Weekly Roundup: Lallemand Health Solutions reviews virus and microbiome link, Kirin Holdings ramps up citicoline production

19 Feb 2021 --- This week in nutrition news, Lallemand Health Solutions published a research review into connections between the gut microbiome and protection against viral infections. Kirin Holdings Company announced it would be expanding its citicoline manufacturing to meet global demand. Also, a study found a correlation between coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

In brief: Research and studies
Lallemand Health Solutions’ R&D director for microbiome program, bioprocess and Galenic Center, Sylvie Binda, published a review article about research into the connection between the gut microbiome, probiotics and viral infections. The review aims to shed light on the understanding of how host-microbiota interactions shape the immune system, including early life factors, antibiotic exposure, immunosenescence, diet and inflammatory diseases. Among its conclusions is a call for further research on how probiotics could alleviate viral infections and their consequences. 

A genetic study from the University of South Australia found that long-term, heavy coffee consumption – six or more cups a day – can increase the number of lipids in blood to heighten CVD risk significantly. The research used data from 362,571 UK Biobank participants aged 37 to 73 years, using a triangulation of phenotypic and genetic approaches to conducting analyses. The correlation was found to be dose-dependent, meaning the more coffee a consumer drinks, the higher the CVD risk. 

Drinking excessive amounts of coffee poses a cardiovascular disease threat, say researchers.In brief: Business news
Kirin Holdings Company and its subsidiary Kyowa Hakko Bio Co announced the expansion of citicoline manufacturing facilities at Kyowa Hakko Bio’s Yamaguchi Production Center in Japan, based on increased global demand expectations. Citicoline is a substance known to benefit the brain and cognitive function. The company cites increased worldwide aging and the rise of e-sports for the growing demand. Manufacturing at the new production facilities is scheduled to start in the summer of 2023 and will supply global food and pharmaceutical companies. 

Deerland Probiotics changed its company brand tagline to “Motivated by science, measured by wellness.” Deerland says the line fits with its brand identity for a vision “for all people of all cultures to benefit from its enzyme, probiotic and prebiotic health products,” along with its mission “to measurably improve the quality of people’s lives by creating innovative, scientifically sound products, services and technology.” 

In brief: Licenses and regulation
Enovate Biolife and OmniActive Health Technologies announced that their product enXtra, a proprietary extract of Alpinia galanga, was granted a US patent for a patent application publication. The patent was granted for validated claims on using Alpinia galanga for improved cognitive performance. Alpinia galanga was shown to enhance mental alertness and increase attention in five clinical studies.

The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) submitted a novel food application on behalf of the CBD Safety Study Consortium members. The consortium’s aim was to assist members of the ACI in obtaining validated novel food applications for CBD products ahead of the Food Standards Authority’s March 31 deadline. As a collaborative effort to provide proof of safety for CBD products, the ACI says its members have brought the UK to the head of the global CBD market. 

PLT Health Solutions received an expanded license from the Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) of Health Canada to market its ingredient Slendacor Weight Management Complex to support healthy weight loss in Canada. Slendacor has been proven in clinical studies to work at multiple levels by inhibiting fat accumulation in fat cells (lipogenesis) and enhancing the body’s ability to break down fat (lipolysis). Waitrose have meal plans for all infants being weaned off breast milk.

In brief: Launches and releases 
UK-based supermarket chain Waitrose added Baby Weaning classes to its online cookery school platform. The new curriculum is designed to help parents move infants off breast milk and solid foods in the most healthy way possible. Run by professional nutritionists and chefs, the course includes ideas on textures and tastes that can create an effective transition and establish healthy habits for later life. Three separate courses are available for babies of six months or under, eight months and over and 12 months and over. 

Plant-based ingredient company Farlong Pharmaceutical is highlighting the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine during American Heart Month – a national time of awareness-raising over cardiovascular health. Farlong wants to draw attention to its products Ginseng Plus, Panax Notoginseng, Heart Advanced Support and Danshen root. The products contain ingredients shown to aid heart health, says the company. 

Prebiotic producer Clasado Biosciences partnered with British Rowing, an organization representing the sport of rowing in England that trains and selects the Great Britain (GB) Rowing Team. Clasado’s flagship product Bimuno will be the official prebiotic supplement for GB Rowing team athletes. Bimuno is designed to harness non-digestible galactooligosaccharides (GOS) technology to enhance bifidobacteria’s production and activity, a good gut bacteria known to provide additional benefits to health and well-being supporting areas such as immune function, mental and sleep health, as well as athletic performance.

By Louis Gore-Langton