Weekly Roundup: MaxVera partners up in CBD expansion, Deerland releases new probiotic

30 Apr 2021 --- In nutrition news this week, MaxVera Wellness partnered with Intermountain Nutrition to produce CBD products, while Deerland Probiotics launched a new probiotic. Also, Danone North America awarded US$50,000 for gut microbiome research.

In brief: Business news 
MaxVera Wellness announced it would partner with Nebo Manufacturing and Intermountain Nutrition, which primarily focuses on CBD-related products. The partnership will manufacture all of MaxVera’s non-CBD-related formulas for vitamins, minerals, lotions, creams and other supplements from its 150,000+ square foot facility based in Utah, US. The new combined manufacturing capacity will be able to produce 18 million gummies, 900 million capsules, 10 million tinctures and 14 million beauty cream products every month. MaxVera is currently one of the leaders in private and white label nano supplementation and has been selling their products worldwide for the last three years with consecutive year-to-year growth of 500 percent.

Certified Laboratories acquired Microconsult, an industry player in cosmetic, supplements and personal care testing, to enhance the expansion of lab services and “advancement into multiple industries and areas.” A convergence of the two companies’ teams and varying expertise will provide a comprehensive customer experience.

The MaxVera Wellness facility in Utah, US.In brief: Launches and releases
Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes launched MuniSpore, a science-backed strain of the probiotic Bacillus clausii, a soil-based microorganism. The beneficial effects of the probiotic B. clausii have been attributed to its ability to positively influence microbial populations and its antioxidant effects on the immune system. More than 20 in vitro studies have been performed to confirm the safety and efficacy of MuniSpore B. clausii CSI08. A full genome sequencing confirmed the strain contained no plasmids, antibiotic-resistant or deleterious genes. MuniSpore is GRAS, and Star-K Kosher certified.

US military veteran Desiree Mora created a supplement, branded VictuaLiv, for treating anemia after developing the condition on a vegan diet. VictuaLiv is a formula of nine essential nutrients: vitamins D, K12, B12, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, cranberry seed oil and DHA. Mora says she hopes the supplement will aid consumers struggling with vegan diets.

Biocatalysts announced the launch of a new enzyme Promod 517MDP (P517MDP), extending the company’s range of Kosher and Halal certified enzymes targeting the dairy protein market. P517MDP is a highly efficient exopeptidase that achieves  more than 40 percent degree of hydrolysis in casein protein. Hydrolyzing casein with P517MDP breaks it down into its smaller parts: peptides and amino acids, which increases its solubility and improves its digestibility. This makes the casein protein hydrolysate a more versatile ingredient that can be used in the production of foods for special medical purposes, including specialist infants and follow-on formulas.

Fruit d’Or launched whole fruit cranberry powder for gummies with Cran d’Or and organic Cran Naturelle, standardized for both soluble and insoluble proanthocyanidins. The powder contains 500 mg of Fruit D’Or’s cranberry powder.whole fruit cranberry in a daily serving. This meets the FDA’s qualified health claim for cranberry and UTI benefits in the fastest growing supplement delivery category: gummies. 

Clasado Biosciences partnered with Herbalife Nutrition to launch a new synthetic supplement, Microbiotic Max. The supplement combines Bimuno prebiotic with two billion live probiotic bacteria from strains of Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium lactis – gut bacteria that support the immune system and cognition. The inclusion of Bimuno will complement the probiotic elements by nourishing bifidobacteria, helping them to thrive.  

In brief: Research and studies
Scientists from Valensa International revealed “rampant adulteration” after testing market samples labeled as saw palmetto extract from different suppliers and finding that all the samples were masquerading as authentic extract derived from ripened saw palmetto berries. All products had likely used unripened berries, which are ineffective in providing the prostate protection consumers seek in saw palmetto supplements. 

US military veteran Desiree Mora, creator of the VictuaLiv supplement.Researchers from the University of Surrey investigated whether the daily consumption of a prebiotic food supplement could improve overall well-being in a group of 18 to 25 year-olds. The study found that those who received a daily dose of prebiotics improved mental well-being by reducing anxiety levels and had better gut health than the control group. 

Microba Life Sciences showed how its proprietary Microba Community Profiler (MCP) compares to other metagenomic profilers. Its study demonstrated that the MCP outperforms existing profilers for accurate and comprehensive characterization of the human gut microbiome. 

In brief: Awards and appointments 
Mario Patrocollo, the advisor to the co-COO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, joined Seaweed & Co. as chairman of the board and shareholder to help drive the next phase of growth for the seaweed-focused natural health and nutrition company. Lehvoss Nutrition, a partner of the company, welcomed Patrocollo’s appointment, voicing intentions to strengthen its position in the seaweed market. 

Danone North America awarded US$50,000 in research grants to two students through its ninth annual Gut Microbiome, Yogurt and Probiotics Fellowship Grant Program. A committee of nutrition scientists selected Catherine Shelton of Vanderbilt University and Alice Solomon of the University of Arizona. Solomon’s research will investigate probiotic and prebiotic function mechanisms in the gut microbiome as a mediator of cardiovascular disease and Metabolic Syndrome. At the same time, Shelton will identify early-life microbiota components that may prevent obesity in children.

By Louis Gore-Langton