Beyond The Headlines: US federal agencies to clarify biotechnology regulations, Bovaer set to debut in Asia

10 May 2024 --- This week in nutrition news, several US government agencies revealed they will collaborate to clarify regulations for biotechnology products. Meanwhile, Meiji Holdings joined forces with dsm-firmenich to reduce methane emissions in dairy production. Also, Brenntag partnered with Royal Avebe to bring the Avebe’s plant-based potato starch products to the UK and Ireland.

Nutrition News
In response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081 to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture have developed a plan to revamp and clarify regulations and oversight for biotechnology products. The initiative is meant to boost public trust and increase the transparency, predictability, coordination and efficiency of the biotechnology regulatory system by focusing on five key areas. These include modified plants, animals, microorganisms, human drugs, biologics and medical devices. Specific actions include simplifying regulatory oversight for genetically engineered entities, enhancing inter-agency information sharing and exploring a pilot web tool project that guides developers on regulatory responsibilities.

Japanese dairy company Meiji Holdings and dsm-firmenich have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to adopt the company’s methane-reducing feed additive, Bovaer, to boost sustainability in Japanese dairy farming. This marks the first implementation of Bovaer in Asia. Bovaer has been shown to significantly reduce methane emissions — a major greenhouse gas produced by dairy and beef cattle — by about 30% in dairy cows and 45% in beef cattle. The move will support Japan’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030, addressing the over 80% of national methane emissions stemming from agriculture. The introduction of Bovaer into the Japanese market, pending local authorization, is part of broader efforts to mitigate the climate impact of over four million cattle. Bovaer is already available in 58 countries, and registration processes are ongoing in Japan.

Business News
Brenntag, a leading global distributor of chemicals and ingredients, has announced the expansion of its partnership with Royal Avebe, the world’s largest producer of potato starch and protein. This expanded distribution agreement extends Royal Avebe’s product offerings to Brenntag’s customers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, in addition to existing markets across Europe. Brenntag emphasized that Avebe’s portfolio aligns with the growing global demand for plant-based foods. Royal Avebe said the move strengthens its distribution reach, bringing its product offerings to more customers through Brenntag’s extensive network.

Tate & Lyle, a leader in healthier food and beverage ingredients, expanded its capacity at its Boleráz, Slovakia facility for its Non-GMO Promitor Soluble Fiber. The €25 million (US$26.9 million) investment is the first phase in a plan to significantly expand the company’s fiber production capacity for global markets. The investment increases production capabilities and sustainability through improved supply chain efficiency and energy use. It also allows for the expansion of existing product lines and the introduction of new ones, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and Tate & Lyle’s proprietary production expertise in response to the increasing consumer demand for dietary fibers, recognized for benefits to gut health, overall wellness, immunity and mental health. The company’s research indicates that 54% of global consumers intend to increase their fiber intake. Made from corn, Promitor Soluble Fiber offers high fiber content with better digestive tolerance than inulin, making it suitable for food fortification applications to achieve nutritional goals at lower inclusion levels.

Hexis, an AI-driven sports nutrition company, has successfully raised £1.6 million (US$2 million) in a pre-seed fundraising round to enhance athletic performance through personalized fueling plans. The funding round attracted investments from prominent entities, including Apex — a venture capital firm backed by world-class athletes — and Sport Republic, a global sports investment company with ownership stakes in several football clubs. Hexis’ unique technology, built on the proprietary Carb Coding system, allows for real-time adaptation of fueling plans based on an athlete’s activities to optimize performance and recovery.

Product Launches
At this year’s Vitafoods Europe trade show in Geneva, Switzerland (May 14–16), Vantage Nutrition, part of the ACG Group, will introduce its innovative beadlet technology under the theme “better delivery.” The new technology promises to increase the delivery, absorption and bioavailability of ingredients through controlled release. Vantage Nutrition will also showcase ACGcaps H+, which it says is the world’s first “clean label” and eco-friendly capsule made using water and cellulose, and ACGcaps TSafe, which are opaque, TiO2-free capsules offering pigmentation flexibility. ACG will exhibit these technologies and products at booth H37.

Gundry MD launched Phyto Collagen Complex, a new vegan dietary supplement developed by Dr. Steven Gundry, a medical researcher and heart surgeon. The product supports the body’s natural collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining strength and youthfulness. The company states that, unlike typical collagen supplements that are derived from animal sources, Phyto Collagen Complex stands out by being plant-based, offering a potentially more beneficial approach to enhancing collagen synthesis. The supplement is available in a strawberry lemonade flavor and features a blend of ingredients aimed at bolstering collagen production to support stronger skin, nails and hair and to promote greater joint mobility and flexibility. The formulation also includes Vollagen, a blend containing all 18 amino acids found in human collagen in identical ratios, as well as ascorbic acid and vitamin C, which are essential for the collagen assembly process. Additionally, it contains a polyphenol blend from fruits known for their high antioxidant content, which helps protect the body’s collagen from oxidative stress.

Scientific studies
A long-term research collaborator with Gnosis by Lesaffre, has published a new study on the neurological benefits of vitamin K2, extending his focus beyond cognitive health to include neurological support. This recent research, published in the journal Cells, explores the effect of vitamin K2 on neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. The study specifically looked at how different forms of vitamin K2, menaquinone-7 and menaquinone-4, influence gene expression related to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in neuroblastoma cells. The results indicate that vitamin K2 could play a crucial role in supporting brain and cognitive function by decreasing the expression of genes linked to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, while enhancing genes that protect against amyloid formation. The research team also examined DNA methylation patterns, finding that hypermethylation correlates with the suppression of certain genes involved in these processes.

New research published in the European Journal of Nutrition demonstrates significant cognitive benefits from Brainberry, a clinically validated Aronia melanocarpa extract from Solabia Nutrition. The study found that one week of supplementation with Brainberry improved psychomotor speed and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a key protein for brain health, in healthy young adults. This marks the second clinical study affirming the cognitive benefits of daily Brainberry intake. Brainberry is standardized for cyanidin galactoside and is sourced from the Nero Eggert variety of fresh Aronia berries from the Baltics, known for their high anthocyanin content. These anthocyanins are recognized for their antioxidant properties and vascular benefits. The recent study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial, involved 35 young adults who received Brainberry capsules for one week. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neurophysiological Test Automated Battery, with results showing a 4.8% improvement in psychomotor control and a 5.7% increase in BDNF levels.

By William Bradford Nichols