Beyond The Headlines: Gnosis by Lesaffre stresses MK7 for heart health, PIPA and DMI to use AI for dairy research

16 Feb 2024 --- This week in nutrition news, Gnosis by Lesaffre touted the result of a recent study showing the heart health benefits of vitamin K2. Meanwhile, Process Integration & Predictive Analytics (PIPA) teamed up with Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) to advance dairy research and innovation utilizing AI. Also, Optimum Nutrition partnered with McLaren Racing to become the organization’s sports nutrition partner.

Nutrition News
Gnosis by Lesaffre highlighted the results of a recent study showing the profound impact of essential nutrients like vitamin K2 and folate on cardiovascular health. Moreover, the nutrients showed potential significant healthcare savings. According to the company, vitamin K2, particularly MK-7, shows promise for enhancing arterial flexibility, which could lead to reduced coronary artery disease events and substantial US healthcare cost savings. Recent research further supports Vitamin K2’s benefits for women’s heart health and examines its efficacy in patients with kidney disease. Folate’s role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk by managing homocysteine levels was also emphasized, showcasing its importance beyond pregnancy and fertility, particularly in reducing stroke risk and mortality rates in adults with dysglycemia and hypertension.

PIPA and DMI announced a partnership to leverage AI technology, specifically LEAP, to advance dairy research and innovation. The companies stated the collaboration would expedite the discovery of dairy health benefits and develop new product claims by analyzing scientific evidence. With the integration of AI, the partnership will modernize the US dairy industry and help identify novel R&D opportunities in milk by unveiling health and wellness opportunities for personalized nutrition solutions and enhancing the industry’s research and commercialization capabilities.PIPA and DMI will utilize AI to bolster dairy protein research and innovation.

Business news
McLaren Racing joined forces with Optimum Nutrition to make the company the “official sports nutrition partner” for the 2024 Formula 1 season. The companies said the partnership aims to enhance its team’s performance, health and well-being. The partnership will also emphasize human performance and utilize Optimum Nutrition’s innovative products to maintain peak conditions for drivers Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and the pit crew. The two companies intend to build on the team’s record-breaking achievements. Optimum Nutrition branding will be visible on team gear.

Health Canada has approved a new product license for Solabia-BioActor’s Watts’Up — a sweet orange flavonoid extract — along with a health claim for improving power output during high-intensity exercise in moderately trained individuals. This follows positive results from double-blind, placebo-controlled studies demonstrating significant enhancements in exercise performance and physical performance in trained male athletes. Watts’Up is now recommended as athletic support or a workout and exercise supplement, offering antioxidant benefits against oxidative stress.

Superbrewed Food announced a partnership with Döhler GmbH to produce Postbiotic Protein for 2024. The company said the protein is sustainable and non-GMO and designed to replace or complement traditional proteins in applications. The product is over 85% protein, rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals and offering benefits beyond protein. Döhler will help commercialize the ingredient for consumer products to introduce nutritious, sustainable products to meet growing consumer demands.

Optimum Nutrition partnered with McLaren racing as the team’s “official sports nutrition partner” for the 2024 Formula 1 season (Image Credit: Optimum Nutrition).

Product Launches
Nutiani and Hank’s Protein Plus introduced the first Brain Boosting Peanut Spread, blending premium nuts, NZMP whey protein and specialized phospholipid WPC (whey protein concentrate) for cognitive health and stress management. This snack will have the benefits of phospholipids for brain cell integrity and mental well-being. Recent research, including the Empower Project, supports phospholipid supplementation for reduced stress and showcases the spread’s unique blend of indulgence and health benefits.

Pure Protein unveiled its Sweet Chili Popped Crisps to its snack lineup. The offering comes in Hickory Barbeque and Sour Cream & Onion flavors along with a Cheesy Crackers flavor and format. The snacks cater to the demand for protein-rich, flavorful options and offer 12 grams of protein per bag. Additionally, the snack line is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and popped instead of fried for a healthier choice.

MegaFood launched Iron Energy Gummies, a new addition to its range of health supplements, offering a 3-in-1 energy support blend of iron, vitamin B6 and B12. Tailored for family-wide use, the company said this lower potency product can boost red blood cell and cellular energy production. The company said the gummies are made to be stomach-friendly with fermented iron bisglycinate and minimal sugar. They are also vegan, gluten-free and suitable for a broad audience, including children over four.Pure Protein launched protein packed Sweet Chili Popped Crisps in a variety of flavors (Image Credit: Pure Protein).

Scientific Studies
L-Nutra revealed the results of a study, published in PubMed, which showed fasting mimicking diets (FMDs) may benefit chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment by reducing leukemic lymphocytes without affecting normal cells. It showed mild anti-CLL effects from FMD alone and enhanced survival when combined with proteasome inhibitors. The research opens new avenues for CLL treatment and nutri-medicine, suggesting FMDs could amplify proteasome inhibitor efficacy, highlighting the potential of nutri-technology in personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes.

A Drexel University study explored the link between cannabis use and binge eating disorder, finding that over 23% of participants used cannabis recently. Although cannabis users reported more alcohol issues, they did not show worse eating disorder or depression symptoms. The research, published in APA PsychNet, suggests treatments for binge-eating should consider how substance use affects appetite and mood. The researchers point out that future studies will examine cannabis’ impact on hunger and mood in binge-eating patients and underscore the need for regular updates due to changing cannabis laws and norms.

By William Bradford Nichols