AB Biotek develops microencapsulated DAO ingredient for direct delivery to the gut

02 Apr 2024 --- AB Biotek Human Nutrition and Health (HNH) is launching adiDAO microencapsulated. The patented ingredient format improves the delivery of the diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme — a molecule that helps the body break down dietary histamine — and enables it to combine with other functional ingredients.

Higher levels of unmetabolized histamine in the blood can lead to gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, lower urinary tract symptoms, fibromyalgia, migraine and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). DAO deficiency is a common enzyme-related metabolic disorder.

The company’s patents protect the exclusive use of the DAO enzyme in many health applications and its galenic formulation worldwide. They cover the use of DAO supplementation for the dietary management of migraine, fibromyalgia, ADHD and digestive disorders caused by DAO deficiency.

“Rising awareness of DAO deficiency and related health issues is driving demand for innovative new solutions using DAO,” says Gerald Dard, managing director at AB Biotek HNH.

“Our adiDAO microencapsulated breaks new ground in this growing market, allowing manufacturers to combine other actives directly with DAO for the first time. It’s not just a flexible solution, but also a major technological leap forward with the potential to improve real outcomes for the many people affected by DAO deficiency.”

DAO in the gut
According to AB Biotek HNH, there is a growing interest in formulations that prevent histamine degradation by increasing DAO levels in the gut. Gastro-resistant delivery mechanisms are needed to get the enzyme to the desired location because it is sensitive to the pH levels in the stomach. 

The company’s adiDAO microencapsulated innovation resolves these challenges. The DAO is surrounded by two food-grade protective layers produced using a combination of coating technologies, specifically developed to protect the DAO when it reaches the small intestine and prevent interactions with bioactives.

In addition, when DAO — naturally present in all food types — interacts with bioactive ingredients, its benefits are reduced. High concentrations of DAO are present in fish, dairy products, cheese and wine.

New adiDAO microencapsulated can be used to formulate tablets, stick packs, liquid suspension formats, gummies and capsules. It has superior enzyme stability and enables a convenient solution for effectively managing DAO deficiency symptoms.   

Microencapsulation technologyAn illustration showing the protective layers of adiDAO microencapsulated.
The technology allows manufacturers to add DAO in antihistamine and ADHD treatments or combine it with probiotics and prebiotics in supplements. adiDAO creates opportunities for innovation in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical segments. DAO is patent protected, which gives customers legal protection for the end products they create using adiDAO.  

The formulation is compatible with several pharmaceutical actives in various concentrations and allows targeted solutions with better patient compliance to be developed. Additional benefits include a simplified production process compared to traditional gastro-resistant coating methods, reducing manufacturing costs. 

Precision targeting ensures better adherence to treatment regimes and, in turn, better health outcomes. adiDAO features controlled release, enhanced bioavailability and improved compatibility for combination drugs. 

AB Biotek also developed a yeast-based supplement, ABB C1 ImmunoEssentials, which supports immunity induced by certain vaccines. Researchers concluded the combination of beta-glucans and a selenium and zinc-enriched postbiotic stimulates trained immunity associated with influenza and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

In other industry developments, Bioiberica demonstrated promising results for its DAO enzyme offering, DAOgest, in a recent observational study in digestive health. The findings highlight the effectiveness of DAOgest in combating histamine intolerance.

By Inga de Jong