Beyond the Headlines: ProBiotix launches cholesterol-reducing tablet, Healthy aging properties of curcumin evidenced

12 May 2023 --- This week in nutrition news, ProBiotix Health introduced a dual-action cholesterol tablet at Vitafoods Europe that supports the liver to remove cholesterol from the blood while reducing dietary cholesterol absorption. Two clinical studies supported the healthy aging properties of Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Complex. Meanwhile, biotech company NewFish partnered with protein solution provider Socius Ingredients to develop microalgae proteins for active nutrition.

In brief: Nutrition news 
At this week’s Vitafoods Europe, ProBiotix Health launched CholBiome, a dual-action cholesterol-reducing bi-layer tablet. With the new product, the company aims to support brands to switch to an alternative for Monacolin K. In June 2022, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) ruled that Monacolin K – used to maintain normal cholesterol levels – was no longer authorized to make a health claim regarding cholesterol and lowered daily limits for the ingredient. CholBiome contains two active ingredients, a probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum (LP LDL) and plant sterols/stanols (PSS). LP LDL is backed by independent studies to produce enzymes that break down bile salts, encouraging the liver to remove cholesterol from the blood to replenish required levels and maintain the body’s bile salt pool. PSS reduces dietary cholesterol absorption, promotes excretion and carries an EFSA-authorized health claim to maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. 

A study determined that bioactive yogurt containing Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Complex and chlorogenic acid reduced inflammation. Sabinsa has shared two healthy aging clinical studies on its Curcumin C3 Complex. A pilot trial found that consuming C3 Complex 1000 mg/day combined with Sabinsa’s bioavailability enhancer Bioperine increased knee extension and flexion peak torque compared to a placebo group. The authors suggest these findings resulted from improved physical function and lower-limb muscle strength improvement by the C3 Complex. A randomized crossover study determined that bioactive yogurt containing C3 Complex and chlorogenic acid reduced inflammation in overweight or obese postmenopausal women immediately after consumption of the yogurt. The researchers note that postmenopausal women commonly have an increased body mass index. Combined with elevated systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances, this increases the risk of developing chronic diseases. Authors in both studies stated further research should be conducted to confirm the findings. 

To commercialize microalgae proteins and specialized ingredients for the active nutrition market in the US, biotech company NewFish has entered into a co-development partnership agreement with US-based Socius Ingredients, which specializes in tailored protein solutions. NewFish noted microalgae can complement nutrition companies’ existing portfolios, as global dairy demand is expected to outstrip supply by 2030. Socius Ingredients added that the nutritional, non-GMO and environmental aspects of some algae protein concentrates make them comparable to animal proteins, representing the majority of active and sports nutrition protein products. Pilot trials are underway. The companies expect to be able to produce algae protein concentrates at high purity levels by October 2023. 

In brief: Industry news 
German-based Wacker chemical group acquired the contract manufacturing company ADL BioPharma to strengthen its biotechnology business and expand its offer of sustainably produced dietary ingredients. The purchase price exceeded €100 million (US$109 million). Wacker will continue to grow existing customer relationships maintained by ADL BioPharma and its capacity for fermentation-based products for the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industry, taking over its entire staff of 300. The move expands Wacker’s fermentation capacities by 2,000 cubic meters in gross volume and adds additional capabilities for recovery and purification processes. Wacker expects it will continue the growth of its biotechnology business to generate sales of €1 billion (US$1.09 billion) in 2030. 

The nutritional and environmental values of some algae protein concentrates make them comparable to animal proteins. Evonik has partnered with specialty chemicals distributor Safic-Alcan to boost the company’s offering of advanced food ingredients. The partnership enables the distribution of Evonik’s nutraceutical products, such as AvailOm, In Vivo Biotics and Healthberry, to customers in Europe, Turkey and Egypt. With the agreement, Evonik expects to reach a broader customer base through a network of local sales offices. It is targeting the fast-moving growth industry of food supplements, in areas such as immunity, nutricosmetics, brain and cardiovascular health. 

Nutrition Technologies launched Diptia, a bioactive organic fertilizer derived from insect frass, formulated to prevent fungal plant diseases and build soil health. The company aims to provide stable and resilient natural ecosystems by reintroducing frass-based products into agriculture. Diptia is 100% organic, formulated from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) frass – an excrement produced by insects – with added micronutrients and microbial biocontrol agents. Bacteria are isolated from the BSF larvae and have been shown to inhibit plant pathogens. With chitin from the mature insect, the components protect the plant root zone from phytopathogenic fungi to improve its natural defenses against disease. The company notes fungal crop diseases are increasingly prevalent and lack viable prevention and control measures. 

In brief: Scientific studies 
US-based researchers developed a zebrafish model with new insights into how the brain acquires essential omega 3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid and linolenic acid. The study, published in Nature Communications, includes the first images that detail precisely how omega fatty acids move across the cell membrane. The snapshots show the structure of zebrafish Mfsd2a, a lipid transporter fatty acids must pass through to access the brain. This structure is similar to its human counterpart. The team also identified three compartments in Mfsd2a that suggest distinct steps required to move and flip fatty acids through the transporter. The study’s findings may enable researchers to optimize drug delivery and provide knowledge on how other membranes of the same transporter family regulate essential cellular functions. 

Research showed that macadamia consumption does not lead to weight gain in overweight and obese adults.A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that dietary vitamin C intake may help reduce age-related muscle loss. They found positive associations of dietary and circulating vitamin C with measures of skeletal mass in middle- and older-aged men and women. The authors analyzed data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition from over 13,000 men and women aged 42 to 84. They estimated fat-free mass as a proxy for skeletal muscle mass with bioelectrical impedance analysis and expressed it as a percentage of the total mass. Dietary vitamin C intake was calculated from food diary data, while plasma vitamin C was measured in blood. The researchers determined associations between fat-free mass and vitamin C levels through multivariable regression models, including relevant lifestyle, dietary and biological covariates. 

Research published in the Journal of Nutritional Science shows that macadamia consumption does not lead to weight gain and may have other positive benefits on cardiometabolic risk factors for overweight and obese adults. Daily nut consumption did not change waist circumference, body mass or fat percentage. The randomized crossover trial included 35 individuals aged 40 to 75 with a body mass index of 25-39 and a waist circumference above102 cm for men and 89 cm for women. Participants were assigned into two groups, one consuming macadamia nuts daily for eight weeks at 15% of their total energy, after which they returned to their regular diet for eight weeks. The second group started with their normal diet and switched to the macadamia diet in the second phase. The global macadamia industry funded the study. 

By Jolanda van Hal