March in review: Balchem joins forces with Virginia Tech, Women’s History Month and NPEW 2024

01 Apr 2024 --- The major health and nutrition industry news in March included Balchem revealing a collaboration with Virginia Tech to research the health benefits of minerals, dsm-firmenich highlighting the health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for maternal health and Roquette announcing it would acquire IFF Pharma Solutions.

In our March review, Nutrition Insight looks back at some of the biggest stories of the month, including the role of women in fisheries, Nektium’s reformulation of Zynamite for functional beverages, FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ latest algae-based omega-3 ingredient range, Novonesis’ newest health claim approval and some of the innovations showcased at Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) 2024.

March
Essential minerals for health: Balchem unveils opportunities of Virginia Tech research center
Balchem Corporation and Virginia Tech announced a collaboration focusing on researching essential minerals’ impacts on human nutrition and health. The partnership will expand understanding and applications of minerals in health science, leveraging Virginia Tech’s new Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department’s research center. We sat down with Balchem’s strategic development manager of nutrition science to discuss how the collaboration will help uncover new mineral-related health benefits — particularly for the aging population, athletes and those with specific health conditions — by combining Balchem’s expertise in chelated mineral nutrition with Virginia Tech’s research capabilities.

FrieslandCampina Ingredients unveils algae-based omega-3 brain health range
FrieslandCampina Ingredients launched an algae-based omega-3 product range targeting brain health. The move introduced a sustainable, plant-based source of DHA essential for cognitive function throughout life. We spoke with the company’s global marketing director of performance, active and medical nutrition about the new range, which expands its portfolio into plant-based nutrition, emphasizing the importance of omega-3s for brain health and offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fish oil sources.We talked with Novonesis at NPEW 2024 about its latest biosolutions for brain health.

From awareness to action: dsm-firmenich spotlights urgent need for DHA in maternal nutrition
dsm-firmenich emphasized the critical importance of DHA in maternal nutrition. Highlighting a significant gap in maternal diets concerning DHA intake, the company underscored the urgent need for increased awareness and action. The discussion focused on the benefits of DHA for both mothers and their developing babies, stressing its role in the growth and development of the fetal brain and eyes. dsm-firmenich’s science translation and advocacy segment lead for early life nutrition tells us how the initiative looks to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by advocating for enhanced nutritional guidance and the inclusion of DHA in prenatal nutrition programs.

Wave of awareness needed for women in Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries
Researchers emphasized the need for increased awareness regarding the roles and contributions of women in the fisheries sector of the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. The study pointed out that women’s contribution in this area is often under-recognized and deserves greater visibility and support for women’s crucial roles in this industry. We spoke with the fishery officer for socio-economic issues at the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean and the UN FAO, who called for action to ensure their inclusion in decision-making processes and access to resources, aiming to improve gender equality and empower women in the fisheries community.

Novonesis touts pioneering probiotic Clepius L. Plantarum’s approval for gut and brain health claims
On the occasion of Women’s History Month, we sat down with IFF Health to discuss innovations in women’s health ingredients.The article discussed Novonesis’ announcement that Health Canada has authorized health claims for its probiotic strain Clepius L. plantarum for gut and brain health benefits. This approval highlights the strain’s potential in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults and supporting overall intestinal and gastrointestinal health. Additionally, it acknowledges Clepius L. plantarum’s role in alleviating perceived stress and improving the quality of life related to IBS. We caught up with the head of global scientific advisory, human health at Novonesis, who told us the approval marks a significant step in recognizing the gut-brain axis’s importance in health and wellness.

NPEW 2024: Spotlight on innovations in brain, mood and mental health
NPEW 2024 in California, US, showcased a range of innovations in brain, mood and mental health supplements. Experts from Kyowa Hakko USA, FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Beneo told us about the new products and scientific advancements targeting cognitive function, stress relief and overall mental well-being while presenting a variety of formulations incorporating both traditional ingredients and novel compounds. The companies emphasized the growing consumer interest in natural and effective solutions for mental health support and underscored the industry’s focus on evidence-based claims and the integration of cutting-edge research to meet the rising demand for mental health products.

dsm-firmenich experts discuss new omega-3 partnership with SCN BestCo
SCN BestCo and dsm-firmenich entered into a partnership to innovate in the omega-3 gummies market. The collaboration merged dsm-firmenich’s expertise in nutritional ingredients with SCN BestCo’s prowess in gummy development and manufacturing. The partnership aims to create new omega-3 gummy products, leveraging the strengths of both companies to meet growing consumer demand for health-oriented confectioneries. We talked with dsm-firmenich’s North America marketing manager and SCN BestCo’s manager of applications and technical about how the endeavor represents a significant step forward in offering consumers omega-3 products in a more palatable and convenient form.Kaneka spoke with us about the health benefits of its coenzyme Q10 ubiquinol ingredient.

Roquette to acquire IFF Pharma Solutions to boost global excipient presence
Roquette announced the acquisition of IFF Pharma Solutions to enhance its global presence among pharmaceutical excipients. We examined the strategic move, which is expected to close in Q2 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The acquisition will allow Roquette to broaden its product portfolio and reinforce its commitment to supporting the pharmaceutical industry’s needs in the health and wellness sectors.

Nutrition research needed for “unique” transmasculine supplement use, study flags
A study highlighted the need for more nutrition research focusing on the unique supplement usage among transmasculine individuals. It revealed that these individuals often use supplements for hormone therapy side effects, mental health and transition-related goals. We look at the research, which calls for tailored nutritional guidance and product development to support the specific health needs of the transmasculine community, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in health and wellness research and product offerings.

Nektium reformulates nootropic for promising functional beverages market
Nektium revealed it has innovatively reformulated its nootropic ingredient, Zynamite, to cater to the growing functional beverages market, promising enhanced mental energy and cognitive benefits without the negative effects of caffeine. The move is in response to consumer demand for healthier alternatives to traditional energy drinks. We sat down with Nektium’s strategic marketing director to discuss how Zynamite offers a scientifically backed, clean label option that can be easily paired with other natural ingredients for beverage manufacturers aiming to develop products that boost mental clarity and focus.

By William Bradford Nichols