TSI Group reports findings on HMB
β-Hydroxy β-Methyl Butyrate Monohydrate (HMB), an ingredient known to support muscle health, was the subject of a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging. Researchers evaluated the benefits of HMB supplementation on older adults with sarcopenia, a medical condition characterized by extreme muscle loss. The finding: HMB significantly enhanced the effect of resistance training on muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle quality. It also reduced inflammatory markers.
“HMB, in conjunction with other nutrients, has been shown to have an effect on muscle wasting," said TSI Group Vice President of Business Development Shawn Baier. "From TSI Group’s perspective, this is another confirmatory study that takes it one step further by demonstrating HMB’s impact on a sarcopenic population, instead of simply hypothesizing about it."
COmmenting on the benefits of early intervention for muscle health, Baier said, “Muscle reserves naturally decline with age. Being proactive is much better than being reactive. The earlier we can intervene, the better. We now have evidence that HMB helps muscle health across all categories, even after muscle loss has progressed into sarcopenia. It makes sense that HMB be considered a great first-line defense against age-related muscle loss.”
Gnosis highlights heart health in women, K2 benefits
Most women are at greater risk of developing heart disease than previously thought, according to Gnosis by Lesaffre (Gnosis), pointing to new studies suggesting that reproductive factors and menopause factors are implicated in the development of adverse cardiovascular conditions. Though alarming, the company says the findings highlight the importance of Gnosis’ clinically validated MenaQ7Æ Vitamin K2 as MK-7.
Gnosis shared news of observational study that concluded that an earlier first birth, a higher number of births, and menarche at younger ages are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions in women. Researchers from the Imperial College London’s National Heart & Lung Institute performed a comprehensive analysis of reproductive factors specific to women and their links to a range of cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate), coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, Gnosis reported.
“Women are often mischaracterized as being at low risk for cardiovascular disease, leading to delays in diagnosis," said lead study author Dr. Maddalena Ardissino, of the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College, London. "Even when they are diagnosed, they tend to receive less targeted treatment than men.”
Dr. Fu Siong Ng, senior author of the study, added, “Many of the previous studies on cardiovascular disease have focused on men, but our research shows that there are sex-specific factors that influence the risk for women.”
Gnosis added that daily supplementation with 180 mcg of MenaQ7Æ Vitamin K2 as MK-7 has been shown to protect cardiovascular function in women. “Gnosis by Lesaffre works with world-renowned researchers to confirm the safe and effective health benefits of MenaQ7 Vitamin K2 as MK-7,” said Jean-Francois Jeanne, Substantiation & Applications Team Manager. “Elucidating the important mechanism of activating K-dependent proteins, including osteocalcin and MGP, was foundational to that work. Supplementing with K2 as MK-7 is a simple, natural tool for women to protect their heart and cardiovascular system. As new research emerges that confirms the high risk of heart disease in women, the greater the need for sustainable, natural and inexpensive tools such as vitamin K2 as MenaQ7 for protecting the cardiovascular structure and function in women as they age.”
PhytoGaia shares science on tocotrienol in AD
Findings from a clinical study conducted at the University Putra Malaysia suggest that tocotrienol-rich moisturizer is a safe and effective natural option for young children with atopic dermatitis (AD). This study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, involved 30 kids aged 1 month to 12 years old with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. Participants were directed to apply the nonsteroidal topical cream containing tocotrienols three times a day to the affected areas of their AD lesions for a period of 12 weeks. The study's findings revealed a significant improvement in the children's skin conditions, including:
- A decrease in the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD) and Patient-oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) scores from week 0 to week 12.
- A significant reduction in investigator global assessment (IGA) at week 12 compared to baseline (p < 0.05). These results indicate a positive impact on AD throughout the trial.
- Over the duration of the trial, the erythema index decreased in the AD subjects. The cream resulted in a notable change in the cumulative severity of the erythema index, leading to a reduction in skin irritation.
- A substantial decrease in the severity of pruritus (p < 0.05).
- The Infants' Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL) and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) exhibited a declining trend throughout the trial, indicating an improvement in the quality of life of the recruited AD subjects.
- The application of the cream was well tolerated with no reported serious side effects.
“The potential efficacy of tocotrienol in the topical treatment of eczema is a significant development, providing hope for individuals with eczema. Tocotrienols, recognized as 'Super Vitamin E,' are widely acknowledged as a potent antioxidant with remarkable skin biological properties. This is an exciting breakthrough in dermatology that holds great promise. Tocotrienol’s anti-inflammatory properties play an important role in alleviating inflammation in AD. It is anticipated that this research will contribute to enhanced eczema management particularly for children,” said Dr. Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist, PhytoGaia.
