Weekly Digest: Omega 3 fatty acids health halo widens, NP Nutra organics line gets green boost

20 Apr 2018 --- The past seven days in the Nutrition world has seen research findings suggesting that omega 3 fatty acid supplementation could protect against the potential negative outcomes of smoking during pregnancy, such a preterm birth. Regarding new product launches, Nature’s Power Nutraceuticals corp (NP Nutra) has added two new powders to their sustainable, organic, green ingredients line in honor of world Earth day; Cambridge Commodities has released a customizable range of vitamin and mineral blends, coined Blendev, and off the back of successful product launches this year, Rousselot and Peptan commit to future innovations through customer engagement days. Lastly, Lycored has released its innovative plans for engaging customers at Vitafoods: with an interactive installation which tells the story of lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes.

Omega 3's health halo widens
Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy in smokers may have protective effects against preterm delivery and low birth weight in women who have had previous preterm deliveries. Of the woman in the study, 16 percent of pregnant, smoking participants taking omega 3 supplements reported a 44 percent reduction in spontaneous preterm birth and a 43 percent reduction in low weight infant status at birth.

Researchers, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, explained that women who smoke can have lower levels of the serum omega 3 fatty acids, and therefore, the supplementations had beneficial effects. The researchers further concluded that among smoking women who have previous preterm deliveries, omega 3 supplementation at 2000 mg a day for early pregnancy had a significant effect.

Product launches: Green powders from NP Nutra and Cambridge Commodities vitamin blends
NP Nutra adds two new products to its sustainable, organic, green ingredients line: broccoli powder and collard green powder, in honor of Earth Day this year. The broccoli powder is said to be rich in immune-boosting phytochemicals that include glubobrassicin, the carotenoids zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and the flavonoid kaempferol. In addition, it is high in beta-carotene, folate and calcium. Collard greens powder are said to be a source of vitamin K, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), manganese, vitamin C, dietary fiber and calcium. 

“NP Nutra is excited to add Broccoli and Collard Greens Powders to our growing Nutra Organics line of sustainable organic green ingredients which already include best-sellers like Alfalfa Powder, Barley Grass Powder, Cracked Cell Chlorella Powder and Kale Powder," says Thomas Walton, NP Nutra’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

NP Nutra also reiterates that their new products will also pass their rigorous quality standards that meet the requirements of the Triple-T Verification, which aims to guarantee the quality and traceability of its supply chain – from ingredient origin to customer delivery. 

Further, in new product development, Cambridge Commodities announce the launch of Blendev, a range of vegan suitable vitamin and mineral blends that can be added to tablets, capsules, powder blends, food and drinks. The Blendev range includes: multimineral, multivitamin, vitamin booster and ready-to-bake fortification blend

“We created Blendev in response to a growing demand for both standard fortification blends and heat stable vitamin and mineral blends,” says Emma Cattel, senior research and development nutritionist.

Taking customer engagement to new heights:
Rousselot & Peptan host innovation days 
In light of the launch of two new innovative products from Rouesselot this year – Peptan IIm hydrolyzed collagen type II matrix for joint health and StabiCaps gelatins preventing crosslinking in soft gels – the company has reinforced their commitment to innovation for the future. This commitment was displayed during a two-day customer event, developed around the theme, “Innovation days 2018: New perspectives in the pharma &nutraceutical world.” 

Key takeaways from the event included the company’s dedication to future innovations and their wish to share this with their customers in a unique and interactive way, by hosting discussions with Rouesselot and Peptan experts and allowing visits to labs. Also came the announcement of a key expansion of the Ghent site with a new pilot hall facility which will be dedicated to Rousselots and Peptans innovation pipeline.

“The construction of this new Rousselot Pilot Hall and the Innovation Days are only the first steps of our improved commitment to bringing innovation closer to our customers, a top priority within our business strategy. Sharing our knowledge and fostering the discussion on key topics such as healthcare and medical science developments is one of the ways we help them stay ahead of the market and achieve their ambitions,” says Jos Vervoort, Executive Vice-President at Rousselot.

Lycored gears up for Vitafoods with interactive installation
Lastly, Lycored are pushing out the boat regarding customer engagement at this year Vitafoods, situated in Geneva this May. An interactive installation at their booth will help bring the “health benefits of lycopene to life.” Based on the Lycopedia – Lycored’s educational website – the life-size, hands-on games will allow visitors to explore such benefits. For example, One will explore how it helps protect the skin against UV damage, while another will show how it supports the transport of lutein to the eye.

“Lycopene can be a powerful ally on our journey through life. From before we’re born right through to our twilight years, this red-hued carotenoid supports our health in many different ways. When we created the Lycopedia, our aim was to help inform the industry as well as consumers, and this interactive exhibit will shed more light on the wonders of lycopene,” says Zev Ziegler, Head of Global Brand and Marketing, Health at Lycored.

By Laxmi Haigh