Weekly Digest: NP Nutra triples its warehouse space, broccoli named US top vegetable

15 Jun 2018 --- This week in nutrition, research studies affirmed the benefit of vitamin K2 for healthy bones, vitamin E tocotrienol may delay paralysis associated with Alzheimers and vegetables took center stage in the US with a survey identifying broccoli as the nations favorite and large investments were made in school plant-based cafeteria options. At a sports nutrition conference, Nitrosamines positive effects on cognitive function were announced, while National Institutes of Health launched a new app aimed at providing safe information on popular herbs. Concerning expansions, NP Nutra expanded its warehouse in California and Azelis opened a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Germany.

In brief: Research studies 
A study, conducted by NattoPharma in support of their vitamin K2 MenaQ7 and published in Nutrients, shared positive findings on the role of vitamin K2 in maintaining calcium homeostasis and a healthy skeletal system in children. According to Dr. Vladimir Badmaev, there are worrying increases in low-energy fractures in healthy children and adults and the insufficient nutrition of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K are among the risk factors contributing to this. The findings support previous research conducted by the company in support of their vitamin K2 MenaQ7. 

Further vitamin news includes renowned Malaysian researcher, Professor KH Yuen, speaking with ExcelVite about the neuroprotective properties of the patented and bioenhanced palm vitamin E tocotrienol complex. He discussed an on-going study being conducted in his laboratory, where the preliminary findings show that tocotrienol delays paralysis in C. elegans (worm species). The ongoing research indicates the potential use of tocotrienol from EVNol SupraBio for the delaying the onset of paralysis caused by a compound commonly found in Alzheimer's patients.

The results of a survey conducted with over 4,000 Americans by Green Giant has named broccoli as the US’s favorite vegetable. Corn nabbed the second spot, while Idaho, known for its potatoes, was the only state to choose peas as their favorite vegetable.

Following vegetable news in the US, Bayer has committed US$40,000 to the United Fresh Start Foundation, in support of their mission to increase children’s access to fresh fruit and vegetables. As part of the partnership, the company is funding salad bars for eight schools in California and Idaho. Current research shows that salad bar access encourages children to try new items and empowers them to make healthier choices now, and in the future.

In brief: Product & ingredient launches and certifications
Nutrition 21 presented the effects of “non-stimulant, energy increasing” Nitrosigine on cognitive function at the 2018 International Society of Sports Nutrition Conference. Results showed that Nitrosigine improves cognitive and executive function, including mental flexibility and processing speed. “The improvements in mental flexibility, processing speed and executive functioning that result from even just one single dose of Nitrosigine demonstrate that Nitrosigine can bring a benefit to anyone looking for a cognitive boost, whether that be an athlete training for strenuous activity, a competitive gamer looking for heightened focus, or simply anyone looking for an afternoon boost to get through the rest of their workday,” says Todd Spear, Executive Director of Sales at Nutrition 21.

Regarding new launches, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released HerbList, a mobile app for research-based information about the safety and effectiveness of favorite herbs and herbal supplements. The app will be available on the Apple app store and Google Play. Users can access information on potential safety problems, side effects and herb-drug interactions with additional links to resources for more information. Popular herbs included are kava, acai, ginkgo, turmeric, among more than 50 others. NIH hopes the app will provide consumers about the safety and effectiveness of the increasingly popular herbal space.

In brief: Expansions
Nature’s Power Nutraceuticals Corp (NP Nutra) has expanded its warehouse in California. The new lease means that within two years, the company will have tripled its warehouse space and cemented its reputation in the nutraceutical ingredients marketplace. “This strong start to the year was a clear indication to us that the company will easily surpass its 2017 growth projection of 22 percent. We found it necessary to take steps to support this growth fully and consequently, we are in the process of evaluating all our resources and increasing staff,” says Mark Campbell, Chief Operating Officer.

Also announcing an expansion this week was Azelis, a distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients. The company has announced the opening of a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Sankt Augustin, Germany. The new facility houses two industry-leading GMP-certified clean rooms (class D) and will enable the company to provide an enhanced all-around service to its pharmaceutical customers in DACH. Overall, the dedicated laboratories and local market understanding, combined with the new facility at Sankt Augustin are hoped to allow Azelis to provide broader and more cost-effective solutions to clients seeking repackaging and refilling for pharmaceutical products. 

By Laxmi Haigh