Weekly Roundup: Sabinsa’s curcumin reduct gains GRAS status, DuPont releases study on third-party evaluation for probiotic quality

31 May 2019 --- In nutrition news this week, a new DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (DuPont) study explored the advantages of third-party evaluations to certify probiotic quality, purity and label accuracy. Sabinsa’s patented color-free Curcumin C3 Reduct received Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status, while meat-free brand Quorn launched three new ranges into the supermarket’s food cupboard aisle.

In brief: Awards and certifications
DuPont has explored the importance and advantages of third-party evaluations to certify probiotic quality, purity and label accuracy in a recent study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Microbiology. The paper, “Improving End-User Trust in the Quality of Commercial Probiotic Products,” encourages manufacturers to implement comprehensive quality control programs and product design to ensure products meet the claims on their label throughout shelf-life. The research examines third-party certification, the process of setting standards for identity, purity and quantification of probiotics, as well as various emerging methodologies useful for quality assessment. The authors reported on establishing validated methodologies for all aspects of quality assessment as playing an essential component of verifying product safety. In addition, experts believe methodologies, including whole genome sequencing, digital PCR and flow cytometry, are poised to play important roles in these processes in the future, especially pertaining to potency throughout shelf-life of specific probiotic strains. “As the global probiotics market gains popularity and the number of products on the shelves increases, it becomes increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish between low-quality from high-quality products,” said Buffy Stahl, co-author of the published paper and Global Business Development Leader at DuPont. 

Sabinsa’s patented color-free Curcumin C3 Reduct tetrahydrocurcuminoids has been found to meet criteria for GRAS status as per US Food And Drug Administration’s (FDA) scientific procedures. The GRAS status was achieved following a comprehensive review of safety and toxicology data by an independent panel of international scientists convened by Soni & Associates Inc. “In coming to the conclusion that C3 Reduct, a standardized extract obtained by hydrogenation of the curcuminoids from the rhizomes of the Curcuma longa (turmeric) is GRAS, the panel critically evaluated the publicly available data, manufacturing process, specifications, intended use levels and other information summarized in the GRAS dossier,” notes Madhusudan Soni Ph.D., who convened the scientific team. C3 Reduct was designed to deliver the benefits of Curcumin C3 Complex, Sabinsa’s flagship product, that received a GRAS “Letter of No Objection” in October 2013, but without the vivid color inherent in turmeric extracts. Its colorless attribute makes it ideal for use in food and beverage products.

In brief: New launches and releases
UK meat-free brand, Quorn has launched three new ranges into the supermarket’s food cupboard aisle, as part of a range of eight brand new products. The new Quorn Wonder Grains, Quorn Lunch Bowls and Quorn Strips are released just in time for World Meat Free Week, which takes place from June 17-23. The company says that whether having lunch “al-desko,” out in the park, traveling further afield, or needing a quick solution to an evening meal, the new flavorsome range means no more compromise when it comes to quick and healthy meat-free lunches and suppers. It offers a variety of cuisines to choose from, is packed with flavor and protein and can be ready within minutes. With no need for refrigeration, the Quorn food cupboard range is set to meet the growing demand for convenient, meat-free lunches and evening meals as the majority of the UK consumers now reduces its meat intake. 

US agricultural cooperative of growers of cranberries and grapefruit Ocean Spray has released Growing Goodness, a first of its kind juice beverage for kids with functional health benefits, including both immune and digestive health options. The products are made with real fruit juice, no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, no sugar added and is non-GMO.
The range includes:
• Growing Goodness Immune Health is a great way to kick start a kid’s day with a big boost of Vitamin C (more than a glass of orange juice!) and a beneficial boost of zinc and is available in Cranberry Strawberry Kiwi and Cranberry Cherry Orange varieties.
• Growing Goodness Digestive Health is a tasty way to take care of tender tummies, filled with beneficial fiber and Vitamin C, and is available in both Cranberry Apple Peach and Cranberry Blueberry Raspberry varieties. 

In brief: Collaborations and partnerships
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has announced that 11 new companies have joined the association’s membership ranks. These companies include: 

• CV Sciences, Inc.; 
• Morre-tec Industries; 
• Natural Remedies; 
• Novozymes A/S; 
• OLEO, Inc.; 
• OmniActive Health Technologies;
• Solara Labs; 
• Chestnut Communications; 
• Demetrix Inc.; 
• Hyman Phelps & McNamara, P.C.; 
• Faberlic. 

A complete list of CRN member companies is available on the association’s website. 

In brief: Research developments
No research has established a cause-and-effect link between drinking alcohol and better heart health, according to research from the University of Southern California, US. Previous studies have found an association between wine and a lowered such benefits as a lower risk of dying from heart disease, but it ’is unclear whether red wine is directly associated with this benefit or whether other factors are at play, says Dr. Robert Kloner, Chief Science Officer and Director of Cardiovascular Research at Huntington Medical Research Institutes and a Professor of Medicine at the USC. “It might be that wine drinkers are more likely to have a healthier lifestyle and a healthier diet such as the Mediterranean diet, which is known to be cardioprotective,” he notes. Kloner says moderate amounts of beer and spirits also have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. It ’is a common assumption that red wine may be good for the heart because it contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, which is primarily found in the skin of grapes andbut also in peanuts and blueberries. Some studies suggest resveratrol can reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Federal guidelines and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that if you do drink alcohol, to do so in moderation. That means no more than one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.