Lemon-aid for diabetes: IBN’s citrus ingredient touted as reversing prediabetic conditions

05 Aug 2019 --- Citrus-derived flavonoids and ingredients manufacturer Ingredients by Nature (IBN) has launched a new ingredient that has demonstrated efficacy in prediabetes management. Coined Eriomin, the ingredient is touted as supporting glycemic control and reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Manufactured via the use of a proprietary extraction process, which is developed by IBN, Eriomin is a high-potency, patent-pending standardized extract from lemons that contains a blend of eriocitrin and other flavonoids.

Eriomin’s potential is backed by a human clinical trial study, published last month in Phytotherapy Research, which showed that the ingredient may provide a multi-functional approach to managing prediabetic conditions.

“This Eriomin study is the first-of-its-kind human clinical trial to study the effects of eriocitrin and other lemon flavonoids on three significant and interconnected prediabetic factors: blood glucose levels, oxidative stress and inflammation,” says Dr. Thais Cesar, Associate Professor of Nutrition at São Paulo State University and study co-author. “The results revealed that the flavonoids in Eriomin play an important role in prediabetes management, prompting us to begin a second clinical trial with results expected by the end of the year.”

Clinical trial results
The randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated 103 prediabetes patients. The researchers discovered that subjects administered Eriomin in doses of 200mg, 400mg or 800mg during a 12-week period were able to manage glycemic control significantly better, had healthy inflammation levels within the normal range and an increase in antioxidant activity. An average of 24 percent of the evaluated patients supplemented with Eriomin, showed markers of increased glucose tolerance and returned to normal fasting blood sugar levels. 

“One in three US adults currently has prediabetes, influenced by sedentary lifestyles, obesity, abdominal fat and unhealthy eating patterns,” notes Rob Brewster, President at IBN. “We have the opportunity to help halt this progression by providing a more natural and proactive alternative with Eriomin.”

IBN formulates, manufactures and markets science-based ingredients, proprietary extracts and formula innovations for applications in dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages, cosmetics and animal nutrition. IBN currently offers over 300 ingredient variations, including various citrus-derived ingredients, along with its custom, contract manufacturing and powder processing services. 

Brewster Nutrition and its long-standing strategic partner, Syntech International, formed IBN to respond to the industry’s need for quality ingredients. Together the companies have over 80 years of combined ingredient manufacturing experience and service to the health food and related industries. 

“Our quest is to preserve, promote and expand the core principles of the natural foods industry while embracing the need for new scientific breakthroughs for nutrient application and absorption,” the companies say.

Citrus flavors remain popular
Backed by science for their antioxidant and health-boosting properties, as well as a unique tangy flavor that consumers seek out, citrus ingredients maintain their appeal. Previously, naringenin, a flavonoid found in oranges and other citrus fruits, was found to hold potential for weight management.

According to Innova Market Insights, fresh and zesty citrus flavors are on the rise, with 26 percent growth reported in food and beverage launches with a yuzu flavor, for example (Global, 2018 vs. 2017). The space is ripe with NPD and leading industry players have made moves to expand their reach within this arena. Frankfurt-based company Tropextrakt made calamansi, a small type of tropical citrus fruit, closely resembling a mandarin, available in Europe. The fruit is a hybrid between the mandarin orange and the oval kumquat.

CP Kelco introduced a new product line, Nutrava Citrus Fiber, which addresses the need for nature-based, recognizable ingredients in a variety of food applications. Derived from intact citrus peels, this next-generation citrus fiber is marketed as “not only functional but also close to nature.”

From a business point of view, Givaudan donated US$3.5 million to the University of California, Riverside (UCR) to support UCR’s Citrus Variety Collection. The donation seeks to protect one of the world’s most extensive and diverse assortments of citrus from the impending threat of Citrus Greening Disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB).

In a move to strengthen its position in the fast-growing citrus category, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) acquired Florida Chemical Company (FCC), a division of Flotek Industries specializing in citrus-based flavors and fragrances in a deal valued at approximately US$175 million, this past January. In March, the company also acquired the Ziegler Group, a European provider of natural citrus flavor ingredients.

By Kristiana Lalou

To contact our editorial team please email us at editorial@cnsmedia.com