Beyond The Headlines: WFP raises support for school meals, Clasado Biosciences on growing gut health market

This week in nutrition news, the World Food Program (WFP) US raised US$1 million for school meals across the globe and Clasado Biosciences unveiled insights into the growing prebiotic gut health market. Meanwhile, The USDA touted the success of its Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program.

Nutrition news

On World Food Day, the Erase Hunger campaign, initiated by the WFP US, announced it had raised over US$1 million to provide over four million school meals globally. The campaign, supported by entities like ADM, PTx Trimble, FEED and soccer player Jozy Altidore, looks to bolster the UN WFP’s extensive school meals initiative. In 2023, the program fed over 21 million children across 61 countries, boosted school attendance and combated anemia in girls. Corporate partners emphasized commitments to fighting malnutrition and supporting community-based solutions, which underlines the campaign’s role in fostering sustainable community transformation and educational opportunities for children in need.

Prebiotic ingredient development pioneer, Clasado Biosciences, revealed insights on the evolving prebiotic gut health market that emphasized the importance of versatile ingredients that meet consumers’ evolving needs. As awareness of gut health grows, products like Clasado Biosciences’ galactooligosaccharide (GOS) prebiotic, Bimuno GOS, have demonstrated multifunctional health benefits. The company highlighted the need for science-backed products with appeal across broad demographics. Bimuno GOS has been proven effective in various age groups, from children to the elderly, supporting gut health with a low daily dose and showing benefits in just seven days.

Clasado Biosciences unveiled insights into the prebiotic gut health market.The USDA marked the progress of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, celebrating significant advancements in expanding markets for climate-friendly and sustainably produced goods. This initiative supports farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in adopting climate-smart practices that help improve soil health, reduce emissions and strengthen productivity. During a gathering in Hershey, Pennsylvania, US, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack underscored the initiative’s role in generating new market opportunities and income for producers, particularly benefiting small and mid-sized farms. The USDA has invested over US$3 billion in 135 projects, connecting 14,000 farms to new markets, enrolling 3.2 million acres in sustainable practices and projecting to sequester over 60 million tons of carbon by project completion.

Business news

In business news, Aker BioMarine announced a new distribution agreement with Barentz International to expand its krill oil product distribution across Europe — specifically in Italy, San Marino, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The company spotlighted the potential of this partnership to broaden its European presence, citing Barentz’s life sciences expertise and extensive network. Barentz stated that the collaboration would allow customers to access sustainably sourced krill oil, reinforce its role as a leading global nutraceuticals provider and support long-term business growth.

Kabrita, a leading global manufacturer of goat milk formula, announced that its Goat Milk Infant Formula is now available at Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market stores across the US. The expansion follows the American Academy of Pediatrics’ endorsement of goat milk infant formula in late 2023. Kabrita’s says its formula is highly digestible, with a nutritional closeness to breast milk that features natural oligosaccharides, essential nutrients and a premium fat blend. The formula is rigorously tested and has earned multiple Clean Label Project awards.

Ultisana, a Central America-based nutraceutical brand, introduced its offerings to the US market in order to cater to the health needs of Hispanic Americans with natural supplements designed for metabolic and mental well-being. The brand introduced three products — Cogniforte for cognitive enhancement, Diaberine for metabolic balance and Stamina for stress relief. Ultisana says it is committed to empowering healthier lives through natural, effective solutions. Alongside the product launch, Ultisana initiated the “Vive Sano con Ultisana” campaign to promote wellness and accessibility for Hispanic Americans, with a focus on culturally resonant and scientifically supported health solutions.Kabrita revealed it will begin selling its Goat Milk Infant Formula at Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods Market stores in the US (Image Credit: Kabrita).

Product launches

Smidge unveiled its Deep Ocean Liquid Magnesium Drops — a highly bioavailable magnesium supplement sourced from Hawaii’s Kona Sea. The addition adds to Smidge’s line of premium, small-batch supplements. The company highlighted the ease of dosing and the product’s appeal to a broad audience, including those who prefer not to swallow pills and athletes seeking natural electrolytes for recovery. Smidge adds that it is produced using solar evaporation and hand-scooping methods to ensure purity and maintain the natural integrity of the magnesium. Moreover, it offers a potent dose of magnesium and other trace sea minerals to promote cellular health, muscle relaxation and overall wellness.

Rebbl, a brand of Systm Foods, introduced its new 26 g Protein Shakes at Target stores, marking a significant innovation in ready-to-drink protein beverages. The shakes feature a sustainable, Upcycled Certified and Non-GMO Project Verified plant protein blend from upcycled barley that was developed by EverGrain by AB InBev. Systm Foods emphasized that the protein shakes not only offer substantial nutritional benefits but also contribute to environmental sustainability by utilizing all parts of the barley grain. Available in chocolate, vanilla and cookies & creme, the shakes contain 26 g of protein, 4 g of sugar and are crafted to support muscle recovery and overall wellness while being vegan, soy-free and low in sugar.

Scientific studies

A recent study found a link between UPF consumption and raised blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.Researchers at the US University of Texas at Austin identified a link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and higher blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, found that additives in such foods could exacerbate poor blood glucose control over months, measured as HbA1C. The findings stemmed from an analysis involving 273 African American adults, part of the TX Stride clinical trial, who provided dietary data and blood samples. Unlike traditional diet quality indexes, the quantity of UPFs consumed showed a direct correlation with worsened blood glucose control. Conversely, diets richer in whole or minimally processed foods demonstrated improved control. The researchers stated that the findings support growing evidence that UPFs contribute to a variety of health issues and suggest that dietary guidelines might need greater emphasis on reducing the consumption of these foods.

A recent study looked at the heart health benefits of consuming strawberries and found they may help to effectively manage cholesterol. The research, conducted by the University of California, Davis, US, and funded by the California Strawberry Commission, reviewed data from 47 clinical trials and 13 observational studies spanning from 2000 to 2023. Published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, the study found that daily consumption of one to four cups of strawberries significantly enhances cardiometabolic health. The berries are rich in polyphenols and fiber and help reduce levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, while also lowering inflammation, thereby improving heart health and decreasing cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, the study also pointed out potential benefits for brain health, suggesting that the flavonoid-rich fruit could delay cognitive decline and protect against dementia by supporting cognitive functions and combating oxidative stress.