Pre-workout benefits of oral ATP supplementation

TSI shared the news of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Sports that analyzed the pre-workout benefits of oral ATP supplementation. The scientists focused on studies from 2000 to 2022, and narrowed their selection to five published human clinical studies. Four of those studies used TSI’s branded ingredient PEAK ATP, which is a patented form of Adenosine 5’-Triphosphate (ATP) Disodium that is identical in structure to ATP produced and used by the human body. It is a highly bioavailable energy source shown to boost muscle power output and improve blood flow.. All of the included studies were double-blind, randomized controlled trials with a high methodological quality.

This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the effect of ATP supplementation on anaerobic performance, TSI shared, adding that variables included maximal strength, maximum repetitions, and maximum aerobic power in healthy resistance-trained subjects. The researchers concluded that oral ATP supplementation helps users safely achieve significantly greater gains in maximal strength compared with placebo. They also confirmed that daily intakes of 400 mg of ATP for periods up to 12 weeks are safe in healthy subjects. 

“We are gratified to have the scientific community affirm the relevance and quality of our research,” said Shawn Baier, Vice President of Business Development for TSI’s Innovative Products Division, in a press release.  “This meta-analysis comes at a time when there is a resurgence of interest in PEAK ATP, as more and more brands throughout the world are looking to provide their customers with the best pre workout ingredient for real energy and real results. Numerous studies confirm its immediate benefits for athletes, weekend warriors and everyday exercisers.” 

Ahiflower oil as a plant-derived source of EPA

A human clinical trial human clinical, randomized crossover trial published in Frontiers in Nutrition studied the effects of dietary Ahiflower (Buglossoides arvensis) oil in circulating omega-3 levels. According to Natures Crops International (NCI), exclusive global suppliers of this plant-based, omega-rich, sustainable alternative to fish oil, this was the first study to measure omega-3 oxylipin changes in humans and in cultured hepatic cells.

NCI reported that consuming Ahiflower oil also significantly raised a range of EPA oxylipins while slightly but significantly reducing some ARA (arachidonic acid) oxylipins and tended to lower ARA levels slightly. The company pointed out: "This new evidence is consistent with Ahiflower oil’s recognized ability to exert an overall anti-inflammatory phenotype in mammals and humans via IL-10 upregulation and by providing a wider array of antiinflammatory oxylipin precursors. Ahiflower acts differently than EPA/DHA sources but achieves comparable physiological effects — like significantly boosting EPA oxylipins — as fish oil."

Plasma DHA levels were unaffected, but the authors noted, “Diets rich in DHA and ahiflower oil exhibit similar DHA turnover rates in the liver, adipose, and brain tissues... Thus…measuring DHA levels may not provide as accurate an assessment of the potency of precursors for DHA synthesis as determining the synthesis/turnover rate from these precursors.” NCI added that this evidence is consistent with other Ahiflower oil studies, in which the mammal body is efficiently forming and deploying DHA, as and where needed in cell membranes and tissues, rather than accumulating DHA in circulating blood.

The study authors concluded, "The present study provides substantial evidence that SDA is a more powerful modulator of EPA and DHA oxylipin levels than ALA…In conclusion, ALA and SDA-rich ahiflower oil could serve as an alternative plant-derived source to increase EPA levels in normal weight, healthy humans, while changes in DHA levels are not expected.” Also, NCI stressed, considering current supply chain challenges with omega-3 supplements paired with consumer demand for the products, the study shows how incorporating dietary Ahiflower oil into diets can help.

Connecting with consumers: inflation-resilient strategies

Health and well-being a top priority for 67% of consumers, yet 40% consumers worldwide feel health and wellbeing nutritional products are too expensive, and 33% of users say rising costs have made it hard to continue purchasing these products. That's according to Nutiani’s Health, Nutrition and Rising Costs report, conducted in collaboration with IPSOS featuring 2,500 respondents across China, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. Due to their sensitivity to rising costs, consumers see the need to adjust their approach to nutrition, Nutiani reports. They are budgeting more conscientiously, but cost is not their only consideration. Mindful consumers are prioritizing essential nutritional products, effective and science-backed ingredients, and the holistic value that the product delivers. “Even with the tightening of purse strings, we continue to see bright spots in the wellbeing nutrition space as this will remain top of mind for consumers," noted Komal Mistry-Mehta, Chief Innovation and Brand Officer at Fonterra. "For instance, 65% of consumers surveyed plan to make dietary changes to improve their health and wellbeing over the next year, which is a three percentage point increase over the last survey in 2021. There is a massive opportunity here for brands to tap on this demand by staying tuned to rapidly evolving consumer preferences in the current market.”

