Pharmachem to Distribute Lactium Ingredient

21/03/07 Pharmachem Laboratories Inc. has announced it has acquired the exclusive distribution rights in the United States, Mexico, and Canada for Lactium, an all-natural ingredient made from cow’s milk proteins that has been clinically shown to reduce the effects of stress and promote relaxation. Lactium was developed and patented by French firm Ingredia for use in both food supplements, and functional foods and beverages.
          
According to Mitch Skop, Director of New Product Development for Pharmachem, “Millions of people are Type-A and have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep.  We’re excited to introduce to North America a unique ingredient that will allow people to naturally improve their sleep and manage the stress that’s a part of everyday life.  Research has shown that excessive amounts of stress can have numerous negative emotional and physical consequences.  Lactium helps control stress and regulate its effects on the body, as well as enhance emotional well being.”
           
Lactium is a hydrolysate of milk proteins that contain a bioactive deca-peptide with relaxing properties.  Classified as GRAS, Lactium has been the subject of several clinical studies which have shown it to be safe, without side effects, and effective at regulating the major symptoms of stress on the digestive and cardiovascular systems, as well as enhancing social, emotional, and intellectual capabilities.
           
A double-blind clinical study on 42 human subjects, published in the 2004 European Journal of Nutrition, evaluated the anti-stress effects of Lactium based on hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure and heart rate, as well as plasma cortisol concentration.  The study found that Lactium significantly reduced the blood pressure and blood cortisol responses to stress.
           
The daily recommended dosage of Lactium is 167 mg per day, and it offers good solubility and taste characteristics, enabling it to be used in a variety of formulations. 

“As a supplement, Lactium can be incorporated into a daily multi-vitamin, within an anti-stress formulation, or as a stand-alone product,” added Skop.  “As a functional food ingredient, Lactium is versatile enough for use in ready-to-drink beverages, drink mixes, bars, chocolates – there are any number of possibilities.”