Weekly Roundup: Evolva secures US$13M in financing, health and wellness launches spotlighted

07 Jan 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, Evolva has secured up to US$13 million in financing from Nice & Green, while the debate over the use of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) in supplements between the Council for Responsible Nutrition and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed no signs of ending. Meanwhile, the use of psilocybin has been found to have no detrimental effects in healthy people, paving the way for its use in treating mental health issues.

In brief: Business news
Evolva signed an agreement with Swiss investment firm Nice & Green to secure additional financing until the end of 2023. The company has committed a maximum of CHF 12 million (US$13 million) for the specified time period. The financing lines can be drawn by Evolva in quarterly tranches if needed to support commercial activities and product launches in key markets (pending regulatory approvals), to leverage manufacturing efficiencies and expand manufacturing capacity, as well as to fund the further development of the company’s product pipeline. 

General Mills Big G cereals and Yoplait yogurt are partnering to launch a campaign highlighting how a balanced breakfast does not need to be expensive. Cereal, banana and yogurt can cost just over US$1, the “Go Bananas for Breakfast!” campaign highlights. The companies seek to drive the point that nutritious meals can be affordable and healthy. The suggested breakfast contains more than 12 g of whole grain, 30% of the daily value of calcium, 25% of the daily value of vitamin D and 15% of the daily value of potassium.Cereal, banana and yogurt can be a healthy breakfast costing just over US$1.

In brief: Regulation
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) responded to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over an ongoing debate on the use of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) in supplements. CRN had previously filed a citizen petition, raising a host of legal questions and arguing the use of NAC should go on as it has for decades. According to the association, in November 2021, the FDA decided not to respond to CRN’s citizen petition “on a timely basis,” causing the association to respond again and call on the administrator to address the matter. 

A panel of the US National Advertising Review Board (NARB) concluded that KSD Acquisition Corp. (SlimFast) product-related “clinically proven” claims were unsubstantiated. It recommended the company discontinue claims deemed as unqualified such as “Clinically Proven: Lose Weight and Keep it Off” as well as modify the claim on product packaging.

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) announced it is opposed to the labeling of foods that contain GMO ingredients as “natural” or with any similar term. As part of its revised policy on ingredients that are or are produced from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), it encouraged companies that grow, process, manufacture, market or sell herbal products to refrain from using herbal raw agricultural products cultivated with GMO technologies or extracts and flavors. Additionally, AHPA supports labeling consumer goods to identify any ingredients that are herbal raw agricultural products knowingly and intentionally cultivated with GMO technologies.

In brief: Releases
Health and wellness brand Bragg Live Food Products launched Bragg True Energy Apple Cider Vinegar supplements. The item contains 750 mg of acetic acid per dose helps to reduce the absorption of carbohydrates, which in turn reduces blood sugar spikes. It also causes our body to burn more fat as fuel and helps provide a feeling of fullness, which aids with weight control and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, according to the company. Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. 

Gundry MD is highlighting three products harnessing polyphenol-rich ingredient olive oil. The items are polyphenol pearls containing up to 275 mg of olive oil polyphenols, which can be added to food dishes such as salads, vegetables or protein. The Chef’s Select Organic Olive Oil supports heart health, blood flow, smooth skin, while the Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is touted to contain 30 times more hydroxytyrosol polyphenols than conventional olive oil.

In brief: Research and studies
A study at the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital in Finland revealed that obesity is a significant risk factor for developing gestational diabetes. A total of 351 overweight or obese women were involved in the study, using two dietary patterns: one healthy and one unhealthy. Those with a healthy diet during their pregnancy had a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, according to the research published in The European Journal of Nutrition.

Seven out of ten participants who ate Healthy for Life Meals reduced their weight by at least 5%, according to a study carried out by the US-based company Health for Life Meals. Noting that obesity is a growing public health challenge, the company noted that the 5% weight loss could significantly reduce chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. The four-year clinical study observed 468 participants and was carried out in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, University of Minnesota, Drexel University, University of Michigan and the University of Washington.

The use of psilocybin, in 10 mg or 25 mg doses, has no short- or long-term detrimental effects in healthy people, according to a new study by King’s College London, published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology. The results have been described as a first step in paving the way for using the psychedelic drug – isolated from the Psilocybe mushroom - for use within controlled settings alongside talking therapy as a potential treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

By Andria Kades

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