Beyond The Headlines: ADM’s coalition for carbon reduction, PLT Health Solutions expands reach in Canada

29 Sep 2023 --- This week in nutrition news, ADM signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing carbon-reducing research. PLT Health Solutions received a license to market its respiratory health supplement in Canada. Meanwhile, Meals on Wheels America asked the US Congress to fund senior citizen hunger relief programs.

In brief: Nutrition news
ADM and Syngenta Group entered into a MoU to jointly advance research and commercialization of low carbon-intensity, next-generation oilseeds to meet increasing demand for biofuels and sustainable products. The collaboration will leverage Syngenta’s biotechnology, seed treatments and agronomic knowledge with ADM’s global production, storage and logistical expertise. The focus is on oilseeds like Camelina that grow during crop rotation fallow periods. The partnership also aims to work with other companies in creating, commercializing and processing next-generation oilseeds. Biofuel demand is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and this collaboration intends to address it sustainably and at scale.PLT Health Solutions’ AlvioLife respiratory health supplement has been shown to improve lung health.

PLT Health Solutions received an expanded license from Health Canada’s Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate to market its product, AlvioLife, in Canada for respiratory health support. AlvioLife is a proprietary blend of Boswellia serrata gum resin and Aegle marmelos dried fruit extracts. It has been shown to support lower respiratory tract health, lung function, aerobic exercise capacity and overall well-being. A recent clinical study confirmed its efficacy and found that subjects taking AlvioLife experienced significant improvements in lung function, lung capacity, aerobic exercise capacity and reduced upper respiratory tract symptoms. 

Meals on Wheels America, a supporter of over 5,000 community-based programs combating senior hunger and isolation, is urging the US Congress to protect key hunger relief and nutrition programs. The federal funding deadline on September 30 coincides with the White House’s commitment to increase federal funding for initiatives like Meals on Wheels and ending hunger by 2030. Around 37% of Meals on Wheels funding comes from the federal government, but it has not kept pace with inflation or the growing senior population. Currently, one in three programs has a waiting list, with seniors waiting an average of three months for meals. The organization’s report, “The Case for Meals on Wheels,” highlights the positive impact of these programs, including reduced healthcare costs and improved senior health and well-being. Meals on Wheels America called for Congress to take action and increase funding, even as a US government shutdown looms.

In Brief: Business news
Bartek Ingredients said it is on track to establish the world’s largest malic and fumaric acid manufacturing facility. Since breaking ground in January 2023, the project remains on schedule, with products expected to reach customers by September 2024. The company said the expansion will not only double its production capacity but also significantly reduce GHG emissions by over 80 percent per unit. The company further revealed that it aims to establish a global standard for plant safety, efficiency and environmental performance through this endeavor. Bartek is collaborating with WSP, a global engineering firm, on the venture and will continue to provide updates throughout the facility’s construction.Corbion’s plant-based omega 3 solution, AlgaPrime DHA P3, is formulated for wet, dry and injection-mold pet food applications.

FitLife Brands received approval from the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada to acquire the majority of MusclePharm Corporation assets under Section 363 of the US Bankruptcy Code. The all-cash transaction, valued at US$18.5 million, will be funded through FitLife’s existing cash and a new committed US$10 million term loan from First Citizens Bank. MusclePharm, an established sports nutrition brand, will join FitLife’s portfolio and the company stated that, despite recent financial challenges and bankruptcy, MusclePharm maintains a strong consumer following, including 564,000 Instagram followers. FitLife plans to restore growth and profitability by focusing on online sales directly to consumers and expanding wholesale distribution. Furthermore, the company said it aims to rejuvenate MusclePharm’s domestic and international presence with expanded wholesale partnerships.

In brief: Product launches
Corbion, a leader in algae-based feed ingredients, has introduced AlgaPrime DHA P3, an omega 3 ingredient designed for pet food manufacturers seeking to enhance their products’ nutritional value while reducing their reliance on marine-based sources. According to the company, the ingredient offers the highest docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels on the market in biomass powder form (35% DHA) and is produced through microalgae precision fermentation. Corbion said the new ingredient is suitable for dry, wet and injection-mold applications and supports sustainability efforts, aligning with consumer concerns about nutrition and climate change.

Bodyarmor Sports Nutrition is entering the single-serve powder stick market with its Bodyarmor Flash I.V. Hydration Boosters. The company stated that the boosters provide essential electrolytes with added zinc and vitamins B and C for immune support. The offerings are also sugar-free and contain fewer than 15 calories per serving. The boosters are available in various formats, including single-serve and multi-packs, to offer rapid rehydration on-the-go. The company revealed that sticks will be available in flavors such as Tropical Punch, Cucumber Lime, Grape, Strawberry Kiwi and Lemon Lime.

A study found that dietary phospholipids could combat brain aging and cognitive decline.Limca Sportz introduced Limca Sportz ION4, a sports drink tailored to meet the hydration and energy needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Developed with the company’s ION4 technology, it combines glucose, essential electrolytes – sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium – and B vitamins for effective rehydration and sustained energy support during physical activity. The offering is also the official sports drink for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

In brief: Scientific studies
A recent review led by a research team at China Agricultural University explores the role of dietary lipids in combating brain aging and cognitive decline. The study, published in Engineering, delves into the link between lipid balance and brain aging, emphasizing the need to maintain synaptic plasticity to prevent cognitive impairment. The researchers highlight the vital functions of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine and plasmalogen, in promoting brain health. The review suggests that interventions utilizing these phospholipids have shown promise in mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Notably, plasmalogen, rich in the postsynaptic neuron membrane, demonstrates greater efficacy than phosphatidylserine due to its unique vinyl ether bond structure. However, challenges like acid intolerance, vulnerability to oxidation and inconsistent effective doses in trials and studies necessitate further research into plasmalogen’s digestion, metabolism pathways and bioavailability. The researchers stressed that the review underscores the need for additional studies to unravel the mechanisms, optimal dosages and practical applications of these lipids.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics and authored by experts from the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) Team examined the updated HEI versions aligned with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Notably, two new HEIs were introduced, one for children and adults aged two years and older and another for young children aged 12 through 23 months. The HEI is a tool for measuring diet quality by assessing how closely dietary patterns align with DGA recommendations and encompasses 13 components, nine of which focus on dietary adequacy and four on moderation. This study looked at the HEI-2020 for children and adults and the novel HEI-Toddlers-2020 designed for toddlers aged 12 through 23 months and explored future considerations for maintaining diet quality throughout one’s life. The findings reveal suboptimal total HEI scores across various age groups, with the highest scores among young children aged 12 through 23 months (HEI-Toddlers-2020 Total Score 63.4) and adults aged 60 and above (HEI-2020 Total Score 59.5). Unique aspects of the HEI-Toddlers-2020 included scoring standards for “added sugars and saturated fats,” and emphasized avoiding added sugars and not setting a limit on saturated fats – contrary to recommendations for individuals aged two years and older. The researchers said the study highlights the importance of tailored dietary recommendations across different age groups and the significance of dietary patterns in nutrition and health research.

By William Bradford Nichols