Weekly Roundup: APC Microbiome Ireland jointly launches SeqBiome, Health Canada grants cannabis research license

31 Jul 2020 --- This week in nutrition news, Irish research bodies jointly formed a microbiome analysis start-up called SeqBiome to further research gut health. In the North America market, Health Canada approved a cannabis research license for EnWave’s Canadian headquarters. Meanwhile, the production of “UpSpring Baby Iron + Immunity” by Texan supplements company UpSpring was suspended due to an undeclared milk allergen in the bottle. In Cleveland, US, legislation was passed, banning restaurants from offering only sugary beverages to children’s menus. 

In brief: Launches and releases
APC Microbiome Ireland, SFI Research Centre, University College Cork and Teagasc (the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority) launched SeqBiome. The joint venture provides high-quality and interactive sequencing and microbiome analysis for academia and industry. The offering spans the microbiome project continuum to create meaningful microbiome insights for clients across the pharmaceuticals, nutrition, sport, healthcare, agriculture and other life sciences sectors. CEO and Founder Dr. Marcus Claesson announced that the start-up has already signed up Swiss food and drink conglomerate Nestlé.

UpSpring was forced to recall its infant immunity product due to an undeclared milk allergen on the bottle (Photo credit: PRNewsfoto/UpSpring).MCTco released three new flavors to its line of ketogenic superfood snack bars. Each of the new bars – Berry Beautiful, Lemon Boost and Banana Beautiful – are non-GMO, gluten-free and collagen-based. Respectively, the new flavors help enhance skin radiance, support immunity and promote vibrant skin. The addition of the new boosted bars doubles MCTco’s current product line-up of MCTBar flavors: Cocoa, Caramel Sea Salt, Cookie Dough. All MCTBar flavors are available online at MCTco.com and Amazon and at a rapidly growing list of retailers.

In brief: Business news
UpSpring recalled one batch of its 60 ml dark brown glass bottles sold in cartons of “UpSpring Baby Iron + Immunity” dietary supplements because it may contain an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. As of July 24, no allergic reaction had been reported to date with this product. Until further notice, production of the product is suspended.

Nature’s Power Nutraceuticals (NP Nutra) reported “strong sales growth” in the first half of 2020 at up almost 20 percent year-over-year. The company regards this as a sign of the nutraceuticals industry’s strength during the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers emphasize healthy nutrition and the increased use of supplements. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic NP Nutra to boost its inventory and ensure its supply chain safety. A Coronavirus Risk Assessment and Mitigation Team was established to research, implement and monitor risk elimination strategies.

AIDP became the exclusive distributor of Keraplast Natural Innovation ingredients for the US and Canada supplement market. The latter created a technology platform and manufacturing base over the past two decades to deliver Functional Keratin technology solutions across a range of personal care, health care, nutritional and industrial applications. Keraplast has secured over 180 patents in 32 patent families. This is the global launch of a bioactive Generation 2 ingestible product targeting nails, hair and wrinkles. DFK-Glow Nutraceutical has been clinically shown to supercharge the development of collagen type IV to promote wrinkle reduction, support hair follicle and nail strength. 

In brief: Approvals and regulations
The Cleveland City Council passed legislation on restaurants offering only sugary drinks as part of children’s meals. This means that water, low-fat milk, or 100 percent fruit juice will become the default beverage choice for meals marketed to kids, with the ban set to take force by the end of 2021. Restaurants that don’t comply with the ordinance could face fines. The Department of Public Health would be charged with enforcement. The goal is to reduce sugar intake and address child obesity in the city. This condition contributes to a host of other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Cleveland City Council unanimously approved legislation prohibiting city restaurants from offering kids’ meals that include only sugary drinks.EnWave Corporation obtained a research license from Health Canada under the Cannabis Act for its Vancouver-based facilities. With a pilot plant that is now approved for independent research and development for cannabis products, EnWave can expedite process development and data analytics for terpene and cannabinoid retention. This strategy is designed to further demonstrate the significant value proposition of the company’s vacuum-microwave drying technology.

Ingredient solution provider Blue California filed for a patent on therapeutic uses of the ingredient ergothioneine. Specifically, it claims that ergothioneine can mitigate oxidative stress triggering the inflammatory response in many chronic conditions associated with heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Also, it comes in support of other oxidative conditions associated with oxidative stress, including COVID-19 as well as other viral diseases. Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid normally provided to the body from dietary sources, such as mushrooms, in which it is particularly rich. Humans produce a highly specific transport protein called OCTN1 for Ergothioneine, leading many to speculate about its importance to human health.

By Anni Schleicher