Beyond The Headlines: Balchem’s iron product enhances perinatal health, Natural enzyme from Japanese dish fights CVDs

08 Sep 2023 --- This week in nutrition news, Balchem revealed that its iron offering Ferrochel reduced anemia in pregnant women. Also, Japan Bio Science Laboratory (JBSL) highlighted that its nattokinase ingredient significantly improves heart health and combats cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). At the same time, Danone North America joined an alliance to help promote sustainability and enhance the circular food industry economy.

In brief: Nutrition news
Balchem, the maker of Ferrochel, a ferrous bisglycinate product, is highlighting a recent systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, which established that ferrous bisglycinate supplementation in pregnant women is significantly effective at increasing hemoglobin levels – a vital marker of anemia. Additionally, the researchers found that supplementation resulted in a 64% lower rate of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to other iron salts. The study included data from 17 randomized controlled trials involving over 1,100 participants. Balchem notes that the research is significant as iron deficiency affects over 40% of women of childbearing age in some regions, and many avoid iron supplements during pregnancy due to digestive side effects. The study provides a promising option for improving adherence and reducing the risk of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Balchem further revealed it has commissioned a new clinical trial on Ferrochel in pregnant women to further investigate its efficacy.VikPro received IKOS certification for its Antarctic krill oil.

JBSL, producer of the nattokinase health ingredient NSK-SD, revealed that nattokinase has been confirmed as a safe and effective supplement for cardiovascular health. Nattokinase – a natural enzyme found in the Japanese dish natto – was found in recent studies to potentially help in treating vascular diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis and venous insufficiency, without adverse reactions or drug interactions. Participants were given 100 mg per day of nattokinase for 30 days and demonstrated statistically significant improvements in clinical symptoms. Additionally, another study compared nattokinase with commonly prescribed antithrombotic drugs for ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks. The results revealed no significant differences in subsequent cerebrovascular accidents or vascular complications, indicating nattokinase’s effectiveness, especially for those resistant to traditional medications. The company notes that nattokinase has a proven track record of degrading blood clots, reducing high blood pressure, improving blood circulation and reducing platelet and red blood cell clumping.

Danone North America teamed up with the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance – a collaborative initiative by Vanguard Renewables, Starbucks, Unilever and Dairy Farmers of America – which is composed of 17 industry leaders and aims to revolutionize food waste recycling and expand renewable energy production in the US. The Farm Powered Strategic Alliance focuses on sustainable waste reduction and repurposing, increasing the supply of renewable natural gas (RNG) and supporting generational dairy farmers. Vanguard Renewables, the founder, partners with food and beverage manufacturers to convert inedible food waste into RNG through anaerobic digestion. This RNG is then used for electricity, heat and transportation fuel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Danone said it is participating to help promote sustainability, help address food waste and renewable energy challenges, promote a more circular economy and contribute to a sustainable future.

In Brief: Business news
VikPro obtained International Krill Oil Standards (IKOS) product certification for its Antarctic krill oil. The company stated that the certification – exclusively for krill oils – ensures product quality, transparency and safety. The IKOS program, a third-party testing and product certification initiative for krill oils, verifies products by lot for omega 3, astaxanthin, phospholipid content, environmental contaminants and freshness. VikPro’s director of marketing, emphasized that the certification reinforces consumer trust by providing transparency, purity and product excellence.

Bodyarmor Sports Nutrition will begin offering its products in Canada starting next year. (Image Credit: Bodyarmor)

Microalgae ingredient producer, Phycom, secured over €9 million (US$9.6 million) in investment from partners, including Corbion, Phase2.earth, Invest-NL and Invest International. Phycom stated that the funding will support large-scale microalgae cultivation in Veenendaal, the Netherlands. Furthermore, the investors said they see the potential of microalgae for transforming food systems and providing sustainable protein alternatives. Phycom said its technology for microalgae cultivation is both cost-effective and sustainable. The president of Corbion, Ruud Peerbooms, highlighted the potential of Phycom’s capabilities in enhancing nutrition and sustainability through algae-based technologies, while Invest-NL said it aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system by investing in innovative alternative protein technologies and it recognizes microalgae’s role in this transition. Invest International also sees this investment as contributing to their agrifood strategy and supporting important changes in the food system. The funding will enable Phycom to intensify its team, appoint new board members, expand marketing efforts and further develop its technology.

In brief: Product launches
Bodyarmor Sports Nutrition revealed it will, for the first time, begin distributing its sports drink products in Canada starting in January 2024. The company will make its original sports drink, Bodyarmor Sports Drink, and the low-calorie version, Bodyarmor Lyte, available in cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Federico Muyshondt, the company’s CEO, said the expansion is a significant milestone and Bodyarmor plans to introduce eight SKUs (stock keeping units) to Canadian consumers.

Bizz Energy launched a nutritious offering to the energy drink market. The line includes three flavors – Berry, Lemon Lime and Pink Lemonade. The company said the offerings are sugar-free and contain no aspartame, high-fructose corn syrup or unhealthy additives. Moreover, the zero-calorie drink uses natural ingredients, like those in its “SuperTurk Blend,” to deliver energy combined with creatine and essential amino acids like L-Carnitine, L-Theanine and L-Citrulline. Bizz Energy also introduced a soluble form of Turkesterone – a popular workout supplement – making it a potent and natural energy booster.A study found that supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus subtilis MB40 could enhance innate immunity to Listeria.

In brief: Scientific studies
A recently published study by Bio-Cat showed promising results in reducing Listeria infections through the supplementation of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis MB40. Listeria is a pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections and is typically treated with antibiotics. The study, conducted in collaboration with the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech, US, focused on the effects of B. subtilis MB40 supplementation on innate immunity. The results, published in The Lancet: Microbes, demonstrated that the inclusion of the probiotic spores in diets improved innate immunity and led to a reduction in Listeria. Outbreaks of the bacteria have occurred recently due to contamination in the food supply and has affected fish, milkshakes and ice cream – to name a few – in the US. The company’s director of research and development for probiotics at Bio-Cat Microbials, highlighted the significance of this research, emphasizing that spores like those in Bacillus strains should be considered for new probiotic applications. Notably, B. subtilis MB40 has also shown success in combating Staphylococcus aureus colonization in humans.

A study published in the journal Blood Advances suggested that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received vitamin C and D supplements alongside intensive chemotherapy experienced lower rates of complications – including infections, bleeding and inflammation – compared to those who did not receive the supplements. Although the study did not find a significant difference in overall survival between the two groups, a subgroup analysis revealed that among patients with a genetic mutation known as NPM1, which is present in about one-third of AML patients, those who took the supplements had a nearly 50% lower risk of death. The study is one of the first to examine the potential effects of vitamin C and D supplementation during intensive AML chemotherapy. Previous research suggested that vitamin D might reduce the risk of post-transplant relapse in AML patients, while vitamin C supplementation could inhibit the development of leukemic cells. However, the study did have limitations, such as a retrospective design and a relatively small sample size. The researchers maintain that further research into the use of vitamin C and D supplements in AML treatment is needed and note that patients are always advised to consult with their healthcare teams before starting any supplements.

By William Bradford Nichols