Weekly Roundup: BGG introduces organic astaxanthin in oleoresin form, Dunkin’ coffee flavors feature in protein powder

22 Oct 2021 --- This week in nutrition news, BGG World (BGG) introduced astaxanthin in oleoresin form – an addition to its existing astaxanthin range – following National Organic Program (NOP) certification of its AstaZine. Dymatize, in partnership with Dunkin’, expanded its ISO100 product line, featuring two new protein powder flavors: Dunkin’ cappuccino and mocha latte. Meanwhile, The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) supported The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) scientific review of cannabis in sports.

In brief: Business news
Athletic nutrition brand Dymatize expanded its protein powder product line with two flavors in collaboration with Dunkin’. The collaboration merges sports nutrition and coffee flavors, and each product features 25 g of protein per serving and a 95 mg of caffeine dosage per scoop. Dymatize ISO100 in Dunkin’ Cappuccino and Mocha Latte flavors have 120 calories and less than 1 g of sugar. Each serving is formulated for easy mixing and features 5.5 g of branch-chained amino acids to support strength-training workouts.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is calling for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Robert Califf to prioritize the increase of funding to the FDA Office of Dietary Supplement Programs as it continues to grow. Also, Califf is called to work with Congress to enact legislation to establish mandatory product listing for supplements, give final guidance on the labeling of probiotics and new dietary ingredients, along with an official list of pre-DSHEA dietary ingredients. The pre-DSHEA are under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. Lastly, establishing a legal pathway to market CBD as a dietary supplement should be on Califf’s agenda, according to the CRN.

In brief: Announcements and certification
BGG and its subsidiary Algae Health Sciences (AHS) received NOP certification of astaxanthin supercritical CO2 oleoresin AstaZine. NOP is a federal regulatory program that develops and enforces national standards for organic agricultural products sold in the US. Based on this certification, which now covers the 10% astaxanthin oil product, BGG can serve any solid formulation, including softgel and liquid-filled hardshell caps, to support brands wishing to market their products in the US and other NOP-recognized countries.Quali-Pure is formulated for a variety of biomedical applications. 

WADA’s executive committee recommended a scientific review of cannabis that will be undertaken by the agency in 2022. The announcement from WADA comes after the high-profile disqualification of a US track athlete for cannabis use before the 2020 Summer Olympics. AHPA provided a letter of support to WADA and the US Anti-Doping Agency. WADA’s prohibited substances list currently includes an in-competition prohibition on cannabinoids – except CBD – including all-natural and synthetic cannabinoids.

In brief: Launches and releases
Collagen-based solutions brand Rousselot unveiled Quali-Pure, a range of gelatins with controlled purity, supporting full compliance with new EU Medical Device Regulations and ISO 22442. The gelatins are suitable for biomedical applications with steady endotoxin levels. Quali-Pure was designed for various applications, including embolization, wound healing, drug delivery, vaccines and hemostatics. Additionally, Quali-Pure delivers biocompatibility, biodegradability, controlled endotoxin levels, and batch-to-batch consistency.

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare provider The Aenova Group developed Aenova Probiotic Softgels, a new product for human well-being at its Swiss site in Kirchberg. The new capsules combine the benefits of soft capsule formulation technology with the benefits of live bacteria or yeasts. The probiotic formulation is based on a particular shell in combination with selected excipients for improved stability of the probiotics. The new capsules are easy to swallow, and taste, color and size are customizable.Aenova Group’s new capsules combine the benefits of soft capsule formulation technology with the health benefits of probiotics. 

In brief: Research and studies
Nutraceutical ingredient company Karallief found that its herbal blend KaraLiv promotes healthy liver function within 30 days. The treatment (KaraLiv) group showed a statistically significant improvement in assessed liver enzyme levels compared to the placebo group. KaraLiv contains ingredients such as Momordica charantia, Phyllanthus niruri, Andrographis paniculata, Brassica rapa, Asparagus racemosus, and Zingiber officinale.

Improved diversity is needed in membership at obesity and nutrition organizations, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital study. The Obesity Society (TOS), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and American Society for Nutrition (ASN) were questioned using an emailed survey to provide racial and ethnic demographic data among the membership within their respective organizations within the past five years and elected presidents from 2010–2020. The results for both TOS and ASN presidents showed that neither identified as a racial or ethnic minority. Two in ten identified as a racial or ethnic minority during the AND presidents survey.

A US-based Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC)-funded study found that 100% orange juice holds potential in fighting inflammation and oxidative stress. Researchers found that drinking 100% orange juice significantly reduced interleukin 6, a well-established marker of inflammation, in both healthy and high-risk adults. This study identifies gaps in the existing evidence and enables future research to fill those holes specifically. The FDOC’s scientific research department has used these results to outline the scope of work for a larger FDOC-sponsored clinical trial on the benefits of 100% orange juice consumption expected to begin in late 2021.

In brief: Brain and mood
Botanical supplier Ethical Naturals’ AlphaWave L-Theanine was found to reduce stress after a single dose during a KGK Sciences study. The study investigated the efficacy and safety of AlphaWave L-Theanine both on the whole scalp and frontal alpha power and salivary cortisol in healthy, moderately stressed adults. AlphaWave L-Theanine was found to increase brainwave alpha power indicating greater relaxation without drowsiness.

Lehvoss Nutrition’s Bacognize, a standardized natural extract derived from Bacopa monnieri, supported alertness, focus and stress. Previous studies showed that it was suitable for managing stress. Researchers in the current study found that 150 mg Bacognize taken twice a day positively impacted quality of life measures, including emotional well-being and quality of sleep. It also improved grogginess in participants.

By Nicole Kerr