Levagen+ offers “another solution for healthy aging,” Gencor Pacific study suggests

27 Oct 2021 --- Gencor Pacific has revealed its Levagen+ product can reduce pain in people suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, posing a potential healthy aging solution.

Ahead of the study’s publication, Mariko Hill, Gencor’s global innovation officer, speaks to NutritionInsight on what these findings mean. 

“Neuropathy is a common issue and is a side effect of those who have impaired glucose tolerance. Neuropathy is also more prevalent as you age, so would be another solution for healthy aging,” Hill says. The study’s findings showed 700 mg of Levagen+ daily alleviated pain, depressive symptoms and improved sleep.

Findings suggest diabetes pain relief

The double-blind study was carried out with 66 participants, 31 of whom had Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The randomized research compared the control group with individuals who received Levagen+ 700 mg daily for eight weeks. 

According to the findings, the product appeared to reduce neuropathic pain in those with diabetes, IL-6 levels (multifunctional cytokine), improved sleep and decreased depression levels. 

It was also found to be safe in those taking metformin and or insulin, the clinical trial noted.

“The science shows that Levagen+ provides symptomatic relief of peripheral pain,” Hill notes. 

Further PEA research
The key ingredient for Levagen+ is palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which is marketed as improving sleep, relieving joint pain and exercise recovery. 

“PEA is an incredible compound that is produced in the body in response to pain, inflammation and stress, so the various applications are broad and well-researched,” Hill notes. 

Gencor Pacific aims to invest in research surrounding the product in avenues of “menstrual pain, gut microbiome, muscle damage, exercise recovery, migraines, cold and flu, allergies and more,” Hill adds. 

The product boasts faster absorption due to its LipiSperse dispersion technology, which according to Hill, has 1.75 more absorption compared to standard PEA.

Levagen+ is marketed as an alternative to CBD, which is a fast-growing industry.

CBD alternative?
Levagen+ has been marketed as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cannabidiol (CBD) since it can also influence the endocannabinoid system. 

“It is clinically proven to reduce joint pain and manage discomfort, support exercise recovery, support immunity and enhance sleep – all the benefits CBD has been touted to provide,” Hill says.  

One of the key differences, Hill notes, lies in the regulatory challenges CBD faces. This allows Levagen+ to tap into the market, as both PEA and CBD are lipophilic in nature and therefore have bioavailability and format options. 

Nonetheless, the CBD oil market is growing, accelerated by COVID-19, as consumers turned to natural sources to improve wellness. In the UK alone, the CBD industry is projected to generate £690 million (US$959 million) in annual sales for 2021. 

The pandemic and its link to mental health has also been flagged by Gencor, which highlighted that the stress over the past several months has sustained demands for nutritional solutions. 

By Andria Kades