Weekly Roundup: Study highlights vitamin K2’s heart health benefits, BLS expands applications of ribose-related IP

28 Jun 2019 --- In nutrition news this week, a study endorsed by NattoPharma noted vitamin K2’s positive impact on cardiovascular health. AIDP Inc. was appointed as the exclusive US marketing and sales partner for probiotic formulation BIOHM FX, while Bioenergy Life Science (BLS) is expanding into new applications and markets with the backing of four new ribose-related intellectual properties (IP). Coeliac UK was selected as the winner of the 2019 Memcom membership excellence awards for its Gluten Free Food Checker app that makes shopping for food and drink products safer and easier.

In brief: Launches and releases
Ingredient company BLS is expanding into new applications and markets with the backing of four new ribose-related IP. Via the move, BLS is anticipating a dramatic upsurge in demand for its patent-protected Bioenergy Ribose. Ribose is already earning a lot of attention for its unique ability to restore cellular energy and improve the quality of life. Bioenergy Ribose is GRAS affirmed, as well as non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher and Halal. Among its clinically proven benefits, Bioenergy Ribose was also found to increase ATP levels, which accelerate energy production, increase performance, reduce muscle stiffness and provide greater endurance, says the company. Bioenergy Ribose is also all natural and is protected by a family of patents covering all known uses of ribose in nutrition. The four newest IP applications and markets are: 

• Heart health: Helps to maintain healthy blood flow.
• Animal nutrition: Supports growth, energy and performance in dogs, horses and other pets, with benefits also for aging pets.
• Cosmetics: Used in topical and oral applications to support skin health and appearance
• Plant growth: Supports uniform, accelerated plant growth.

 AIDP Inc. has been appointed as the exclusive US marketing and sales partner for BIOHM FX, a probiotic formulation by BIOHM Health LLC. Health and functional ingredients player AIDP Inc. has been appointed as the exclusive US marketing and sales partner for BIOHM FX, a probiotic formulation by BIOHM Health LLC. BIOHM’s new probiotic has been scientifically proven to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. Biofilm builds up in the human digestive system, similarly to plaque and teeth. By combining good bacteria, good fungi and digestive enzymes, BIOHM FX maintains the balance of bacteria and fungi in the gut, all while breaking down digestive biofilms. Biofilm protects bad bacteria and bad fungi that upset gut balance. The new product is proven to support the breakdown of digestive biofilm, according to the company, and neutralizes bad bacteria and bad fungi inside, while re-balancing the digestive system – supporting beneficial microorganisms and optimal digestive health. The new ingredient is certified GRAS, touted as highly stable and does not require refrigeration. “As AIDP continues to build its digestive health portfolio, we are constantly looking for innovative ingredients that provide unique benefits within their categories,” says Mark Thurston, President of AIDP. “While most probiotics help increase bacteria in the gut, the research supporting this new ingredient suggests BIOHM FX may help break apart stubborn biofilms. Not only this, but the BIOHM probiotic also contains enzymes, bacteria and fungi.”

In brief: Research and study
A recent study endorsed by NattoPharma and published in Clinical Nutrition found that vitamin K1 had no impact on Matrix Gla protein (MGP) – a protein involved in vascular calcium metabolism – noting that vitamin K2 has a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Vitamin K is not a single vitamin – it is a family of vitamins comprised of vitamins K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). Previously, multiple observational studies and small-scale intervention studies have suggested that high vitamin K intake is associated with improved markers for cardiovascular health – namely increased MGP activation. The researchers investigated the causal relationship between genetically predicted K concentrations and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The study, “Circulating phylloquinone, inactive Matrix Gla protein and coronary heart disease risk: A two-sample Mendelian Randomization study”, is significant because it articulates the difference in health impact between vitamins K1 and K2, and highlights that vitamin K2 must be obtained for a cardiovascular benefit.

In brief: Awards and recognition
Coeliac UK, a charity for individuals with celiac disease, has been selected as the winner of the 2019 Memcom membership excellence awards, for its Gluten Free Food Checker app that makes shopping for food and drink products safer and easier. The Memcom awards celebrate the positive impact that professional bodies, trade associations, membership charities and other not-for-profit membership organizations have on the public good. The judges note that they were struck by the sheer scale and ambition of the app, which provides access to a database of over 100,000 products and allows the charity’s members to personalize content. They also acknowledge the complexity of the app’s development and Coeliac UK’s willingness to help develop the software post-launch, trialing the new functionality with its membership community to give users a broader choice. Produced in conjunction with the food tech startup FoodMaestro, the app is exclusive to Coeliac UK’s members enabling them to search thousands of food products that are suitable for a gluten-free diet. The app also gives additional options to tailor search results to include additional dietary preferences. It lists all products that carry the Coeliac UK Crossed Grain symbol, which is internationally recognized by those who need to follow a gluten-free diet.

Coeliac UK, a charity for individuals with celiac disease, has been selected as the winner of the 2019 Memcom membership excellence awards, for its Gluten Free Food Checker app.In brief: Miscellaneous
CleanLight, a developer of a crop protection technology based on an extremely low, safe, dosage of germicidal UV, ran a training and support workshop this month to support some of the largest producers of medical cannabis (“Licensed Producers”) in Canada. The effect of the CleanLight technology is that the plant becomes stronger and darker in color “as if it were grown outdoors in natural sunlight instead of in a greenhouse or grow room, starved of natural UV.” In places such as Colorado, California, home-based growers have used handheld versions of CleanLight, such as the CleanLight Hobby Unit and the CleanLight Pro since 2009. In Canada, since legalization in 2018, there are now five large industrial producers of medical cannabis who have chosen to work with mechanical CleanLight systems to protect their plants gains contaminants, as chemical fungicides are not an option for them. 

Food and Drugs Analytical Services Limited (FDAS) has updated its online presence with the launch of a new website. Founded in 2004, FDAS is an independent contract laboratory providing QC analysis to the pharmaceutical, medical device and herbal industries. The new site provides visitors an easier way to learn about FDAS, its services and its solutions to help get a product to market quickly and safely. The new website will be regularly updated with helpful information, articles, news and company announcements, the company says. The updated design offers an intuitive and consistent menu functionality for ease of use.