Weekly Roundup: INS Farms launches prebiotic elderberry juice powder, Low FODMAP diet found to ameliorate IBD

04 Oct 2019 --- In nutrition news this week, a study found that following a low FODMAP diet can improve symptoms and quality of life for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. The industry is seeing several innovative launches at SupplySide West taking place later this month. At the show, INS Farms will showcase its elderberry prebiotic juice powder that includes Taiyo’s Sunfiber. Sirio Pharma will showcase one-stop services for all plant-based nutraceutical applications, while Gencor will introduce its new herbal ingredient for prostate and urinary problems. Meanwhile, Agropur announced the appointment of a new CEO effective October 15.

In brief: Research and study
A diet low in fermented carbohydrates – low FODMAP – can improve certain symptoms and the quality of life for sufferers of IBD. This is according to research from King’s College London, published in Gastroenterology. A team of researchers carried out a trial of a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols in IBD patients, who were experiencing persistent gut symptoms despite gut inflammation being under control. They found that a four-week low FODMAP diet improved certain gut symptoms such as swelling of the stomach and flatulence compared to those on a placebo diet. “While we know that the low FODMAP diet is effective in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this is the first randomized trial showing that it’s effective in reducing common gut symptoms. This improves health-related quality of life in patients with IBD when they are in remission,” says lead researcher Dr. Selina Cox. 

In brief: Launches and releases
US-headquartered Griffith Foods has been short-listed for two awards at the upcoming FiE 2019 exhibition – the F&B Category with its “Vegetable Based Never Fry Coating System” and the Reformulation award for “Extruded snacks using Green Banana Flour.” At the event held in Paris, France (December 3 to 5), the ingredients manufacturer will demo a series of concepts in sodium and sugar reduction, and vegetable coated solutions. Debuting at the event, Griffith Foods’ Vegetable based Never Fry Coating System combines a seasoned batter, premium breading mixture and top glaze that all contain dehydrated vegetables. The frying step is made obsolete by using a unique oven baked hot air treatment to lock in flavors, which improves nutritional profiles, allows for attractive bright colours and reduces costs, notes the company.

SIRIO Group will be showcasing a full spectrum of one-stop services for all plant-based nutraceutical products at SupplySide West, taking place on October 15-19, in Las Vegas, US. Sirio Group is able to develop products across the entire spectrum of delivery formats – including gummies, softgels, and tablets. “Sirio has a wide range of capabilities and experience formulating these compounds for customers globally,” says Doug Brown, Director Americas at Sirio Pharma. Many customers, particularly those in North America and Europe, are looking at ways to move their entire product portfolios across to plant-based solutions and using one contract provider presents a good number of advantages, the company notes.

INS Farms has launched a novel black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) compound, coined Elder Pure Elderberry Prebiotic Juice Powder.North America-based INS Farms has launched a novel black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) compound, coined Elder Pure Elderberry Prebiotic Juice Powder. The compound combines Elder Pure elderberry juice powder with Sunfiber partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) from Taiyo International. Elder Pure is standardized to contain polyphenols and anthocyanins and has been both polyphenol-fingerprinted and DNA tested under the Tru ID certification program for authenticity. Sunfiber is completely soluble in water and provides outstanding prebiotic activity. Available both in conventional or organic range, it is the first-ever elderberry juice prebiotic powder which is 100 percent water-soluble, says Devon Bennett, INS Farms CEO. Elderberry Organic Prebiotic Juice Powder is created to provide branded manufacturers of dietary supplements and functional beverages with an immune-boosting product that also facilitates digestion, as digestion is frequently upset during times of stress-impaired immunity, according to Bennett. The company will showcase the product at SupplySide West in Las Vegas, US. 

Gencor will introduce its newest herbal ingredient at SupplySide West this month. AGEProst is an extract of the plant Ageratum conyzoides, which has traditionally been used in the Caribbean for prostate and urinary problems. The product is a 5-a-reductase inhibitor and has been shown to relax muscles around the urethra and smooth muscles of the neck of the bladder, helping relieve urinary retention and frequency. It can also block the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an endogenous androgen sex steroid, with a subsequent reduction in prostate size improving urine flow. “As men age, prostate health becomes top of mind, and this unique extract has been clinically tested and shown to reduce symptom severity according to study applicants in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS),” says RV Venkatesh, Managing Director at Gencor.

Manufacturer of functional powder solutions, Nellson is offering a wide variety of energy-enhanced products with flexible packaging options. “With today’s busy lifestyles, consumers are seeking food and beverages that provide functional benefits, such as promoting energy and mental focus,” says Bart Child, Senior Vice President Commercial Development of Nellson. The company says that it can provide its clients with formulation solutions to overcome hurdles in the applications of ingredients such as caffeine, ginseng, ashwagandha, rhodiola and cordyceps. “We work in complete partnership with our customers through all stages of development, anticipatingAgropur Cooperative has announced the appointment of Émile Cordeau as its new CEO, effective October 15, 2019.consumer demand with new solutions,” says Child. 

Co-crystallization technology expert CoCrystal Pharmatech has introduced Crystal E, a highly concentrated Vitamin E powder using breakthrough technology. Crystal E uses crystallization to provide a highly concentrated Vitamin E in its bioactive form. To maintain stability, most Vitamin E powders used within the nutritional market are in an esterified form. This Vitamin E form has been structurally modified with an attached ester, such as acetate or succinate to maintain stability. Subsequently, this reconfigured form reduces the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E, decreases its bioavailability and does not preserve the bioactive form. This technology uses an amino acid to aid in the crystallization of Vitamin E oil into a powder resulting in a material that has not been chemically modified and has fewer processing aids (only one) than other Vitamin E powders. Crystal E is available in both a natural and synthetic form.

In brief: Collaborations and partnerships
OmniActive Health Technologies has entered into a global strategic alliance with JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy. The companies will jointly develop and commercialize branded carotenoid compositions, delivering powerful antioxidants for human health benefits including eye, skin, and cognition. The move was developed under ACCELA, OmniActive’s global partnering platform for open innovation. Both companies will further solidify their strengths and mobilize their capabilities through this partnership. “OmniActive’s market insights and customer relationships along with their science-driven approach and technology platforms provide a strong entry for our nutritional products into the global market,” says Akinari Nakazawa, General Manager, HPM Business Planning Dept, JXTG. 

In brief: Appointments and promotions
Agropur Cooperative has announced the appointment of Émile Cordeau as its new CEO, effective October 15, 2019. In view of other opportunities for Cordeau, Agropur decided to accelerate its succession plan. The company’s current CEO, Robert Coallier will retire from the Cooperative on December 31, 2019, to allow time for a smooth handover and to support Cordeau during the transition period. Since joining Agropur in 2013, Cordeau has occupied a series of positions, including most recently Senior Vice President and CFO, in which capacity he played a key role in the Cooperative’s development. 

By Kristiana Lalou