Weekly Roundup: FDA approves drugs for nano-rare diseases, Fonterra brings Nutiani brand to FNCE

30 Sep 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the n-Lorem Foundation’s investigational new drug (IND) applications for patients with nano-rare diseases. Fonterra revealed it will promote its nutrition solutions brand Nutiani at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Florida, US. Meanwhile, Nutritional Growth Solutions expanded its partnership with Walmart by increasing its Healthy Heights KidzProtein line to 403 selected brick-and-mortar shops across the US.

In brief: Business news
The FDA approved three INDs applications submitted on behalf of the n-Lorem Foundation. This is according to Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services, a global full-service contract research organization. To approve a treatment or trial for humans, the FDA needs enough data to evaluate the safety of the intended medication and research study. According to Nutrasource, the main objective of n-Lorem is to develop customized treatments for US citizens with nano-rare diseases brought on by genetic abnormalities that impact only 30 patients worldwide. These INDs enable such patients to get individualized care for whom no other approved treatment alternative is available.

Nutritional Growth Solutions’ Healthy Heights KidzProtein line will be available at 403 Walmart stores across the US.Fonterra announced it will participate in this year’s FNCE in Florida, US (October 8-11). To promote its nutrition solutions brand Nutiani, Fonterra will highlight its main offerings – Nutiani HN001 and HN019 probiotics, Nutiani phospholipids 70 and phospholipids 100 and Nutiani lactoferrin. The company will also demonstrate how nutritional solutions – such as its high protein shake for muscle health and mobility – can be tailored to consumer or patient needs by collaborating with Nutiani. Options include significantly increasing protein content while maintaining serving size volume, taste and texture appeal, or decreasing protein content while maintaining taste and texture appeal. The company adds that the protein and phospholipid shake distributed at the show is supported by a growing body of clinical research demonstrating stress reduction and improved mental wellness.

Nutritional Growth Solutions expanded its partnership with Walmart by increasing its Healthy Heights KidzProtein line to an initial 403 selected brick-and-mortar shops across the US. KidzProtein nutritional shakes contain whey protein and a comprehensive array of vitamins and minerals that have been shown to support optimal childhood growth and development. They also include various fruits and vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids, which are needed for brain and cognitive function. The shakes, which can be consumed as breakfast or a healthy, tasty snack between meals, will be available in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Walmart is also bringing the entire Healthy Heights product portfolio onboard its online platform.

Ancient Nutrition’s three savory, soup-inspired tastes, include bone broth protein chicken soup, butternut squash and tomato basil.In brief: Launches and releases
Superfood supplement company Ancient Nutrition introduced three new savory, soup-inspired tastes, including bone broth protein chicken soup, butternut squash and tomato basil. The patented Bone Broth Protein by Ancient Nutrition is a powdered, concentrated and convenient form of bone broth. It contains 15 g of protein, three types of collagen (I, II and III), chondroitin, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and amino acids. These flavors can be improved by adding preferred spices or fresh herbs. The new versions are produced with US-raised chicken and non-GMO, pasture-raised, grass-fed beef produce. Seven single-serving packets of the chicken soup flavor will now be available for on-the-go use. They are produced without hormones, chemicals, artificial flavors, fillers or additives.

US-based cannabis-edibles company OGeez! Brands introduced a gummy to improve sleep quality. The product is available in a two-in-one ratio gummy with 10 mg of THC and 5 mg of Cannabinol (CBN). Under the phrase “Flavoring Dreams,” it was first released in the aquaberry flavor, a combination of passion fruit and blueberry. According to the company, the gummy is entering the high momentum CBN market. CBN edibles sales in Arizona reportedly totaled US$5.58 million through July of this year and are expected to triple by the end of the year. Initial research has demonstrated that CBN has anti-inflammatory and sleep-promoting properties.

In brief: Accreditation and announcements
The Virginia Tech University received a record-breaking US$80 million grant to assist farmers in implementing climate-smart practices that could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is the university’s largest grant in its history. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will provide at least US$54 million to producers to implement climate-friendly practices and serve as a pilot program for a national model. The grant will implement a three-year pilot program in Virginia, Arkansas, Minnesota and North Dakota in the US that will test the feasibility of rolling out a similar program nationally. If scaled up nationally, the program could help producers reduce agricultural emissions by 55% and total emissions in the US by 8% after ten years.OGeez! Brands’ product is available in a two-in-one ratio gummy with 10 mg of THC and 5 milligrams of CBN.

According to a new proposed definition by the FDA, eggs constitute a “healthy food.” This suggested definition supports the scientific evidence that eggs are nutritious powerhouses that include a variety of nutrients, including choline, vitamin D and vital fatty acids, all of which are required for a healthy lifestyle. By eliminating the restriction on dietary cholesterol, which is no longer regarded as a nutrient of public health concern, this new recommended definition is in line with recent scientific findings and the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Data from decades of cholesterol studies indicate no connection between eating eggs and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

In brief: Research and studies
Tate & Lyle introduced the fiber calculator to help raise awareness of the population’s “fiber gap.” While the health benefits of fiber are becoming more widely known, intake remains low. New consumer research, conducted by Tate & Lyle amongst UK adults, found that more than a third (36%) of people think they are not consuming enough fiber. The survey revealed that 32% of consumers didn’t know the UK government’s daily fiber recommendation of 30 g, with one in ten (12%) thinking they recommend as little as 15 g daily. The survey also found that while many consumers know that eating fiber helps keep bowel function regular (65%) and improves digestive health (70%), far fewer understand that getting the right amount of fiber is highly beneficial for broader health and well-being, including lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (40%).

By Nicole Kerr