Weekly roundup: Kappa Bioscience unveils medical advisory board, Alkemist Labs expands testing capabilities

04 Mar 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, Kappa Bioscience formed a “Blue Ribbon” scientific and medical advisory board. Alkemist Labs expanded its heavy metals and pesticide testing capabilities. Meanwhile, the Child Poverty Action Group called for universal free school meals in England, arguing that many children are undernourished at school.

In brief: Business news
Kappa Bioscience will develop a “Blue Ribbon” Scientific and Medical Advisory Board to support and expand the scientific knowledge basis for Vitamin K2. The board symbolizes Kappa’s goal to raise awareness of the various benefits connected with menaquinone 7 (MK-7). It will bring together experts worldwide in domains such as cardiology, immunology, kinesiology and molecular nutrition to set a new standard for scientific support and promotion of new nutritional substances.

Alkemist Labs has added purity testing to its list of services, along with identity, potency and hemp testing. The company now has the equipment and knowledge to screen for heavy metals and pesticides using sensitive equipment and test methodologies. The new services are heavy metal testing, pesticide testing and residual solvents testing (beginning in April). The latter will allow for detecting extremely low levels of solvent contaminants. Also, Alkemist achieved accreditation to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, this time adding accreditation for Pesticides and Heavy Metals per UPS-NF <561>.The Grow Daily 3+ formula comes in three flavors: chocolate, vanilla and a neutral taste.

Nutritional Growth Solutions (NGS) expanded into the US retail market after signing agreements with Walmart and the online marketplace RangeMe, to sell Healthy Heights, its brand of children’s protein drinks, on their respective websites. Over 10,000 retailers use the RangeMe platform and it will increase NGS’ exposure to retail buyers and, in turn, increase the presence of Healthy Heights products throughout retail stores in the US. These agreements represent a step forward in NGS’ retail expansion strategy in the US. Grow Daily 3+, Healthy Heights’ flagship product, is a protein drink mix developed to address the nutritional needs of children who are having difficulty growing. The formula contains a ratio of macronutrients (whey protein, carbohydrates and fat) and micronutrients (including L-arginine, vitamins and minerals) to help children grow.

In brief: Launches and releases
Producer of natural fruit extracts and concentrates Capsoil FoodTech created a technology for adding bioavailable and water-soluble oil-based nutritional additives into coffee pods. Coffee shops may now infuse their customers’ favorite beverages with CBD, MCTs, lycopene, astaxanthin, and vitamins A, D, and E, among other nutrients.

Supplement brand Cymbiotika unveiled its reformulated Liposomal Vitamin C formula to support immune system function and collagen production in a convenient pouch delivery. The formula contains a non-GMO form of vitamin C that may help strengthen the immune system, as well as bamboo silica – a key mineral that strengthens arteries, joints, hair, nails and bones. Cymbiotika’s Liposomal Vitamin C can be taken in a one tablespoon daily dosage by either squeezing the pouch's contents directly into the mouth or stirring into a beverage. The Child Poverty Action Group report suggested that England establishes universal free school meals for all school-aged children.

Liquid herbal extracts provider WishGarden Herbs released two new artisanal formulas: Exercise & Revive recovery aid and Party Prep for a better morning after. WishGarden also introduced four herbs to its portfolio: prickly pear fruit, Japanese raisin seed, turmeric root, and chicory root. Exercise & Revive includes turmeric and maca root and tart cherry, wild yam, and white willow bark, which work together to support a healthy inflammatory response and flush out cellular waste in the muscles. The formulation for the Party prep includes prickly pear fruit and Japanese raisin seed that work together to help the liver eliminate alcohol, resulting in a healthier next day for alcohol consumers.

In brief: Announcements
UK health minister Robin Swann announced an updated Nutritional Standards for food served to staff and visitors in Northern Ireland across Health and Social Care settings. In addition to specific guidance for each food group, the Nutritional Standards now also address the topics of vending and the food environment. The vending guidelines include recommendations for snacks and confectionery items and ensure all beverages on offer are sugar-free. Nutritional Standards were created and revised collaboratively by the Public Health Agency, Food Standards Agency and Health and Social Care colleagues to ensure that healthier food options are accessible for workers and visitors in Health and Social Care settings in Northern Ireland. The overarching goal of the Nutritional Standards is to assist combat obesity and promote the health and well-being of workers and visitors.Cymbiotika’s Liposomal Vitamin C may offer a synergistic approach to aid in immune support and healthy aging.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will focus on healthy eating this National Nutrition Month, observed in March. The theme of this year is “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” and it embraces worldwide cultures, cuisines and inclusivity while also highlighting the skills of registered dietitian nutritionists. The Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and create healthy eating and physical activity habits that may be maintained throughout the year during National Nutrition Month. RDNs – food and nutrition experts who can help build tailored eating and exercise programs to match people’s health objectives – are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Academy.

In brief: Community outreach
Child Poverty Action Group has released a report calling for universal free school meals in England, arguing that too many children are undernourished at school. Many children living in poverty miss out on the benefits of a school lunch due to the “restrictive” eligibility criterion for free school meals, which now requires families to earn less than £7,400 (US$9,848) per year before benefits. Because their parents can’t afford to pay £11.50 (US$15,30) per week for each child, children reported having to switch to packed lunches at the end of Year 3, when their right to universal infant free school meals ends.

In brief: Research and studies
According to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2022, drinking wine while eating meals is connected with a decreased risk of acquiring Type 2 diabetes. The study reviewed the data of about 312,400 healthy adults from the UK Biobank who self-reported themselves as regular alcohol drinkers. The study results showed that consuming alcohol with meals was associated with a 14% lower risk of type 2 diabetes than consuming alcohol without eating food.

Microbiome solutions developer ProBiotix Health has found statistically significant reductions in “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in its latest Lactobacillus Plantarum LPLDL study. The study found taking LPLDL daily for six weeks can reduce total cholesterol by 34.6%, LDL cholesterol by 28.4 %, non-HDL cholesterol by 17.6%, and apolipoprotein B by 28.6%. Considering this, LPLDL may be an effective way to improve cardiovascular health, with various coronary heart disease risk biomarkers improving.

By Nicole Kerr