The report  reveals product attributes that shape consumers’ perceptions of value and their willingness to pay a premium, and delves into four critical themes that can guide brands in their innovation journey. As outlined in a press release:

1. Relevance: Solutions that target top health concerns will perform better as consumers focus on essential purchases.
2. Science: A product’s health claims must be well-substantiated with clinical trials to be seen as credible and empower consumer confidence.  
3. Convenience: Consumers find value in multifunctional solutions and one-stop resources that help streamline their health management routines. 
4. Experience: Brands that engage consumers at every step of the process to deliver an elevated and tailored experience will emerge a cut above the rest. 

“The right inflation-resilient strategies and value-based innovation that resonate deeply are the keys to success in these challenging times,” Mistry-Mehta added. "If brands can create a meaningful connection with consumers now, they will be able to stay ahead of the curve and retain engagement with their customers beyond this period."

Type II collagen for female joint health

Bioiberica shared tthe latest scientific evidence behind its native (undenatured) type II collagen, Collavant n2. A randomized controlled clinical trial published in Wiener klinische Wochenschrift (The Central European Journal of Medicine) investigated the impact of Motilex Caps (a capsule containing Collavant n2; Apsen Farmaceutica, Brazil) in women with knee osteoarthritis (OA), compared to a control and exercise group. The supplement group received 40 mg/day of Collavant n2 for six weeks. The results:

• 44.8% improvement in WOMAC pain score, which indicates enhanced joint comfort; 
• greater range of motion (ROM) in the knee;
• a 10.4% increase in the distance walked during six minutes without discomfort.
• Positive results were also observed in the exercise group, suggesting potential benefits of combining supplement and exercise interventions.  

Bioiberica said these findings affirm that Collavant n2 supplementation contributes to improved functionality and comfort in women with knee OA. Joan Bassa, Human Health Business Unit Director, Bioiberica, commented: “These latest clinical conclusions open up new possibilities for innovation with native (undenatured) type II collagen in women’s health, especially during menopause when joint health problems can become a concern due to oestrogen deficiency. Low-dosage, science-backed ingredients that have been shown to support joint health, like Collavant n2, could therefore help to address the needs of women during this life phase. We know Collavant n2 can support manufacturers in tapping into the broader trends of healthy aging, mobility and holistic wellness, and now we look forward to collaborating with new and existing partners to explore formulations geared towards empowering women to lead vibrant and active lives.” 

Probiotics for cardiometabolic health

Kaneka Probiotics shared the news of a mechanistic study published in Cardiovascular Research that sheds light on the mechanisms of action underlying the cardiometabolic benefits of probiotic strains – Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) strains KABP 011, KABP 012 and KABP 013 – marketed under AB-LIFE.

While previous research has shown the cholesterol-lowering potential of the formulation in patients with hypercholesterolemia, the company says this investigation is the first to demonstrate a probiotic’s impact on both LDL (low-density lipoprotein) particle size and apolipoproteins (relevant biomarkers in atherosclerosis). The research team investigated the effects of four weeks AB-LIFE intervention (with escalating doses) on healthy yet overweight individuals and found:

• Reduction of cholesterol levels (significant change for non-HDL cholesterol) after only one week of intervention 
• Increased bile acid deconjugation in the gut leading to reduced intestinal reabsorption.
• Reduced apolipoprotein (Apo)B100 and ApoB48 in plasma. 
• Decreased small-LDL levels, which are associated with higher risk of atheroma plaque formation. 
• Reduced LDL susceptibility to oxidation – a hallmark of atherosclerosis development and increased HDL  antioxidant capacity after probiotic intake, enhancing HDLs atheroprotective properties.  
• Impact on gut microbiota composition.
• Increased protective effect in patients with normal levels of plasma cholesterol, reducing the need for pharmacological intervention to control the dyslipidemia.

"Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide, underscoring the urgency for effective interventions," said Jordi Espadaler, Innovation Director at AB-BIOTICS, a Kaneka company. "As frontrunners in the biotics space, we understand the promise of carefully-selected beneficial bacteria – and continue to leverage our scientific expertise to address critical health challenges. This research represents yet another stride forward in the biotics space. Not only does it provide clear evidence of the mechanisms of action underpinning AB-LIFE, indicating this probiotic formulation could be instrumental in controlling metabolic processes relevant to atherosclerosis, but it also demonstrates the potential of biotics developed via a precision approach – selected for their strain-specific benefits.” 

Customized probiotic use for gut health + ASD symptoms  

Probiotic supplementation may improve symptoms in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a joint metagenomics study from Sun Genomics and Arizona State University (ASU). Published in the mSystems, the three-monthy study revealed that customized probiotic supplementation based on the makeup of an individual’s gut microbiome, as well as certain dietary habits, may help improve the beneficial bacteria in the gut and some behavioral symptoms associated with autism. As Sun Genomics reported, more than half of the participants reported moderate improvements in receptive language and comprehension, expressive language and speech, cognition and thinking and gastrointestinal problems after taking Floré, a personalized probiotic made by Sun Genomics.  

