Beyond The Headlines: Aker BioMarine submits aquafeed research application, Conagen develops non-GMO sulforaphane

02 Dec 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, Aker BioMarine submitted an application to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries to conduct research in aquafeed and salmon fishing. Also, US-based biotech R&D company Conagen unveiled its non-GMO, high-purity sulforaphane made through the company’s proprietary bioconversion process. Meanwhile, SternLife – a functional foods and supplements company – expanded its nutricosmetics range to include well-being and improved sleep.

In brief: New releases 
Aker BioMarine applied to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries for permission to conduct research into aquafeed and salmon fishing to help the country meet its stated goal of tripling its farm-raised salmon and trout production by 2050. The project – named the “Raw Material Revolution” – will include the research institution Nofima with collaboration from LetSea and l run a large-scale project trial, researching how the company’s Antarctic krill, large-scaled raw material may be used as a sustainable ingredient.

Aker BioMarine intends to research krill-based aquafeed solutions for salmon farming.Conagen revealed that its proprietary bioconversion process yielded a 99% pure, non-GMO form of sulforaphane. Studies show the nutrient may help ward off the development of some cancers, heart disease and diabetes while supporting digestion and cognition. It is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale and only released when the vegetables are chewed. This makes attaining higher levels difficult. The company stated that its process increased the bioavailability making it ideal for supplement solutions. 

SternLife unveiled two functional food concepts within the trending “mood” and “sleep” spaces. “Mood” contains a combination of extract and nutrients – such as magnesium, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, biotin and calcium – that are meant to reduce homocysteine and cortisol (stress-related molecules) in the body. “Sleep” combines calmative extracts like pumpkin seed, ashwagandha and lavender to support circadian rhythms and the body’s natural sleep cycle. The new offerings come in spicy vanilla chai and cherry flavors as a water-soluble powder.

Grocery magnate Sainsbury’s announced that it would provide a £2 (US$2.46) “top-up” coupon for qualifying customers using a National Health System (NHS) “Healthy Start” card for each week they shop at one of its Northern Ireland or Wales locations until April 11. The coupons can be used to purchase fresh, frozen and canned vegetables and fruit. Healthy Start cards are provided to low-income families by the NHS and give pregnant women or families with a child between the age of 1 and 4 years old with £4.25 (US$5.22) a week to use when purchasing milk, fruit or vegetables. Families with a child under the age of 1 receive £8.50 (US$10.44) each week. 

Additionally, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health launched “Immunity Community,” a new campaign aimed at combining the latest market trends and consumer research with production and formulation expertise and nutrition science to manufacturers and producers, allowing them to get supplements and other immunity solutions to market faster and more effectively. According to the company, the “Community” consists of trusted scientists, researchers, developers, manufacturing professionals, marketers, opinion leaders and influencers who will produce features hosted on the company’s website.

In brief: Business newsIFF and MycoTechnology have partnered to bring functional F&B products to the European Market.
Ingredion Incorporated entered into an exclusive partnership with chickpea solutions company, InnovoPro, to distribute chickpea concentrates throughout Canada and the US. Effective immediately at the time of signing, it is meant to increase the availability of “high-quality,” next-generation chickpea protein for F&B manufacturers, enabling them to meet growing consumer demand across North America.

At the same time, Danish F&B company IFF announced a partnership with US-based MycoTechnology – a leading mycelia research and production company – to co-develop alternative proteins and next-generation functional F&B products for European markets. The companies further revealed that they are also collaborating on a project in the Asia-Pacific region.

Norwegian fish oil and omega 3 producer, GC Rieber VivoMega, broke ground on a new production facility, which the company expects to be fully operational at the beginning of 2024. Additionally, it added three new 21.3 m tall, 2,800 cubic meter stainless steel fish oil tanks, which the company said will allow it to store over 35,000 tons of crude fish oil.

In brief: Research and studies 
The International Alliance of Dietary Food Supplement Associations developed a new resource highlighting a recent study in The Lancet that revealed that two-thirds of non-pregnant women of reproductive age, along with over half of preschool-age children, are micronutrient deficient. Researchers found iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies in preschool-age children and iron, zinc and folate deficiencies in non-pregnant women of reproductive age. For children, the highest micronutrient was 56%, while for women, the highest deficiency reached 69%. Micronutrient deficiencies were widespread in high-income countries but were highest in the developing world. The ISDA’s pamphlet calls the findings a “wake-up call.”

A study out of the University of East Anglia in Norwhich, UK, found that obese women were the most likely to suffer from the symptoms known as Long COVID, though a high body-mass index was linked to Long COVID as well. Since Long COVID sufferers are more likely to need additional and more long-lasting care, the burden of which falls on the NHS and other public resources.

By William Bradford Nichols