Weekly Roundup: Flavorchem eyes innovation with new pilot plant, CBD American Shaman unveils hemp extract for immune health

08 Apr 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, Flavorchem unveiled a state-of-the-art pilot plant at their US-based Downers Grove campus. CBD American Shaman released its cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) cannabigerol acid (CBGA) Extract product for immune support, wellness and energy maintenance. Meanwhile, research has found that vitamin B6 supplementation may alleviate depression symptoms in young women who use oral contraceptives.

In brief: Business News
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) outlines N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has been lawfully marketed as an ingredient in conventional foods and dietary supplements before October 15, 1994. The organization’s comments come after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denied citizen petition requests from the Natural Products Association (NPA) and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), calling on the agency to clarify that NAC is a lawful dietary ingredient. This was met with uproar across industry, accusing the FDA of favoring pharma.

R3SET released the “first” supplement for stress-related food cravings.Flavor and ingredient supplier Flavorchem unveiled a state-of-the-art pilot plant at their US-based Downers Grove campus. The fully automated, custom-designed pilot plant contains three specialized spaces for extractions and experimental technologies and the latest in thermal processing capabilities. Flavorchem’s new thermal processing unit can simulate HTST, UHT, and aseptic conditions using both indirect heating and direct steam injection. It is fully scalable to accommodate customer-specific equipment and seamless addition of additional processing equipment. The equipment can run various products, including beverages, syrups, fillings, sauces, ice cream and yogurt. Also, the pilot allows developers to formulate flavors that will perform in the finished product in the same way as the pilot plant.

In brief: Launches and releases
Gundry MD unveiled its latest dietary supplement Gundry MD Essential Orange. It contains 13 natural sources of orange “supernutrients” and probiotic strains. The Gundry MD Essential Orange may support the body’s natural energy and digestion processes. According to the company, the orange phytonutrients provide energy, boost metabolism and aid with the appearance of loose skin and wrinkles. Meanwhile, the probiotic strains may aid in decreasing discomfort caused by bloating and balance digestion. The dietary supplement may also help with constipation, diarrhea and the maintenance of a healthy heart.

US-based CBD retailer CBD American Shaman released its CBDA and CBGA Extract product for immune support, wellness and energy maintenance. It includes two hemp compounds – CBDA and CBGA – which have been scientifically shown to improve gut mobility and “reset” the gut microbiome. According to CBD American Shaman, the CBD within the product works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help reduce inflammation and re-regulate the body overall. The wellness product also includes immune-supporting ingredients: vitamin D3, zinc and vitamin C.

Ready-to-drink hydration beverage provider ShineWater added ShineWater Pouches to its portfolio. Each ShineWater Pouch delivers vitamin D and fruity flavor fusions in a child-friendly format. ShineWater Pouches include essential nutrients and zero added sugar. Each pouch contains 5 mg of sodium, 1 g of carbohydrates, 35% vitamin D, 45% vitamin B12, 15% zinc, 23 mg of calcium and 15% magnesium. The pouches are available in strawberry lemon and mixed berry acai flavors.

The Gundry MD Essential Orange product contains 13 natural sources of orange “supernutrients” and probiotic strains.Netherlands-based health brand Intoleran is targeting food intolerances and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) with its new enzyme-based supplements. The enzyme supplements help boost the body’s natural ability to digest certain foods. The supplements are meant to be taken shortly before eating food. Taking the supplement allows the enzyme to support the small intestines and can help break down troublesome foods as they are consumed. The enzyme supplements can aid individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances and digestive problems. The brand’s specific lines include the lactose intolerant Lactase line featuring Quatrase Forte.

Stress management supplement provider R3SET released R3SET Stress Eating, the company’s third supplement, to counteract the impact of stress and occasional episodes of anxiety on the body. Once-daily R3SET Stress Eating is formulated with scientifically and clinically backed botanicals, including ashwagandha, apple cider vinegar, black pepper and cayenne pepper extract. R3SET Stress Eating is a once-daily supplement designed to counteract the body’s stress responses that lead to distracted eating. According to the company, the 28-day regimen is the first step in curbing the cravings and resetting the body’s dependence on high-energy sugary, comfort foods to respond to stress. The ashwagandha extract reduces stress and occasional episodes of anxiety, as well as helps in reducing cravings. The cayenne pepper extract may support a healthy metabolism.

In brief: Research and studies
Research presented at the American Society for Investigative Pathology annual meeting in Philadelphia, US, found that cardamonin – a natural compound found in the spice cardamom and other plants – could have therapeutic potential for triple-negative breast cancer. The study used human cancer cells and found the compound targets a gene that helps cancer cells elude the immune system. The researchers investigated how cardamonin affected the expression of the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) gene, which is found in tumor cells. PD-L1 is overexpressed during breast cancer progression and plays a critical role in helping breast cancer cells evade the body’s immune system. The findings showed that cardamonin treatment reduced PD-L1 expression in the Caucasian women but not in the African American cell line, indicating that cells from different races may respond differently to cardamonin because of genetic variations among races.

The National Physicians Group developed a road map to help prevent the diabetes crisis and improve the health of children and adolescents.In response to a new study that revealed an approaching diabetes epidemic among US children, the National Physicians Group developed a road map to help prevent the crisis and improve the health of children and adolescents. According to a survey study, trends in prediabetes among children aged 12 to 19 doubled in the last 20 years. According to data from the US government’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), from 1999 to 2018, one in five children has prediabetes. Therefore, the physician’s committee’s plan to address the prediabetes crisis in young people includes a vegan meal plan in schools, emphasizing plant-based foods in the US Dietary Guidelines. The guidelines should delete dairy promotions since dairy products increase cancer risk, researchers say. Additionally, the physicians committee states clear language should be established when defining a healthful diet.

A study conducted by the US-based College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, found that women who use oral contraceptives (OC) have a low plasma concentration of vitamin B6, a cofactor in the tryptophan-serotonin pathway, which is essential for mood modulation. The goal of this crossover trial was to see if supplementing with vitamin B6 reduced depression symptoms and enhanced mood among OC-using college women. Before and after each four-week treatment period, mental health was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Vitamin B6 status improved significantly following the B6 supplementation period compared to the previous three time periods, despite constant average dietary vitamin B6 intakes. Additionally, vitamin B6 supplementation lowered BDI-II scores by 20%, compared to an increase of 11% with placebo intake.

By Nicole Kerr