Weekly Roundup: Natac completes saffron extracts acquisition, Mars Pet Nutrition archives 100% sustainably sourced fish

10 Jun 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, Natac acquired INOREAL, a developer of functional ingredients, in a bid to expand its saffron natural product portfolio. Mars Pet Nutrition achieved its target to sustainably source 100% of the fish used in its pet products in Europe. Meanwhile, the Vegan Society’s VEG 1 supplement was voted the “most environmentally friendly vitamin supplement” by a sustainability review platform.

In brief: Business news
Supplier of bioactive ingredients Natac increased its market share of saffron extracts with the acquisition of INOREAL. The acquisition will enable Natac to provide its customers with branded ingredients supported by clinical data proven to help with bodyweight management and emotional well-being. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is widely used as a premium plant for cooking. However, it has also been shown to have significant health benefits, with recent studies indicating that it may have anti-obesity, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as assist visual and sexual functions.

The Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter bar is part of RXBAR’s protein bars for morning consumption.Mars Pet Nutrition, a division of Mars Petcare, achieved its target to sustainably source 100% of the fish used in its pet products in Europe, aligned to the company’s sourcing guidelines. Mars Petcare expects its fish suppliers to follow the Mars Supplier Code of Conduct, which articulates Mars’ social, environmental and ethical expectations of its suppliers. The code of conduct also contains globally aligned standards and is rooted in international law. The company accepts supply certified or endorsed by competent third parties as “sustainably sourced fish,” with the aim of sourcing from fisheries that are managed to protect the diversity of the fish ecosystem. Mars’ fish sustainable sourcing program includes ensuring that the company does not source any endangered fish species, as defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

The Vegan Society’s VEG 1 supplement was voted the most environmentally friendly vitamin supplement by a sustainability review platform that allows users to rate products on factors including packaging, ingredients and quality. The Vegan Society was the only entry – from a group of 30 vitamin brand contenders – to score an overall nine out of 10, with the average falling at 7.5. The supplement’s packaging was made “plastic-free” a year ago and now includes 100% recyclable aluminum packaging, which has a low moisture transition rate and protects from reactive elements in the air. The VEG 1 supplement is chewable and has seven critical nutrients, including vitamin B12, D3, B2, B6, iodine, selenium and folic acid.

In brief: Launches and releases
Snack brand RXBAR introduced the RXBAR A.M., a line of protein bars for morning consumption. RXBAR A.M. is pegged as fulfilling morning cravings due to its 10 g protein content. The protein bars were developed with soft-rolled oats, creamy nut butter, honey, egg whites, crispy brown rice and pumpkin seeds. The RXBAR A.M. lineup includes Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Blueberry. The Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter has a sweetness of honey, rich roasted nuttiness, and a flavor of cinnamon spice. The Chocolate bar also features the honey flavor, cocoa and hints of almond. Meanwhile, the Blueberry has a sweet taste and contains whole blueberries. The protein bars are available at Whole Foods and Target. 

Optimum Nutrition partnered with Corporate Natalie to promote its AMIN.O. Energy Sparkling ready-to-drink beverage.Sports nutrition brand Optimum Nutrition, a part of Glanbia Performance Nutrition, introduced its Optimum Nutrition AMIN.O. Energy Sparkling ready-to-drink beverage to provide energy and hydration this summer. AMIN.O. Energy Sparkling comes in various flavors, including blueberry lemonade, mango pineapple limeade, juicy strawberry and orange blasts. Optimum Nutrition AMIN.O. Energy Sparkling has a blend of caffeine from coffee beans, tea leaf extract, amino acids and electrolytes. The effervescent, low-calorie beverage may deliver energy and hydration with zero sugars. According to the company, one can of AMIN.O. Energy Sparkling provides roughly the same amount of caffeine as an eight-ounce coffee. The beverage also contains amino acids, water and electrolytes that help keep the body hydrated.

Hydrating drink mixes provider Ultima Replenisher introduced a new passionfruit flavor to its electrolyte powder range. The new flavor provides “clean and optimal hydration” with a lightly sweet and tangy flavor. The passionfruit flavored powder mixes are beneficial for pre-or post-workouts and are available in a 20-serving stick pack pouch, 30-serving canister and 90-serving canister. Ultima Replenisher’s core portfolio consists of eight flavors: blue raspberry, lemonade, raspberry, grape, orange, cherry pomegranate, pink lemonade and watermelon.

In brief: Accreditation
Japan-based manufacturer of chlorella, the Chlorella Industry, received the US Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) certification for its chlorella powder product. This marks the “first time” in Japan for chlorella cultivation and production to be completely domestic. Chlorella is a plant-based food that contains roughly 60% protein, a range of vitamins and minerals, and chlorophyll and omega 3 fatty acids. It also contains vitamin B12, which vegans and vegetarians commonly lack. Chlorella is used in green food coloring to prevent color fading and can be found in various foods and supplements. These foods include bread and noodles, confectionery, probiotic beverages, smoothies, protein bars and green curry, to name a few.

In brief: Research and studies
At the American Diabetes Association’s 82nd scientific sessions, WW International presented successful outcomes from a three-center clinical trial examining the effectiveness of its diabetes-specific program on weight management, as well as general health and well-being. The six-month single-arm clinical trial, which took place at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, University of Florida and Virginia Commonwealth University, investigated the impact of the virtual WeightWatchers program on glycemic control and weight loss in 136 Type 2 diabetes patients with an average baseline A1c (blood sugar test) of 7.9. The WeightWatchers diabetes-tailored program reduced HbA1c – glycated hemoglobin – by 0.76. The findings revealed an average body weight loss of 5.7 % and a decrease in waist circumference by more than two inches. A modest weight loss of at least 5 % of a person’s body weight can help lead to health benefits – including improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar. Participants experienced reduced emotional burden, regimen-related stress and overall diabetes distress.

By Nicole Kerr