Weekly Roundup: BASF implements 20% increase in vitamin E pricing, Synbio Tech invests US$67M in probiotic plant

11 Mar 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, BASF introduced a 20% increase to the pricing of its vitamin E – primarily affecting its Animal Nutrition and Human Nutrition businesses. Lactic acid bacteria researcher and developer Synbio Tech is investing approximately US$67 million in its Taiwan-based plant. Meanwhile, research found that a Nordic diet lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.

In brief: Business news
BASF increased the pricing of its vitamin E products by 20% globally, effective immediately. The price increase results from significantly higher energy, raw material and logistics expenses. “The market conditions and current geopolitical situation have led to additional cost escalations related to energy, raw materials and logistics. Due to these market conditions, the price increase is necessary,” Tina Low, vice president of global business management and human nutrition at BASF, tells NutritionInsight.

Synbio Tech is investing around US$67 million in its new plant in Kaohsiung Science Park, Taiwan. It will invest in its manufacturing lines to meet rising demand from domestic and international markets for probiotics and postbiotics for human, animal and agricultural use. Synbio Tech ushered in the next stage of their commercial activities in the global market by breaking ground for their new plant in Kaohsiung Science Park. The ceremony marked the start of construction on a facility that will produce probiotic products. Synbio Tech’s commercial activities grew in the international market due to its probiotic strain, Lactobacillus Plantarum TWK10 and collaboration with Lonza Group.Carlson’s Super D3 + K2 may support the cardiovascular system and promotes bone health.

TCI partnered with Belgium-based VeCollal to develop vegan collagen. The collagen and supplement Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) industry specialist is expected to deliver effective nutraceutical products to meet the demand for vegan health and wellness products. The latter is a vegan collagen alternative that has been developed to have the same amino acid profile as Type I human collagen. It has doubled collagen secretion in an in-vitro trial. As VeCollal’s strategic partner, TCI has also produced a variety of animal-free, low-carbon and sustainable health supplement products for its consumers in 62 countries.

In brief: Launches and releases
Unigen released two new botanical ingredients at this year’s Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, US. The two botanicals are Attenutin and Symetrian for respiratory and immune health, respectively. Attention, derived from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and the heartwood of Acacia catechu, has been clinically proven to raise glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels indicating its strong antioxidant action. Symetrian is an aloe-based standardized formula for immune homeostasis. It has been clinically confirmed to increase circulating TCR+ Gamma delta T cells, implying increased immune surveillance at entry points.

Carlson introduced Super D3 + K2, a synergistic combination of vitamins D3 and K2 known as MK-7, supporting the cardiovascular system and promoting bone health. Vitamin D3 controls calcium levels in the body. In contrast, vitamin K2 aids calcium utilization by activating osteocalcin, a protein generated by osteoblasts, bone-building cells. Osteocalcin aids in the formation of a healthy bone matrix. One vegetarian capsule contains, Super D3 + K2 provides 125 mcg (5,000 IU) of vitamin D3 and 90 mcg (5,000 IU) of vitamin K2 as MK-7. MenaQ7, the only MK-7 clinically investigated and proved to provide bone and cardiovascular benefits, is used in Super D3 + K2.

Nutritional supplement brand Cymbiotika unveiled a new e-commerce store in the UK. The website will provide easy access to Cymbiotika’s fast-expanding array of natural supplements, packaged in a unique online user experience for the UK population. Cymbiotika’s UK website will have in-depth product descriptions, an interactive health assessment to determine customized product suggestions, user-friendly blogs and recipes, which are all selected by Cymbiotika’s team of doctors and scientists. Due to the brand’s Bundle & Save options, rewards program and decreased foreign shipping costs and customs fees, UK clients will benefit from significant long-term savings.Koreselect products are created from Korean Red Ginseng and may help with blood circulation, stamina and immunity.

Korea Ginseng Corporation released its KoreSelect product line in the US which it presented at Natural Products Expo West 2022. The KoreSelect line uses six-year-grown red ginseng in plant-based products, a time-tested, natural solution for core aspects of health and wellness. The KoreSelect product line includes KoreSelectWellness, KoreSelect Energy, KoreSelect Immune, KoreSelect Stamina and KoreSelect Balance. Koreselect products are created from Korean Red Ginseng and are described as aiding healthy blood circulation, stamina and immunity. These products may also help with cognitive performance, skin health and inflammation reduction.

Mental wellness brand No. 8 has unveiled a line of four gummy products that target sleep, energy, calm and focus. Firstly, the Energy (available in ginger and yuzu flavor) product was formulated with caffeine and L-Theanine to help with alertness. Secondly, the Focus product contains Sharp-PS to support concentration and cognitive function. The Sleep gummy product was formulated with melatonin and vitamin B6 to aid sleep quality. Lastly, Calm was developed with Sensoril ashwagandha to lower cortisol levels and alleviate stress. Each gummy has been developed to offer the minimal effective dosage. No. 8 uses FDA GRAS ingredients in their products.

In brief: Announcements and accreditation
The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) granted California Prunes’ Bone Health Approved status, based on a growing body of data confirming prunes’ beneficial impact on skeletal health. California Prunes are the first natural food to receive accreditation from the UK charity. They are high in vitamin K and a source of manganese, which contribute to the maintenance of normal bones. Through their support services and counseling, the ROS seeks to enhance the nation’s bone health and help everyone with osteoporosis live a healthy life. Consumers may easily recognize food and drink, supplements, and living assistance choices that contribute to greater bone health thanks to the ROS Bone Health Accreditation Scheme.

In brief: Research and studies
Ingredia Nutritional has released the study results of its milk protein hydrolysate ingredient, Lactium. The findings reveal that eight in ten (78%) consumers are satisfied with Lactium. Additionally, 78% of the 500 study participants found Lactium effective in stress alleviation and 77% indicated it was beneficial for sleep. Lactium may reduce anxiety-related symptoms and help people better manage their emotions and chronic anxiety.No. 8 has unveiled a line of four nootropic-infused gummy products that target sleep, energy, calm and focus.

University of Copenhagen researchers discovered significant evidence that a Nordic diet can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, without weight reduction. The diet consists mainly of berries, vegetables, salmon, whole grains and rapeseed oil and the fats from these foods were shown to be advantageous. According to researchers, the Nordic diet lowers the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. The researchers cited the particular composition of fats in a Nordic diet, rather than weight loss alone, as a possible explanation for the large health advantages.

A cross-sectional study conducted by Pharmavite unveiled the correlation between sleep and blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids. The findings, based on the 1,314 participants, revealed that blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total omega 3 fatty acids were persistently lower among adults who experience very short sleep (less than five hours) compared with adults who had a normal sleep pattern, between seven and nine hours. In addition, adults with short rest between five to six hours, exhibited marginally decreased EPA, DHA and total omega 3 fatty acids compared to adults with regular sleep patterns. According to the US Dietary Guidelines, more than two-thirds of US individuals (68.3%) do not consume enough Omega 3s in their daily diet to meet their nutritional needs. Additional analysis revealed no significant associations between total omega 3 fatty acid levels in circulation and difficulty falling asleep or sleep disorders.

By Nicole Kerr