Weekly Roundup: HBC partners with IMCD for marine products distribution, BNF launches education initiative on immunity

16 Apr 2021 --- This week in nutrition news, Hofseth Biocare (HBC) announced a distribution agreement for marine products with IMCD. The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) launched a resource to educate older adults on nutrition for immunity, while KD Pharma bought cannabinoid manufacturing assets to boost its technology portfolio.

In brief: Business news 
European biotech and consumer health company HBC confirmed plans to extend an exclusive distribution agreement for its marine branded products with specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor IMCD. The current relationship will now be expanded to include most of Europe and is effective immediately. It marks a significant step in increasing HBC’s potential market opportunities and consumers’ ability to access the recognized benefits of HBC nutritional and nutraceutical grade salmon protein products such as OmeGo, ProGo and CalGo. 

The KD Pharma Group acquired the manufacturing assets of an unnamed Swiss-based cannabinoid manufacturer. The assets give KD Pharma access to technology for producing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) based on phytocannabinoids and other plant extracts. The technology will further expand KD’s lipid technology portfolio and can be used in combination with KD’s other fractionation and separation technologies, says the company. 

BLD Protein Bars, designed to mimic daily meals.In brief: Launches and releases
The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) launched a resource that will inform older adults about what to eat to get all the vitamins and minerals needed to support a healthy immune system. The resource, titled “Nutrition and Immunity for Older Adults,” profiles ten key nutrients the body needs throughout later life to support the immune system and provides handy hints on the foods that can provide these vitamins and minerals. These include vitamin A, B6, C, D and copper. 

BLD Bars protein bars were launched in the US after over a year of development. They are available in the flavor varieties of country ranch, smoky bbq, margarita lime and everything bagel. The nutritional snack recipes were inspired by breakfast, lunch and dinner ingredients as they are intended for consumption throughout the day. Each 40 g bar is between 150 to 170 calories based on the flavor. They are packed with protein (8 to 9 g) and healthy fats (7 g). The net carbs (10 to 13 g) are suitable for quick energy before a run, during work or after a workout.

In brief: Appointments and partnerships
The American Herbal Product Association (AHPA) and Biosearch Life announced they have been in partnership since the beginning of 2021. AHPA’s mission is to promote the responsible and sustainable commerce of herbal products to ensure that consumers have informed access to a wide variety of safe herbal goods. Biosearch Life is working closely with APHA to offer clients all the association’s benefits for the botanical extracts market.

SpoonfulONE, an early allergen feeding organization, partnered with pediatric experts in an expansive program to educate and grow awareness around the increases in food allergy rates and highlight new infant feeding guidelines. In line with the launch, scheduled to coincide with the Food Allergy Awareness Month of May, the brand has expressed a commitment to help ensure underserved communities have access to early allergen introduction through its charity program, SpoonfulONE for Good. 

SpoonfulONE products contain 16 food proteins associated with 90 percent of food allergens.Thorne HealthTech partnered with PreCon Health to market the first multi-ingredient dietary supplement formulated to support pre-and post-impact brain health. SynaQuell and SynaQuell+ are multi-ingredient supplements designed to support healthy brain function, reduce inflammation and restore energy production within the brain. The duo is releasing the supplements on April 19 for professional athletes, active duty military, “as well as millions of individuals who experience impact-related brain injuries every year in the US.”

In brief: Regulations and approvals
The US House of Representatives passed the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research (FASTER) Act. The act is touted as a critical piece of legislation requiring that sesame be labeled on packaged foods and prioritizing food allergy research. This legislation will benefit the 85 million US consumers affected by food allergies or intolerances, of which 32 million suffer from a potentially life-threatening condition. 

BIO-CAT Microbials announced receipt of a “Letter of No Objection” from the FDA regarding the generally regarded as safe (GRAS) status of its OPTI-BIOME Bacillus subtilis MB40 probiotic. The ingredient is marketed as a highly-concentrated, shelf-stable probiotic for dietary supplements and food products. 

The Medical Nutrition International Industry (MNI) announced it would award EUR 30,000 (US$35,900) in September to a national initiative or research project for Optimal Nutritional Care (ONCA). The deadline for submission of proposals is May 15. The 2021 MNI Grant will be paid through the national PEN society or sister society endorsing the initiative. The winner will be announced and invited to present its initiative during the ESPEN-ONCA-MNI Joint Session at the ESPEN Congress 2021.

In brief: Research and studies
Results of clinical research published in the Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo confirmed Dolcas Biotech’s Curcugen ingredient has a positive anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic functionality for subjects engaging in acute exercise. In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 24 participants were randomized to either a daily dose of 500 mg of Curcugen or the equivalent dose in rice flour before an intense exercise protocol of 50 hurdles and 50 drop jumps. Joint range-of-motion, soreness and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were significantly better in the Curcugen group 72 hours post-exercise, demonstrating its capabilities in accelerating post-workout recovery. 

By Louis Gore-Langton