Vitafoods Asia: Anagenix addresses immunity with fruit-based formulation launches

02 Feb 2021 --- Anagenix has unveiled two new formulations for immune health at Vitafoods Asia Digital Week. One formulation – targeting the lungs – contains the BerriQi ingredient, which is derived from New Zealand boysenberry and apple. The other launch contains Livaux, Anagenix’s patented gold kiwifruit powder.

“The active ingredients we use are gently processed to retain a high level of efficacy. Keeping the actives, minimizing additives and processing to retain the natural, clean image of the active ingredient are key considerations when putting the formulation together,” Chris Johnson, managing director of Anagenix, tells NutritionInsight.

He explains that the New Zealand-based company is careful in the selection of synergistic ingredients to retain efficacy and still keep a clean label.

This is a growing concern for many consumers, with three in five global consumers saying that they are interested in learning more about where their food comes from and how it is made, according to a 2020 survey from Innova Market Insights.Johnson says Livaux is the only prebiotic clinically proven to increase F. prausnitzii in the microbiome. 

Addressing lung health
Anagenix’s new Viro-Defence Lung Formulation is a patented formulation aiming to inhibit viral replication and aid lung health and recovery.

The company says it was designed with the current global environment in mind and provides natural support for the body’s immune systems. These, it says, are faced with the “increased risks of inappropriate inflammation and cytokine storms associated with viral infections.”

Its key ingredient, BerriQu, is a liquid supplement touted as being rich in plant polyphenols. 

In various preclinical studies, BerriQi was found to reduce inflammation in the lungs, clear mucus deposits, improve breathing parameters and reduce the lung scarring that results from chronic lung inflammation.  

Viro-Defence Lung Formulation also contains zinc. The company notes that zinc deficiency can predispose individuals to infection and the detrimental progression of infections.  

Another ingredient is quercetin, which is a plant polyphenol renowned for its antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also helps to transport zinc in and out of cells.  

Finally, New Zealand Manuka honey rounds out this formulation with its naturally sweet flavor and antimicrobial properties.

Harnessing prebiotics
Anagenix’s other offering is called Immunity and Vaccination Support Formulation. The company markets it as helping support the immune system for better resistance to respiratory viral infections and optimal vaccine responses. 

The formulation uses Livaux, a precision prebiotic derived from New Zealand Gold3 kiwifruit. According to the company, it is clinically shown to increase the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in individuals with low baseline levels. 

“Recent COVID-19 findings showed lung fibrosis and the link between low F. prausnitzii and disease severity,” says Johnson.

Immunity and Vaccination Support Formulation also contains N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which is a precursor for the body’s natural antioxidant, glutathione. Anagenix wants to be recognized by Asian consumers for offering natural ingredients and formulations. 

Anagenix notes that NAC has been used for decades to loosen airway mucus and as an antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory aid.  

Addressing the Asian market
Johnson explains that Anagenix started looking into formulations with its ingredients after receiving requests from customers, especially in Asia. 

“Consumers are sophisticated and always on the look-out for new and exciting products. We see significant growth opportunities,” he details.  

Yesterday, other exhibitors at Vitafoods Asia Digital Week, including Nexira, Gelita and NZMP, also detailed the considerations and opportunities for this continent.

“It is not easy for a non-Asian company to appreciate the complexities of Asia, but this can be made easier with the right people and attitude. Respect the differences and embrace them if you want to do business in Asia,” concludes Johnson.

By Katherine Durrell