For the past four years, Polliack served as CEO of Diatomix, a specialty chemical developer and manufacturer of air purifying technology. Previously, he was president of Bridge Biomedical, a consulting firm focused on the medical device and bioscience industries. Before that, he spent almost 15 years at SAM Medical Products, a global medical device manufacturer of emergency trauma products, during which he served as president for nearly 8 years.

Also on the horizon under Polliack’s leadership will be a renewed focus in offering both OptiMSM and PurforMSM® to new international marketplaces.

The effect of Memophenol™ on memory has been recognized with an authorized health claim by the South Korean Ministry of Food & Drug Safety (MFDS), formerly known as KFDA.

Korean authorities recognize the effects of Memophenol™ on cognitive performance with this wording : “may help to improve memory”.

“This is a positive conclusion to several years of clinical research and it proves the efficacy of Memophenol™ on memory” said Benoit Lemaire, C.E.O and Business and marketing VP of Activ’Inside. “We are confident that this positive scientific opinion will allow wider applications of our extract in supplements and functional food as we believe cognitive performance is and will remain a major concern worldwide”.

Supply Side West, Booth 3537
Thursday, October 17th from 4:00-5:30 PM

New Brunswick, NJ, October 11, 2019

Natreon, a leading nutrition company at the forefront of ingredient innovation, quality and research, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. What began as a concept to bring Ayurvedic botanical ingredients to the market has evolved into a global specialty ingredient company with a broad portfolio of 7 products supported by 28 patents and 51 clinical trials. Natreon’s botanical ingredient portfolio has expanded along with the consumer preferences toward natural products with key attributes such as supply chain transparency and sustainability, extensive clinical studies, and trusted quality. Aligned with these shifting consumer preferences toward natural products, Natreon now collaborates with over 200 industry-leading global manufacturers and brand marketers to create on-trend products for dietary supplements, food & beverage, and personal care markets.

To celebrate this milestone, Natreon will host a celebration with customers, trade organizations, researchers and partners at the leading nutrition industry trade event, Supply Side West in Las Vegas. Natreon will also host events at their state-of-the art Research & Development (R&D) Center in Kolkata India to honor Professor Shibnath Ghosal, a Fulbright scholar and an eminent natural product chemist with hundreds of publications in scientific journals, who continues to inspire Natreon’s R&D discovery. These, along with celebrations at their manufacturing sites in Pondicherry and Nepal, will mark the contribution Natreon has made to the global health and wellness market through a broad coalition of partners ranging from the farmers who supply botanical raw materials all the way to the consumers that rely on Natreon’s ingredients to support positive health outcomes.

“Natreon is proud to be celebrating its 20th year bringing natural, scientifically trusted ingredients to the natural products market worldwide. Natreon was founded in response to a growing interest in scientifically studied Ayurvedic products. Since its beginning, Natreon has remained committed to ensuring the quality, tradition and scientific evidence of its ingredients. Natreon’s extracts are optimized and standardized using proprietary process technology and analytical methodologies that result in optimal levels of bioactive constituents. Natreon uses sustainable sources for the through an integrated supply chain to ensure quality and potency,” said Dr. Sanni Raju, CEO, as he continued, “the resulting products, ranging from our industry leading adaptogen Sensoril® ashwagandha to the strength and endurance enhancing Priamvie® shilajit, are clinically studied and standardized to ensure consumers achieve their desired health outcomes, naturally.”

“We are proud of the impact and positive response we have had in helping consumers meet their wellness goals. Staying focused on Natreon’s commitment to science and quality has helped us differentiate ourselves in the natural products market and is resonating with brand marketers and consumers. Twenty years after our founders established Natreon, I am amazed to see our global reach and the positive impact our team has had in the communities we serve and operate in ranging from India to Nepal to the United States and beyond,” said Bruce Brown, President of Natreon.

Natreon would like to thank and recognize its numerous customers, partners, employees, investors and other supporters who have helped the company reach this milestone. Without support and trust, Natreon would have never been able to reach this current stage in our growth as a company.

Sinetrol, a proprietary nutraceutical ingredient targeting improvement of body composition, developed by Fytexia (France) has been granted with an individual approval associated to an authorized health claim by the South Korean Ministry of Food & Drug Safety (MFDS), formerly known as KFDA.

Fytexia associated with Korean pharmaceutical leader RP Bio and local agency from Japanese distributor Asahi Godo to submit to the MFDS a dossier supporting the application of Sinetrol on improvement of body composition. Independent mechanistic and clinical study on Korean population have been financed and piloted by RP Bio in Seoul to complete the scientific dossier developed by Fytexia.

RP Bio has been receiving Individual authorization registration (IAR) on the 11th of September 2019 and will be the only company in Korea able to commercialize Sinetrol in food supplements in Korea. The South Korea MDFD’s health claim approval recognizes the ability of Sinetrol to “help reduce body fat” in overweight population, as proven in a total of 4 clinical trials run on a total of above 250 subjects.

The released of the approval granted by MFDS already generated many enquiries that shall drive growth in sales of Sinetrol in Asia-Pacific.

“This is a positive conclusion to several years of clinical research and it proves the efficacy of Sinetrol on management of body composition” says Matthieu Arguillere, CEO of Fytexia. “We are confident that this positive scientific opinion will allow wider applications of our extract in supplements and functional food as we believe weight management is and will remain a major concern worldwide”.