Novel Postbiotic Supports Immune Health
A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study has shown the novel postbiotic L-92's expanded efficacy in supporting immune health. L-92 is a patented, powdered food ingredient produced from sterilized cells of a proprietary strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus. In this trial, 180 healthy adults received either L-92 or a placebo tablet for an 8-week period. The finding: Those in the supplement group had improvements in local symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, fatigue and chills. They experienced activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). According to the press release: In addition to their innate protective function, pDCs are key players in shaping the body's adaptive response to viruses.
"The area of postbiotics and synbiotics is undergoing tremendous growth as we better understand their potential to influence and beneficially modulate various physiological processes,” said Denis Alimonti, Director of U.S. Nutrition at Maypro. “L-92’s previous studies relate to atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis immune response. This latest clinical study further demonstrates L-92’s beneficial impact on both the innate and adaptive immune system response. When we couple this with good formulation stability and a strong safety record, we believe L-92 is a dynamic ingredient and well positioned to grow within the postbiotics category.”
Extract blend offers digestive & mood support benefits
Research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirms the digestive and mood support benefits of NXT USA's digestive-support ingredient, Digexin. The study authors reported: “The present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a proprietary blend of standardized extracts of Withania somnifera (L.) root and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) fruit extracts in relieving constipation and improving quality of life in adults." They concluded: “Our trial demonstrates that Digexin supplementation safely and effectively relieved constipation and improved several associated symptoms, such as gastrointestinal function, bowel clearance, stress, sleep, and quality of life of the study volunteers.”
Eric Anderson, Managing Director, NXT USA, added, “We were confident going into this study as historic use and open-label research showed the natural combination that comprises Digexin afforded users tangible benefits of regularity and mood support. The mechanism of the product helps support serotonin production, which works to improve mood while promoting speed of digestion, resulting in people feeling more physically and emotionally comfortable.”
Saffron extract boosts production of melatonin
The standardized affron saffron extract has been shown to boosts the body’s endogenous production of melatonin, which helps synchronize the sleep–wake cycle and other circadian rhythms and helps adjust for seasonal changes in sleep timing. The placebo-controlled animal study was designed to assess of the effects of affron on melatonin synthesis and the Kynurenine Pathway. The finding: affron inhibits the enzymes that allow the conversion from tryptophan to kynurenine metabolites, demonstrating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of affron, while promoting the synthesis of enzymes responsible for transforming tryptophan into melatonin. This, according to the release, results in a significative improvement of plasma melatonin levels.
“Results of a previous clinical study showed that Pharmactive’s potent saffron extract significantly improves sleep quality, helps to support mood balance after awakenings, reduce sleep-onset latency, ease difficulties in falling asleep, and allow for more continuous and less-interrupted slumber,” said Alberto Espinel, Open Innovation & IP Director of Pharmactive Biotech Products, SLU, owners, and manufacturer of affron. “The new study clarifies the mechanism for affron’s positive effects on sleep, providing solid scientific support to the previous studies.”
SAMe Study Shows Promise for Alzheimer’s Disease
Gnosis by Lesaffre shared news of a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences that explores the potential of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to repress the expression of genes associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Gnosis explained in a press release that the multidisciplinary team of the Italian University La Sapienza investigated whether supplementation with SAMe (as Adonat Premium SAMe) during the perinatal period (i.e., supplementing the mothers from mating to weaning) could exert a protective role towards the manifestation of AD-like symptoms. The finding: Short-term perinatal supplementation with SAMe was as effective in repressing PSEN1 expression (a gene encoding for the Presenilin 1 peptide, which overexpression is associated with amyloid genesis and increased senile plaque burden as well as amyloid deposits in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mice at different ages) and amyloid deposition in adult mice, including size and number of plaques.
