Weekly Roundup: OmniActive gets health claim for Lutemax2020, Lallemand study finds impact of probiotics on gut bile acid

20 Dec 2019 --- In nutrition news this week, OmniActive Health Technologies partnered with Shanghai Prochin to distribute its Lutemax2020 ingredient to provide its vision and cognitive boosting properties throughout Asian markets. A Lallemand-commissioned study revealed positive results for its probiotic strains on deconjugating bible acids in overweight otherwise healthy adults, while scientists from the Quadram Institute and University of East Anglia (UEA) received research funding for their investigation on the interrelationship between the microbiome and breast cancer.

In brief: Partnerships and acquisitions
OmniActive entered into an exclusive distribution partnership in China with Shanghai Prochin. Through its comprehensive distribution reach and strong relationships with key brands, Shanghai Prochin is set to market and distribute OmniActive’s award-winning Lutemax 2020 Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers to all segments of the nutraceutical industry in China. “With screen time on the rise, as well as an increase in life expectancy and changes in diet, the clinically-studied vision and cognitive health benefits of Lutemax 2020 will fill a much needed nutritional gap,” says Johan Kamphuis, President, Global Business, OmniActive Health Technologies.

Research continues to spur industry innovation.Balchem Corporation acquired Zumbro River Brand, a company specializing in developing, marketing and manufacturing agglomerated and extruded products for the food and beverage industry. Zumbro produces high protein and specialty extruded snacks, cereals and crisps, marketed under the brands Z-Crisps, Whey-Os, WheyVs and Z-Texx Complete. The acquisition is set to enhance the Balchem food and beverages portfolio, as Zumbro’s high protein products and extrusion manufacturing capabilities will expand Balchem’s ability to provide custom solutions for the higher protein nutritional needs of the current day market.

In brief: Research
A study issued by Canada-based company Lallemand found Bacillus subtilis Rosell-179 and Bifidobacterium lactis LAFTI B94 deconjugated bile acids in overweight otherwise healthy adults. The study establishes the interrelationship between gut microbiota, probiotics and metabolism, providing a robust scientific foundation that probiotic formulations can be part of an effective dietary intervention strategy. The researchers tested three different probiotic strains on 103 patients, 23 men and 80 women, between 35 and 65 years of age. Study participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of above 30 yielded results indicating deconjugated plasma bile acids were significantly higher with Bacillus subtilis Rosell-179 and with Bifidobacterium lactis LAFTI B94. With this knowledge, the company plans to expand its gut health-boosting product portfolio by developing new probiotic formulations using the bacteria strains.

Charity program Breast Cancer Now awarded researchers from the Quadram Institute and the UEA £100,000 (US$130,260) to support their research in whether bacteria in the gut could be manipulated to help prevent the spread of breast cancer. Dr. Stephen Robinson from the Quadram Institute and UEA has recently discovered that certain types of bacteria in the gut may help slow tumor growth. With this new funding, Dr. Robinson and his research team will try to uncover whether using antibiotics or probiotics to change the composition of the microbiome could help prevent malicious cancer from spreading.SlimFast's newest addition: Banana & Cream.

In brief: Labels and awards
Bionov, from the Robertet Group, received a Japanese health claim for its anti-stress ingredient Extramel, made from melon juice concentrate. While the health claim applies to the finished product “Yasuragi Life - Peaceful Life,” Extramel is touted as the active ingredient behind the product efficacy and the substantiation of the anti-stress claim. Manufacturers who use Extramel to formulate Food with Function Claims (FFC) will be able to claim “reduces the perceived stress of everyday life, and physical and mental fatigue.” Two studies have previously demonstrated that the ingredient not only improves stress management, but also significantly reduces the negative effects of stress on our daily lives. 

In brief: Recommendations
The American Heart Association (AHA) revealed that giving specific dietary cholesterol targets within the context of food-based advice is challenging for clinicians and consumers to implement. Instead, guidance on dietary patterns are more likely to improve diet quality and to promote cardiovascular health. In response, it released a set of recommendations on egg consumption, as eggs are a rich source of eight essential nutrients including choline and lutein, which are important for brain and memory development along with long-term health. 

In brief: Launches
Diet brand SlimFast added a ready-to-drink (RTD) meal replacement shake to its Advanced Nutrition line: Bananas & Cream. The latest addition is low-carb, lactose- and gluten-free and packs in 24 vital vitamins and minerals. It delivers creamy indulgence, with 20 g of protein and 5 g of fiber. Banana & Cream joins the other flavors in the SlimFast Advanced Nutrition ready-to-drink line-up, including Strawberries & Cream, Vanilla Cream, and Creamy Chocolate. 

By Anni Schleicher