Giellepi unveils Bergamot fruit extract for cardiometabolic health at SupplySide West 2022

09 Nov 2022 --- SupplySide West 2022 set the scene for Giellepi to introduce its Bergamot fruit extract – branded as Kalita – for the natural support of key markers associated with cardiometabolic health. The company also showcased its flagship ingredient – µsmin Plus – a diosmin formulation for leg health and beauty proven to outperform micronized diosmin’s absorption after oral ingestion.

According to Fabio Terruzzi, strategic business development manager at Giellepi, a standout trend at last week’s event in Las Vegas, US, was the rapid rise of ingredients in the “beauty from within” space.

“It’s not only about collagen,” he tells NutritionInsight. “Raw materials that can be incorporated in softgels, gummies and liquid stick packs are gaining popularity – µsmin Plus is for sure one of those ingredients.”

“I also noticed a strong presence of products for stress and mood support and sleep. At the same time, a more holistic and modern approach to cardiovascular and joint health caught my eye. Last but not least, year-round immune-supporting ingredients continue to remain strong despite COVID-19 seeming to be over.”

Giellepi’s Kalita extract provides a novel multi-target approach for metabolic wellness. The product is a fully standardized phytocomplex derived from bergamot (Citrus bergamia), a type of citrus fruit primarily grown in the South of Italy. It offers all the benefits of the whole fruit (juice and pulp) in one convenient daily dose of powder.Giellepi’s Kalita extract on display at SupplySide West 2022.

Cardiovascular health support
Bergamot has been used for decades in the Mediterranean region as a remedy for overall cardiovascular health due to its unique and powerful natural compounds, which cannot be found in other citrus fruits.

“A randomized, double-blind, placebo study recently conducted on overweight subjects has demonstrated Kalita’s ability to improve several cardiometabolic markers, providing formulators and brand owners with a multidimensional and cost-effective support for cardiovascular health,” notes Terruzzi.

As a US-based company, Giellepi offers a wide range of claims supporting clinical benefits in terms of structure and function, which Terruzzi highlights are key to influencing consumers’ product choices.

“At the same time, a powerful marketing story behind an ingredient is absolutely necessary to be successful in a crowded market like the US one,” he continues.

“On the other hand, due to the fact that in several European countries supplements are recommended by doctors and healthcare professionals, more insights on the science, including detailed information on the mechanism of action, are mandatory to satisfy our customers’ needs.”Giellepi is expanding its existing ingredients into new applications like gummies and softgels.

As nature intended
Giellepi’s Kalita and µsmin Plus products are included in the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Old Dietary Ingredients list, meaning they are considered safe for continued consumer use. So-called “Grandfathered Dietary Ingredients” have a “history of use” in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 and, therefore, do not require the filing of a 75-day premarket notification with the FDA.

“It is worth mentioning that in the case of botanical extracts such as Kalita, we do not further increase the polyphenolic profile through an artificial concentration process involving resins,” says Terruzzi.

“As a result, our ingredient contains all the key compounds found in the bergamot fruit, including polysaccharides, pectins, amino acids and a reasonable amount of flavonoids, as nature intended.”

The forward focus
The main priority for Giellepi’s R&D into next year is to provide stronger and more robust evidence in terms of safety and efficacy to support the use of our branded ingredients in a given health category or target population.

Fabio Terruzzi, strategic business development manager at Giellepi.“We’re already starting a new clinical assessment on µsmin Plus, Poolzyme and Axtragyl to respond to the growing demand for new delivery formats,” shares Terruzzi.

“We’re also working very hard to offer our existing ingredients in a form suitable for novel applications such as gummies and softgels.”

The high-potency digestive enzyme formulas found in PoolZyme support the digestion of specific food groups such as dairy, protein, fat and plant fibers. Meanwhile, Axtragyl is an innovative botanical ingredient with a proven mechanism of action for mobility health support.

With the return to physical trade shows following the COVID-19 pandemic, Terruzzi believes “there is no substitute for in-person events.”

“In fact, face-to-face meetings are key to maintaining strong relationships with the existing customers but are also a valuable opportunity to connect better with potential new customers,” he says.

By Joshua Poole