Weekly Roundup: Dr. Paul Lohmann lands EU magnesium fortification approval, PURE study links processed meat to mortality

02 Apr 2021 --- In nutrition news this week, Dr. Paul Lohmann’s magnesium citrate malate was approved for food supplement fortification in Europe, and a study gave evidence that processed meat consumption leads to cardiovascular disease and death.

In brief: Approvals and programs
Magnesium Citrate Malate by Dr. Paul Lohmann has been permitted for the fortification of food supplements in Europe. It is a fully reacted mineral and a new ingredient for food supplements. The combination of magnesium with two organic acids, citric acid and malic acid, leads to a mineral salt with excellent solubility. Citric acid and malic acid are part of the human metabolism and therefore easy to metabolize, says the company. 

Cloudpeak's Resolitrol formula.The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) unveiled a retailer education program titled “Probiotics: What’s Active Inside.” The initiative is designed to help retail buyers better curate their offerings, improve retailer handling of probiotics, and inform customers about probiotics’ benefits. CRN developed the campaign in collaboration with its Probiotics Working Group and will educate stakeholders on labeling practices, unique storage and handling requirements, and how probiotics offer a variety of health benefits to consumers. 

The Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program announced the publication of a new Laboratory Guidance Document (LGD) on olive (Olea europaea) oil. Olive oil adulteration, particularly extra virgin olive oil, with lower-cost ingredients is frequent because the financial gains are relatively large, and the availability of the highest olive oil grades is relatively low. The LGD defines olive oil quality requirements, lists known adulterants, and summarizes the various analytical approaches to detect adulterants from relatively simple visual inspections to complex multivariate statistical analysis. 

In brief: Launches and releases 
CloudPeak Nutrition developed a clinically researched and patented formula consisting of trans-Resveratrol and Ursolic Acid. The synergistic formula creates a powerful “super-antioxidant duo” with studies showing an increase in clinical efficacy to be up to 14 times more effective than either ingredient alone. Resolitrol is touted for its ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, promote a healthy immune system, maintain a healthy weight, lean muscle mass, support joint mobility, promote a sense of calmness and restful sleep and alleviate occasional feelings of sleeplessness.

Rritual Superfoods will launch its premium brand of functional superfoods in Rite Aid stores throughout the US in Q2 and Q3. Rritual has scaled its production to meet growing demand, with a strategic sales and marketing focus aimed at major retailers across the US in 2021. The Rite Aid rollout will be phased toward reaching 1,000 retail stores, in addition to Rite Aid’s e-commerce platform. 

In brief: Business news 
Lonza completed the divestment of two of its sites to NextPharma. One site at Ploermel, France, and another in Edinburgh, UK, will allow NextPharma to benefit from operational synergies and optimize Mike Sorrentino's Brotrition supplement line.existing expertise and technologies in the pharmaceutical sector. 

Euromed celebrated 50 years of scientific research and botanical extract manufacturing, recognizing long-standing business support from leading manufacturers in 50 countries globally. The company recorded record growth in 2020 after heightened consumer demand for botanical health ingredients. 

Vitafoods Insights will be launching a new global event Vitafoods Insights Virtual Expo, from 10 to 13 May 2021. Presented by KSM, it will be the latest edition to the Vitafoods events range, aiming to empower industry thinkers from around the globe to network, learn and knowledge-share in real-time. The event is free to attend. 

Eat Clean Bro and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino partnered to add Sorrentino’s supplement line, Brotrition, to the meal prep company’s offerings. Through the partnership, the duo will provide products and a community for those seeking a healthy lifestyle. Fitness enthusiasts can now take advantage of ordering all of their healthy meals and supplements under one platform. 

In brief: Research and studies 
The American Society of Nutrition published the PURE study of 164,000 participants from 21 countries in five continents. It  showed that processed meat is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The consumption of unprocessed red meat and poultry was not associated with mortality or major cardiovascular disease events. In contrast, higher processed meat intake was associated with higher risks of total mortality and major cardiovascular disease. The authors believe that additional research may enhance our current understanding of the relationship between meat consumption and health outcomes. 

A study into Akay’s Fenumat technology used to develop its formulations like CUrQfen, Capsifen and Asafin shows that technology is a “natural” way for the co-delivery of lipophilic phytonutrients with enhanced bioavailability at low dose. The product is commercialized in Europe and would be soon available in the US market as well. The study is published in the Journal of Functional Foods.

Selenium supplementation could help tackle obesity and extend lifespan, according to a study on mice performed at Orentreich Foundation for the Advancement of Science, US. The results could lead to interventions that reproduce many of the anti-aging effects associated with dietary restriction while also allowing people to eat as normal, say the study authors. 

By Louis Gore-Langton