Weekly Roundup: Gut microbiome is influenced by genetics, Manipal Natural develops turmeric oleoresin products

22 Apr 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, Kyowa Hakko US appointed Gerard Adams as its new president and CEO. Manipal Natural received a research grant from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Government of India to develop products from turmeric oleoresin. Meanwhile, research revealed that the gut microbiome is influenced by genetics.

In brief: Launches and releases
Emergen-C expanded its botanical line of gummy and supplement portfolio with the extension of its existing Emergen-C Ashwagandha and Emergen-C Apple Cider Vinegar products. According to the company, the vitamin C in each new product enables consumers to have more options for immune health support. The new Apple Cider Vinegar dietary supplement is available in apple-flavored powder form. Meanwhile, the Emergen-C Botanicals Ashwagandha is available in a berry blend flavor in gummy and powder forms. The Emergen-C botanicals range currently contains products enriched with turmeric, ginger and elderberry, which can be included in a daily wellness routine.

Cymbiotika’s reformulated Glutathione product. Nutritional formulation company, Transforming Health released its multivitamin and mineral formula LeafSource Real Multi in North America. Transforming Health notes that the product is pegged as 100% real-food derived and does not contain synthetic nutrients. In some instances, synthetic nutrients are used in supplements due to their low cost and stability and they may contain petroleum, coal tar and acetone. The one-a-day veggie capsule LeafSource Real Multi contains 21 organic vitamins and minerals from organic superfoods. The only added ingredient in the formula is the LeafSource Humic-Fulvic Acid Complex which adds greater bioavailability.

Bio-ingredient solutions provider Bon Natural Life Limited expanded its product line with new multi-functional supplements – Glucoraphanin (GF) and Sulforaphane (SFN). These ingredients are extracted from cruciferous vegetables that may provide immunity support, improve digestive health, aid with sleep and help with weight loss management. The supplements are available in a soft-gel form and will be available for purchase within six months. According to a study led by John Hopkins University, UK, these supplements may inhibit the infection of SARS-CoV-2, including Delta and Omicron. 

Nutritional supplement brand Cymbiotika released its reformulated Glutathione. The formula now includes the “master antioxidant” glutathione, which is found in the body. Glutathione is critical for healthy immune system function and is necessary for proper detoxification processes. The improved Glutathione product offers complete cellular health by protecting the integrity of the cell, boosting the energy output of the cell and supporting the production of new mitochondria within the cell. Additionally, the product contains essential nutrients including reduced glutathione, CoQ10, riboflavin and alpha-lipoic acid. These ingredients may reduce free radicals, reduce the harmful effect of toxins and bacteria and accelerate the detoxification process within cells in the body. 

In brief: Research and studies 
Research from the US-based University of Cornell found that gut microbiome functions are influenced by genetics. This research expands knowledge on how human genetics impacts the functions of the gut microbiome. The researchers were able to show many instances where a human host’s genetic makeup directly affected the functional performance of the gut microbiome. When a variation is produced by substituting a single nucleotide, this is called single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Using a modeling approach, the researchers were able to identify SNPs that correlated with microbiome-associated traits, disorders and cancers. Therefore the findings showed the direct effects of the human genome on the functions of the gut microbiome.

In brief: Business news
Bioiberica strengthened its ethical corporate governance (Credit: Bioiberica).Plant-based wellness company, PlantFuel partnered with H-E-B Grocery Company, a US-based supermarket chain, for the sale of its products. PlantFuel will have its products available across approximately 300 H-E-B locations by June. The first products available at the supermarket include PlantFuels’ All-in-One Nutrition product, which may support the immune system. Also being launched at the retailer are Performance Protein, All-in-One Recovery and Daily Immunity + Hydration

In brief: Announcements and certification
Manipal Natural received a research grant from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Government of India to develop products from turmeric oleoresin. According to the company, the grant will enable its R&D team to focus on producing the bioactive viable nutraceutical product. The product will be available in dietary supplements and the F&B industry.

Life science company, Bioiberica received certification for its Criminal Compliance Management System following an audit carried out by Bureau Veritas. The certification endorses its commitment and responsibility to strengthen and consolidate its ethical corporate governance based on legal and regulatory standards. 

International ingredients manufacturer Kyowa Hakko named Gerard Adams as the new president and CEO of Kyowa Hakko US. Adams was formerly the general manager of corporate strategy, Kyowa Hakko Bio, Tokyo. As CEO, Adams will be responsible for growing the US sales of products to its customers in the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, F&B and cosmetics industries. Additionally, Adams will be responsible for Kyowa Hakko US’s business development aspects.

By Nicole Kerr