AIDP Expands Digestive Health and “Healthy Aging” Ingredient Portfolios

03 Apr 2017 --- Functional ingredients manufacturer AIDP has signed an exclusive license and distribution agreement with agrotechnology company Anagenix to market its kiwifruit-based ingredients, Actazin and Livaux. Anagenix is a New Zealand-based company specializing in the discovery of natural bioactives. Actazin is a cold-pressed powdered kiwi fruit concentrate that is a natural source of prebiotics, fiber, enzymes and polyphenols and may support bowel function.

According to the company, the kiwi-unique enzyme actinadin found in Actazin assists the protein digestion and helps avoid the “overfull” feeling after a protein-rich meal. It is made from Non-GMO Project verified green kiwifruit, sourced in New Zealand. The locally sourced kiwifruit are processed using proprietary technology to ensure retention of the key nutrients and bioactives. Actazin is gluten-free, free of preservatives and added sugar, and is ideal for green food blends and digestive health formulas. 

Livaux is the world’s first oral supplement to support Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F.prau). F.Prau makes up just over 5% of the intestinal bacterium and low numbers have been associated with IBS, IBD, Crohn’s Disease, celiac disease and chronic constipation. Due to oxygen sensitivity, F.prau cannot be introduced to the gut via supplemental probiotics. Livaux is a natural prebiotic ingredient derived entirely from Non-GMO Project verified New Zealand gold kiwifruit. According to the company, Livaux has been shown in a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to significantly increase the mean daily bowel movements. 

In addition, Livaux increased the concentration of F. prausnitzii in functionally constipated participants. This implies a beneficial outcome as the organism is known to grow in the large bowel and generate butyrate which has protective functions/health benefits in the gut. Both Actazin and Livauz are available in organic and conventional options. 

“AIDP is thrilled to have signed this digestive health partnership with Anagenix and we will continue to add to the knowledge of the applications for this exciting kiwi-based ingredient line,” said Mark Thurston, President of AIDP. “We are dedicated to science-proven functional ingredients, and we’re very much aligned with Anagenix in this regard.” 

“I am delighted to have partnered up in the North American market with AIDP, a company that holds the same values and ambition for these products as Anagenix does,” said Chris Johnson, Managing Director of Anagenix. “We look forward to working together to grow our business in the US.” 

AIDP has also signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Weishardt International for the sale of its fish collagen peptides brand NatiCol in the US dietary supplements market. Weishardt manufactures an extensive range of scientifically researched marine hydrolyzed collagen ingredients for both joint and skin care. 

NatiCol is a natural source of Type I collagen peptides. Type I collagen is a major protein that constitutes more than 75% of the protein found in our connective tissues and skin, which plays an essential role in maintaining skin tone, suppleness and elasticity. After the age of 25, collagen synthesis in our bodies reduces at a rate of 1.5% per year. By the age of 45, collagen levels may have fallen by as much as 30%. The external effects of this process are the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dry skin. 

NatiCol provides a pure and concentrated level of Type I collagen, a company statement said. It replenishes the body, providing essential nutrients to rebuild the collagen network due to its small molecular weight and high bioavailability. NatiCol contains more than 16% of essential amino acids (9/10) and around 50% of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These are key amino-acids that constitute Type I collagen. No other source of protein can provide this ratio of major skin components. Studies show that regular use of NatiCol may help to slow signs of aging by increasing collagen synthesis, skin elasticity and firmness, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 

“As more people are living longer, the need for science-proven nutritional supplementation to support healthy aging is continuing to grow,” said Mark Thurston, president of AIDP. “People want to stay active into their 70s and 80s, and at the same time are concerned with appearance and using natural supplements to maintain healthy skin, joints, bones and more. Marine-based collagen has been shown to support both joint health and skin care.”