The authors concluded that the data "strongly support the concept that environmental epigenetic modifiers, such as diet, can effectively drive the aging phenotype when manipulated in early life. Maintaining the proper DNA methylation could be a useful intervention in the prevention or treatment of AD and related dementias…The data contribute to the ‘big picture’ of the role of methylation in AD. The maintenance of DNA methylation patterns, with functional effects on gene expression and through cell generations in the absence of the modifier, is a cellular epigenetic memory that may have a significant impact on physiology and pathology beyond neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders.”“While SAMe supplementation benefits in mood, joint, and liver health are established and continue to be reinforced through published data, scientific breakthroughs, and revolutionary approaches today explore for understanding SAMe’s role in long-term health and longevity through epigenetic regulation and methylation,” says Sophie Legrain-Raspaud, Gnosis Research & Application Director, explaining that Gnosis has long-standing relationships and open collaborations with research institutes to explore how SAMe is linked with human health. “Slowing or averting age-related declines in physical and cognitive health to promote anti-aging effects and longevity can be possible today by taking advantage of the state-of-the-art scientific approach. By going deep inside the mechanisms and the roles of naturally and multi-potent occurring substances like SAMe, we believe we can improve the chances of maintaining optimal health later in life.”
Chicory Root Fibers Selectively Increase Bifidobacteria Independent of Food Application and Matrix
Anke Sentko, Vice President Regulatory Affairs & Nutrition Communication at BENEO, said: “Thanks to this study, product developers can ‘tick off’ one key question from their checklist: does the functional ingredient deliver the desired benefit when used in the final application? And the answer for chicory root fiber enrichment clearly is ‘yes.’ It has now been scientifically proven that the intended Bifidobacteria growth is independent of the food matrix that is used. These findings add to the large body of studies about the beneficial effects of chicory root fibers that already exist and are based on more than 25 years of scientific research on the proven prebiotics inulin and oligofructose.”
BENEO’s chicory root fibers, Orafti Inulin and Oligofructose, are plant-based prebiotics, comply with the ISAPP (International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics) definition of prebiotics, and are backed up by the highest level of scientific evidence established in more than 25 years of scientific research.
Sustainability Horizon Scan Report for EPA & DHA Industry
The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) commissioned a comprehensive sustainability report from sustainable food consultancy Tasting the Future. GOED explained that the "horizon scan" report explores more than 20 pivotal environmental, social and governance trends that may become increasingly important to the EPA and DHA omega-3 industry over the next decade. The goal: to help omega-3 businesses respond and inform their long-term decision-making and strategic thinking. The report can serve as a valuable tool to help identify future opportunities within international markets or prepare for and mitigate risks within evolving legislative, consumer, industry and technological landscapes, GEOD said. In addition, it offers a set of actionable recommendations and next steps for all stakeholders in the EPA+DHA omega-3 space. Download the report here.
Citrus flavonoid blend improves prediabetic microbiota
Ingredients by Nature announce the publication of its research investigating its patented citrus flavonoid blend Eriomin on prediabetic microbiota. Research The 12-week double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial published in the Food Science & Nutrition Journal showed Eriomin can attenuate intestinal dysbiosis. Male and female volunteers with prediabetes, ages 30-69 years old, were given 200 mg/day of Eriomin or a placebo and instructed to maintain their usual diet. Two registered dietitians followed participants during the trial period, and blood and fecal samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study. The findings in the Eriomin group after 12 weeks of supplementation:
- reduced growth of Firmicutes – main microbiota phylum, typically found in high levels in prediabetic and obese individuals and associated with a carbohydrate-rich diet.
- decreased the abundance of the Lachnospiraceae family, which is linked to glycemic dysregulation, metabolic syndrome, excess weight and prediabetes.
- increased Ruminococcaceae family by 38%; these microorganisms produce short-chain fatty acids that can strengthen the intestinal barrier and support a healthy inflammatory response.
- positive correlation between Blautia and hyperglycemia, suggesting that Blautia depletion was associated with reduced blood glucose in patients treated with Eriomin.
- decreased fasting blood glucose by 6.5% and increased GLP-1 incretin by 22%; both results were statistically different from the placebo group (p<0.05).
“These results further demonstrate Eriomin’s potential for those who need support in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels,” said Rob Brewster, President of Ingredients by Nature. “This is the third published human clinical trial backing Eriomin. We are thrilled to share this news with the industry and will continue investigating Eriomin’s powerful effects for numerous health benefits.”
