Kemin’s spearmint ingredient gets Canadian green light for cognition

19 Nov 2021 --- Health Canada has approved Kemin’s spearmint ingredient Neumentix for use in products supporting cognitive function, sustained attention and working memory.

“With the demand for cognitive health products growing worldwide, the Kemin team is incredibly excited to now offer the benefits of Neumentix to consumers in Canada,” says Penny Woods, marketing director at Kemin Human Nutrition and Health.

“Gaining this approval is a significant milestone that will enable our Canadian customers to have their finished product claims more easily approved when formulated with a full dose of Neumentix.” 

Demands for brain-boosting ingredients have grown in light of consumers’ stress during COVID-19. Cognitive benefits
Neumentix Phenolic Complex K110-42 is a patent-pending spearmint extract containing a proprietary phenolic complex. The antioxidant polyphenols in the ingredient promote new neuron growth and support the brain function of working memory, according to the company.

“Neumentix has been in the global market for over five years and continues to capture the attention of key brands looking to formulate with a safe, environmentally sustainable and scientifically backed ingredient that has cognitive performance benefits – like focus – as well as lasting benefits linking cognition to enhanced physical performance,” notes Woods. 

Neumentix can improve the ability to learn, manage information and react, providing both cognitive and physical performance benefits, states the company. 

Post-pandemic, brain-boosting ingredients have seen an increase in popularity, as COVID-19 has placed extra stress on consumers’ mental health and well-being.  

Botanical extracts are also targeting cognition, with brain and mood health claims making up the largest percentage of botanical and herbal supplement launches in the North American market, according to Innova Market Insights.  

Products across the globe
In May, Neumentix received approval as a bioactive ingredient for use in dietary supplements in Brazil.

The company has also been eyeing immunity formulations with beta 1,3 glucan from algae after it was granted a US patent. 

Kemin also acquired food technology company Proteus Industry, in a deal set to add sustainable clean label yield enhancement technology to the Kemin Food Technologies portfolio of ingredient solutions. 

Edited by Andria Kades