Nutiani spotlights appeal of multifunctional products
Nutiani shared highlights of the third volume of the company's Global State of Health and Wellbeing report series, which delves into growing consumer understanding around the interplay of physical, mental, and inner wellbeing. There is opportunity here for brands; the report suggest that brands should create products that address multiple health conditions, supported by science-backed evidence.
“Our research supports what our customers and industry experts are saying," says Charlotte Ortiz, Global Brand Marketing Manager of Nutiani. "Consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their understanding of how health issues are interconnected, and how concerns in one area of their physical, mental or inner health can have a ripple on effect on their overall wellbeing.”
The IPSOS Nutiani Consumer Wellness Research revealed that approximately nine in 10 consumers believe physical and mental wellbeing can impact other aspects of their health, especially:
- Physical & Mental Wellbeing: Nearly 50% believe mental wellbeing affects their ability to control their weight and exercise regularly.
- Mental & Inner Wellbeing: More than 70% relate good digestive health to lower stress levels and better immune health.
- Physical & Inner Wellbeing: Consumers strongly relate good physical wellbeing with better digestive, immune, and skin health.
The report dives into how brands can target diverse consumer groups with their multifunctional solutions, outlining key recommendations for brands looking to seize this opportunity. Read the report here.
OmniActive announces results on energy nootropic
For the study, 62 subjects consumed a 300-mg/d single serving of enXtra. Among the findings:
enXtra supplementation improved alertness, reaction time, and correct responses, reducing errors. OmniActive reported that some results, including the number of correct responses measured by the Symbol Digit Coding test at 30 minutes, were about three times greater with enXtra supplementation. Fatigue scores, which were measured approximately five to six hours post-supplementation, were reduced versus baseline and placebo. Alertness showed about a four-fold greater change at two hours versus the placebo, and simple reaction time lasted up to five hours post-dosing.
"We are pleased that this study validates our previous clinical findings of enXtra," said Deshanie Rai, Ph.D., FACN, VP, Global Scientific, and Regulatory Affairs at OmniActive. "The data supports its relevance as an effective and safe alternative to caffeine for companies looking to provide natural nootropics to support mental alertness, focus, and attention without impacting energy level."
Blis shares findings on probiotic for active nutrition
Blis Technologies shared findings of research published in Frontiers in Immunology that highlights the benefits of BLIS K12, an oral probiotic strain, in bolstering immune support for optimal performance.
The randomized, single-blind parallel-group study investigated the effects of BLIS K12 on active young individuals undergoing a high-intensity training (HIT) program and its potential impact on upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).
BLIS K12 is known for its ability to reduce the incidence of strep throat, tonsillitis, and other upper respiratory infections, according to the company. By colonizing the upper respiratory tract, BLIS K12 competes with harmful bacteria. This helps prevent the bad bacteria from causing infections. In addition, BLIS K12 produces proteins called Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) that target and inhibit the growth of various pathogens, the company shared.
“New studies have demonstrated that BLIS K12 goes even further by stimulating an immune response to activate our immune defenses, optimizing natural protection against upper respiratory illness such as cold and flu,” says Dr. John Hale, Chief Technology Officer at Blis Technologies.
The study found that the supplementation of BLIS K12 increased sIgA levels (an antibody that defends against infections by preventing pathogen attachment to mucosal surfaces) in the probiotic group, compared to the control group. This indicates improved overall immune health, the company says.
According to Blis, athletes can incorporateBLIS K12 into their routine to help enhance immune support and maintain optimal health during intensive training. The immune-boosting properties of BLIS K12 "provide a competitive advantage and support overall performance."
Activ’Inside spotlights polyphenols for cognitive health
Activ’Inside announced the results of its latest clinical trial, which the company says further validates the cognitive advantages of Memophenol, a patented polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract.
The company explained that Memophenol has been supported by gold standard clinical studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the patented formula in combating cognitive aging. In the latest clinical trial, which followed a robust two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 143 volunteers aged 60 to 80 who self-reported difficulties with cognition were administered either 150-mg of Memophenol twice daily or a placebo. The participants underwent a battery of tests and questionnaires to evaluate their cognitive function at different time periods during the 24-week study.
The finding: The study demonstrated significant cognitive benefits of Memophenol at the 300-mg dose. "These groundbreaking studies provide compelling evidence for the cognitive benefits of Memophenol™ at different dosages," stated David Gaudout, Chief Innovations Officer, Activ’Inside. "The results validate our hypothesis that Memophenol, even at a reduced dosage of 300-mg, can significantly enhance executive functions, speed of information processing, visuospatial episodic memory and learning, and reduce cognitive failures in older adults with MCI [Mild Cognitive Impairment]."
