Weekly Roundup: BASF confirms its greenhouse gas emissions 2030 initiative, Hermes Pharma expanded its magnesium portfolio

01 Apr 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, BASF confirmed its climate targets for the years ahead, pledging a net-zero emissions goal by 2050. The company unveiled the steps it will take to implement this, such as reducing product-related emissions. Hermes Pharma released a magnesium-based heart health supplement following the FDA’s announcement of a qualified health claim for magnesium. Meanwhile, Cymbiotika released its protein powder ingredient, Plant Protein.

In brief: Business news
BASF reaffirmed its climate targets by unveiling that by 2030, it aims to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% compared to 2018. Additionally, it will continue to reach its goal of net-zero emissions globally by 2050. During its initiative to reduce global emissions to 16.4 million metric tons by 2030, the company will publish an annual CO2 emissions forecast for BASF Group as part of its outlook with an objective of plus or minus 0.5 million metric tons. A part of achieving these goals will involve the production of a net-zero and low product carbon footprint (PCF) for customers. BASF noted that it expects high demand for these products as consumers are seeking alternatives to conventional products and want to make a personal contribution to reducing emissions. The company previously invested €4 billion (US$4.7 billion) into slashing CO2 emissions.

The Natural Products Association (NPA) stated that mandatory product listing in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget request amounts to “pre-market approval” and is a “non-starter.” Daniel Fabricant, president and CEO of NPA, stated: “FDA’s proposal to include mandatory product listing in their FY23 budget request is a non-starter. Year after year, FDA receives more funding, including a US$2 million increase in FY22. Yet, despite these increases, FDA consistently does less with more. Mandatory product listing is pre-market approval disguised as transparency and would only add to the bureaucratic nightmare industry is experiencing with NAC and CBD.”BASF aims to implement a 25% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030 compared with 2018.

Metabolism health company Lumen partnered with Metabolic Meals – a meal provider – to bring consumers chef-made meals tailored to their metabolism. The partnership will allow consumers to have a personalized nutrition plan delivered to their door. Metabolic Meals will provide healthy foods that correspond to Lumen’s nutrition recommendations. The personalized metabolic meals service will include hand-picked dishes delivered by Metabolic Meals and verified by Lumen’s registered dieticians and nutritionists. The company adds that ready-to-eat meals are made from premium quality organic, grass-fed meat and fresh vegetables.

In brief: Announcements and accreditation
The European Trade Association for active nutrition European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) is expanding its membership with the new Spanish sports nutrition brand Crown Sport Nutrition to the association. Crown Sport Nutrition’s principle of “Science, Quality and Transparency” taps into raw material transparency and production. This ensures that its products provide maximum performance while maintaining flavor and texture. ESSNA’s recent expansion showcases the need for the sports nutrition industry to continue collaborations and address challenges in regulations related to product labeling, marketing and composition. These regulations are from the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy and the new EU-UK trade relations.

In brief: Releases and launches
Supplements manufacturer Hermes Pharma will be releasing an ‘on the go’ heart health supplement following the FDA’s announcement of a qualified health claim for magnesium and reduced risk of high blood pressure. Hermes Pharma’s supplement is a blend of magnesium and selected B vitamins. It supports heart health by modulating heart neuronal activity and muscle contraction through the regulation of ion transporters. Additionally, it supports the regulation of vascular resistance, calcification, epithelial maintenance and thrombosis. The supplement comes in the form of orally disintegrating granules for pouring directly into the mouth without water. Additionally, the product is supplied in single-dose stick packs, so it does not require measuring and can be conveniently integrated into busy daily routines.

US-based Trio Nutrition unveils Magximum – a magnesium supplement containing magnesium glycinate, vitamin K2, vitamin D3 and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil powder. This ingredient blend may promote deep sleep, pain and stress relief. According to Trio Nutrition, magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed by the body, making it the “best form” of magnesium. Previous studies have shown that magnesium may improve sleep quality, lower stress and enhance the efficacy of conventional psychiatric treatments. The ingredient is described to fight chronic pain and inflammatory diseases. Vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 also support pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. The addition of MCT oil powder may mitigate stress and improve sleep, the company adds.The personalized metabolic meals service will include hand-picked dishes delivered by Metabolic Meals and verified by Lumen’s registered dieticians and nutritionists.

Nutritional supplement brand Cymbiotika is releasing its protein powder ingredient – Plant Protein made from hemp protein, spirulina and pea protein. The protein powder may improve digestion and support the immune system while increasing energy and performance. In addition to the three complete proteins, the Plant Protein powder also has raw greens, prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, digestive enzymes, adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals and a full range of amino acids that may be beneficial for improved energy and exercise benefits.

In brief: Research and studies
Researchers from Pennsylvania State University have found that daily prune consumption may help postmenopausal women preserve bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and protect against increased fracture risk. The study involved 235 postmenopausal women who consumed 50 g of prunes per day for one year. The findings highlighted that the participants who did not consume prunes lost significant bone mass at the hip while those who did consume prunes maintained hip BMD. After menopause, BMD decreases rapidly and women in this age range have a greater risk of hip fractures. The research is the “first” to demonstrate a favorable effect of prune consumption on BMD at the hip and points to prunes as a food-based therapeutic option for protecting bone health.Prunes may hold potential in preventing bone loss at the hip and protect against fracture risk in postmenopausal women.

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that consuming two or more avocado servings weekly may lower cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, researchers highlighted that substituting avocado for fat-containing foods like butter, cheese or processed meats was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that participants who ate at least two avocados each week had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who never or rarely ate avocados. Researchers state this is the “first” study to support the positive association between higher avocado consumption and lower cardiovascular events, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.

A study supported by the Cranberry Institute found that daily consumption of cranberries for one month can improve cardiovascular function in healthy men. The 45 healthy participants consumed whole cranberry powder equivalent to one cup of cranberries per day (9 g powder) or a placebo for one month. Findings showed that participants who consumed the cranberry dosage significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which signals improvement of heart and blood vessel function. FMD is considered a sensitive biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk and measures how blood vessels widen when blood flow increases. The study found significant improvements in FMD two hours after first consumption and after one month of daily consumption, showing both immediate and chronic benefits.

By Nicole Kerr