Weekly Roundup: GOED details five year plan, Chobani cancels “misleading” yogurt ad

19 Mar 2021 --- In nutrition news this week, global omega 3 organization GOED announced its 2020 profits and laid out a five-year development plan. Meanwhile, Chobani agreed to cancel an advertisement after complaints about misleading claims. Also, research uncovered Omya’s calcium supplement to be nearly twice as strong as calcium citrate. 

In brief: Business news 
The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega 3s (GOED) released its 2020 Annual Report, revealing a gross profit of US$2.1 million for 2020, with a net profit of US$42,235. The organization says issues created by COVID-19 were handled well and celebrate a “solid” financial year. The report also includes a five-year strategic plan, by which it will focus on member support, scientific research, communication and education, and new initiatives. The full report detailed the organization’s accomplishments, financial health and progress on strategic objectives from the past year.

US-based yogurt producer Chobani agreed to discontinue a video advertisement following complaints lodged by its competitor Danone North America over an advert claiming that the Chobani Complete 5.3 oz yogurt cup contains 25 g of protein. Another product in the advert in fact contained the protein, which Danone said was misleading. Chobani maintains the advert was not misleading but informed the National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs that it would permanently end the advertisement. 

Omyaforte 100 is targeted at improved bone strength.The Natural Products Association (NPA) is calling on the US federal government to introduce national regulations for CBD as California began proceedings to set standards for CBD as a food ingredient or dietary supplement. Regulations would require producers to prove they have sourced ingredients from approved hemp manufacturers, prohibit false label claims and develop proper licensing legislation for the CBD industry. 

itSpray announced a new partnership with Brett Bakken and the Marshall Group USA. The collaboration is intended to expand the itSpray brand into key strategic retail businesses in 2021. itSpray vitamin spray solutions include BOOSTit for immune support, CHARGEit for sustained energy, and DREAMit for healthier sleep. The company says its sublingual sprays are nine times more effective than pills and gummies. 

In brief: Launches and releases 
Hum Nutrition launched its latest product, Core Strength, a low FODMAP certified vegan protein powder to help build lean muscle. Core Strength is made from pea, hemp and pumpkin seeds, providing all 22 amino acids and 20 g of protein per serving. It’s enhanced with a natural digestive blend of flaxseed enzymes and probiotics, making it easy to digest and prevent bloating.

Gaia Herbs launched six mushroom capsule supplements designed to help support whole-body health: Respiratory Mushroom Blend, Immune Mushroom Blend, Reishi Mushroom, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Cordyceps Mushroom and Turkey Tail Mushroom. These products can help maintain lung, immune, heart, brain and neurological health; offer energy and stamina support; stress support; and support for healthy liver function, respectively. 

In brief: Research and studies 
Hum Nutrition says its Core Strength protein powder answers consumer demand.A study compared the bioavailability of mineral producer Omya’s newly developed source of calcium, Omyaforte 100, with other frequently used calcium salts. The results showed that Omyaforte not only contains a high percentage of elemental calcium but is also highly bioavailable, making it a reliable source of calcium. A higher elemental calcium content of 39 percent was recorded – almost twice as much as calcium citrate, which contains just 21 percent. In addition, it is almost twice as biologically available as calcium citrate and calcium carbonate, say the researchers. 

AllerPops signed a contract with Dicentra to perform a clinical trial into the effectiveness and safety of its prebiotic lollipops in allergy relief. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center study will investigate the product’s unique claims. During the study, the lollipops will be administered for 14 days to adult volunteers with seasonal or year-long allergies who are otherwise healthy to measure a reduction in their nasal symptoms. 

Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes touted the results of a new clinical study examining the immune support effects of Bacillus subtilis DE111. Researchers examined peripheral blood mononuclear cells at basal levels pre-and post-study and response to stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide , which encourages neutrophils, macrophages and other innate immune cells to release pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results of the study indicated that DE111 could support a healthy immune system and a robust immune response.

A study into the sugar tax in Spain has revealed limited effectiveness in lowering calorie consumption. Economists analyzed customer spending differences between Catalonia (where a tax was introduced) and the rest of the country, where no such tax exists. They calculated an average reduction in the sugar of 2.2 percent, which spread out on a per person basis equaled only 3.7 calories per month. The results also showed a distributional effect with regular and high-income customers most affected by the tax.

By Louis Gore-Langton