Weekly Roundup: BGG World doubles astaxanthin capacity, Paradise Fruits Health develops functional confectionery

24 Sep 2021 --- This week in nutrition news, BGG World (BGG) and Algae Health Sciences (AHS) completed their astaxanthin capacity expansion, resulting in one of the biggest astaxanthin farms globally. Paradise Fruits Health launched a plant-based food supplement range of fruit shapes to cater to individual needs. Meanwhile, a Penn State College of Medicine study found that adjusting fatty acid intake may help with mood variability in bipolar disorders.

In brief: Business highlights
Global B2B ingredient supplier BGG and its subsidiary AHS completed a capacity expansion of their 100% glass tube photobioreactor microalgae farm. This farm is positioned as one of the largest astaxanthin farms in the world. The expansion doubles BGG’s astaxanthin production capacity. It will allow for the fulfillment of customers’ demands for the next three to five years, after which adjacent land – which BGG has first-right-of-refusal to acquire – will be utilized for future expansions.

The biennial event for omega 3 professionals, the GOED Exchange, will take place between February 15-17, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, US. The three-day conference is expected to draw executives from the global supply chain in corporate management, sales and marketing and R&D. The international conference is in its seventh iteration and enables thought leaders from the omega 3 industry to have conversations, networking and education. The conference is an in-person event, but due to COVID-19 uncertainty, GOED will also offer a virtual option with live-streamed and recorded sessions. Registration is now open for the event.Paradise Fruits Health’s Shapes can be used for  vitamins or minerals, probiotics and botanicals.

In brief: Launches and releases
Food ingredient supplier Paradise Fruits Health developed a range of fruit shapes designed to provide food supplements carried by a plant-based matrix. Paradise Fruits Health’s Shapes are available for vitamins or minerals, probiotics and botanicals. Varieties include green tea, elderberry, bio blueberry, ashwagandha, chamomile and valerian. The functional confectionery can also be fortified with caffeine, creatine and extracts. The Shapes cater to individual needs ranging from adult needs, children aged three years and upwards and active consumers. 

Hormel Health Labs launched Thick & Easy Texture-Modified Bread and Dessert Mix, making bread products easier for those with swallowing difficulties or dysphagia. This launch expands menu options for those needing diets that meet International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative levels 4, 5 and 6. It is made with enriched flour and is kosher-approved. The bread and dessert mix, when prepared, makes a 16 portion loaf.

Else Nutrition is launching two new flavors of its Complete Nutrition Shakes for Kids, Banana Chia and Mango Chia. Banana, mango and chia seeds were selected for the shakes due to their naturally sweet tastes and health benefits. Chia seeds have health-promoting properties such as hypoglycaemic, antimicrobial and immunostimulatory effects. Additionally, bananas and mangos are good sources of potassium, fiber and other vitamins and minerals. Both new flavors will deliver 20% of the recommended daily value of fiber for children aged two years and older. The new flavors give parents a more sustainable and clean label option.

Nutritional supplement company Carlson has launched Omega-3 + D & K, a liquid blend of omega 3, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 as MK-7. The liquid has a lemon flavor and supports cardiovascular, bone and immune health. It provides 1,430 mg of omega 3; 2,000 IU (50 mcg) of vitamin D3; and 90 mcg of vitamin K2 as MK-7 in a single teaspoon. To ensure maximum freshness, Omega-3 + D & K is closely managed from sea to store. Hormel Health Labs’ Thick & Easy Texture-Modified Bread and Dessert Mix makes it easier for those with dysphagia to consume bread.

In brief: Announcements
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) released four updated botanical entries to the online Botanical Safety Handbook second edition, which targets manufactures and users of herbal products. It provides safety information on over 500 species of herbs, derived from data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports and historical texts. The updated entries are Vanilla spp. (vanilla), Carum carvi (caraway), Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) and Castanea dentata (American chestnut).

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) revealed a new membership plan for 2022. The plan will reduce the annual dues for many companies, making CRN membership available to companies of all sizes. Particularly firms with US$50 to US$400 million in annual sales will have reduced dues. Only companies with annual sales over US$400 million will see dues increase, with any substantial changes in dues phased in over three years. The plan also addresses continued industry consolidation and provides an equitable rate structure, enabling CRN to continue tackling the broad range of issues critical to the industry’s future.

In brief: Research and studies
A study conducted by The Endocrine Society found that intermittent fasting can help manage metabolic disease. Additionally, the diet could reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Research has revealed that genes, hormones and metabolism rise and fall at different times of the 24 hour day. Aligning daily habits of eating with the body’s internal clock can optimize health and reduce the risk or disease burden of chronic conditions. The research was funded by multiple institutions, including the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Institute on Aging.

Research conducted by Penn State College of Medicine found that adjusting fatty acid intake may help with mood variability in bipolar disorders. This research shows the potential for dietary guidelines to help people living with bipolar disorders better manage their health. The researchers hypothesized that by changing the type and amount of fatty acids consumed, the body would generate metabolites with specific purposes, such as reducing pain or inflammation. The experimental diet decreased omega 6 fatty acid consumption by limiting red meat, eggs and certain oils and increased omega 3 fatty acid consumption by adding flaxseed and fatty fishes like tuna and salmon. Over the 12 weeks and the 80 participants monitored, those on an omega 3 fatty acid diet improved mood variability. The study was published in the journal Bipolar Disorders.

By Nicole Kerr