Beyond The Headlines: FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ 2’-FL receives FSANZ approval, Sirio to launch functional gummies at CPHI Frankfurt

28 Oct 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Aequival 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) ingredient for infant milk formula was approved by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Also, at CPHI Frankfurt, Sirio revealed it will introduce its two gummies for sleep and immune health. Meanwhile, DolCas Biotech obtained two Health Canada natural product licenses for its powdered ginger and concentrated turmeric extract.

In brief: Business news
FSANZ approved FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Aequival 2′-FL ingredient for infant milk formula. For this particular strain, the company will be granted a 15-month exclusivity. As a result, Australian and New Zealand producers of infant milk formula now have access to a 2'-FL provider with extensive knowledge of ingredients for early-life nutrition. The 2'-FL ingredient is an oligosaccharide found in human milk (HMO). HMOs are the third most abundant component of human milk, with 2'-FL being the most abundant. It is an ingredient of increasing interest to consumers, professionals, and infant milk formula brands due to its bifidogenic effects, which science is still uncovering. 2'-FL and other HMOs contribute to the optimal growth of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria.

Sirio’s gummies may improve sleep quality and boost the immune system.Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services, a global full-service contract research organization, introduced a new international certification program – NutraStrong Certification. The multi-industry program categorizes products based on relevant and specific standards for each product category. These standards establish a baseline of quality and testing to ensure that the market provides quality products to customers. This program aims to prevent consequences with misleading claims and inaccurate or false COAs from being sold alongside premium brands by acting as a gatekeeper. The program will implement testing standards, manufacturing quality, label compliance and corporate values.

In brief: New releases
Sirio announced it would introduce its new gummies at CPHI Frankfurt. The gummies may improve sleep quality, aid stress and boost the immune system. The products, presented to customers for the first time at the event, were developed specifically by Sirio’s large R&D department to outperform rival formulations with similar ingredients in terms of taste, texture and visual appearance. Siro’s Twinkle Twinkle Gummy is sugar and gluten-free and made from non-GMO ingredients. It supports stress management and contains a blend of melatonin, passion flower, tea theanine and lemon balm. Meanwhile, the Winter Shield Gummy was designed to provide immune boosting, antibacterial and antioxidant properties in the upcoming winter months. The pectin-based gummy is non-GMO, vegetarian and gluten-free.

In brief: Announcements and certifications
Clasado Biosciences promoted market participation in Global Prebiotics Week ahead of the 2022 event, which will be held November 1-5, 2022. The Global Prebiotic Association (GPA) hosts the annual awareness week, which takes place during the first week of November. The event’s theme this year is “Powering the Microbiome.” Global Prebiotics Week, designed to accelerate knowledge of the rapidly expanding prebiotics category, provides consumers and formulators with a better understanding of the gut microbiome’s relationship with health and well-being and the subsequent role of prebiotics. The GPA and its members, including Clasado, will distribute learning resources throughout Global Prebiotics Week 2022 that highlight the scientific data supporting the success of the prebiotic sector.

A study found that resuming weight loss after regaining weight may be more successful by implementing a healthy diet and self-monitoring.The GPA also added four new members to its organization. AgriFiber, KiwiEnzyme and Lodaat will join GPA as associate members, while Ingredion will join GPA at the member level. The members represent diverse parts of the industry and will aid in expanding GPA’s global reach and goal of increasing awareness of prebiotics. GPA defines the latter as “a product or ingredient used in the microbiota to produce a health or performance benefit.”

DolCas Biotech obtained two Health Canada natural product licenses: one for Ginfort, a potent powdered ginger extract, and the other for Curcugen, a concentrated turmeric extract. The two ingredient brands are created by Olene Life Sciences, have been clinically tested for efficacy and safety and are supplied only by DolCas. Products having such licenses have been examined by Health Canada, which determined that they are high-quality, safe, and effective when used according to their recommendations. The license for Ginfort supports the ingredients’ claim as a digestive health support solution. Meanwhile, Curcugen’s license supports its antioxidant health benefit claims.

In brief: Research and studies
Research funded by the US-based National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases analyzed how those who maintain weight loss deal with weight gain. The results suggested that focusing on healthy eating, self-monitoring and psychological coping may be helpful when starting up a weight-loss program again. Other noteworthy results include: WeightWatchers participants who renewed their weight loss efforts after experiencing less weight regains and continued their efforts for a longer period – compared to those who had gradual weight regain. Furthermore, the participants who gained weight were more likely to use WeightWatchers again, given their earlier experience with the program.According to research, palm carotene can protect against oxidative stress-induced age-related macular degeneration. 

A Malaysian Palm Oil Board-funded study revealed that palm carotene (EVTene) was found to protect against oxidative stress-induced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study suggested this could pave the way for a new era in the role of palm carotene as a potential nutraceutical in AMD management. The palm carotene complex, high in beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene is thought to have similar protective effects against AMD as the well-established therapeutic compounds lutein and zeaxanthin. Still, no research has been conducted on this. As a result, the current study was carried out to determine the efficacy of palm carotene in modulating the molecular targets in an oxidative stress-induced in-vitro model. The findings suggest that while palm carotene may be a safe treatment, it is not conducive to anti-cancer effects.

By Nicole Kerr