“With participants reporting improvements in both autism spectrum disorder symptoms and gastrointestinal discomfort after the trial, we are pleased that our easily accessible solution had such a positive impact on their well-being,” said Sunny Jain, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Floré. “Our research uncovered critical insight into the connection between precision nutrition – in the form of precision probiotics – and both gut health and autism spectrum disorder. We are hopeful that our joint research will lead to credible, less invasive solutions to improve symptoms and enhance the quality of life for so many around the world.”  

Based on an analysis of their unique gut microbiota, each participant was given Floré customized probiotics that they used for three months or longer, and completed a series of questionnaires. Key findings, as outlined in a press release:  

• Gastrointestinal Improvement:  62% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder reported a reduction in gastrointestinal discomfort and improvement in overall autism-related symptoms. 
• Behavioral and Autism Symptoms: Follow-up surveys revealed moderate improvement in thinking abilities, sensory experiences and overall autism-related symptoms among participants. 
• Microbial Changes: Study participants who showed improvement had notable increases in beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in their gut over time. 
• Diversity Findings: While there wasn't a significant overall difference in the variety of microbes (beta diversity) between groups (age, gender), there were notable changes in the diversity of microbes within individuals (alpha diversity). 
• Relationship with Diet and Symptoms: Certain dietary habits, such as daily fruit consumption outside of the study, were associated with increases in microbial diversity and specific species. Additionally, custom probiotic supplements positively influenced gastrointestinal symptoms and overall autism-related issues. 
• Dietary Impact on Microbes: The study also discovered significant variations in microbial composition between individuals who followed a gluten- and dairy-free diet and those who consumed these products. 

“This is the largest metagenomics study of adults and children with autism spectrum disorder with an intervention targeting the microbiome,” said Krajmalnik-Brown, director of the Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes at the ASU Biodesign Institute. “Although the results are preliminary, we hope to learn more about who potentially could be good candidates for this precision approach and learn which probiotic formulations work best to help more people.” 

Postbiotic supports everyday immune health

Wellmune, a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan postbiotic ingredient from Kerry Group backed by more than a dozen clinical studies showing its ability to support the immune system, now has been shown to train innate immune cells at key sites around the body to be ready for action to efficiently respond to foreign invaders that may harm health. Ina newly published iScience research article, researchers determined that Wellmune trains innate immune cells to use and store energy more efficiently, so they can effectively safeguard the body and combat potential threats. 

“The surge in the market for immune health products over the past decade has been remarkable, and Wellmune's clinically proven capacity to train the immune system stands as a true beacon of innovation for the industry,” said Jordan Dow, Vice President, Kerry ProActive Health. “Wellmune is a one-of-a-kind solution proactively tackling the pressing health and wellness concerns of our customers. With its studied capabilities for immunity defense, we’re providing a solution that not only fosters overall health and wellbeing, but also sets a premium standard in the industry.”

Wellmune is a safe, versatile postbiotic for everyday consumption in a variety of functional foods and beverages, dietary supplements, and pet products where immune health is intended as a key benefit, the company added. The ingredient has regulatory approval in major markets around the world, including GRAS status by the FDA and Novel Food Approval in Europe and China. 

Microalgae extract for weight management in women

Microphyt shared the news that its branded ingredient PhaeOptim, an extract derived from the microalgae strain Phaeodactylum tricornutum, supports active and healthy lifestyles crucial for weight management, according to clinical research published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients.

Conducted over a 12-week period, the double-blinded, randomized study involved 37 overweight but otherwise healthy women who followed a calorie-restricted diet and supervised exercise, including resistance training and walking. Study participants were administered either a placebo or 220 mg/day of PhaeOptim, standardized to 4.4 mg of fucoxanthin, a carotenoid and potent antioxidant naturally present in the microalgae.

The results, observed at the six- and 12-week marks, as outlined in a press release:

• Better Adherence to Diet. The PhaeOptim group exhibited greater reductions in total energy intake and fat intake compared to the placebo group.
• Enhanced Aerobic Capacity: PhaeOptim subjects experienced a 2.5-fold improvement in aerobic capacity, quantified by VO2 max measurements. 
• Improved Cardiovascular Health: PhaeOptim contributed to a reduction in resting heart rate by more than 7 beats per minute after 6 weeks and promoted a more favorable lipid profile by decreasing total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio.
• Supported Bone Health: The supplement aided in maintaining bone mineral content and improved bone mineral density, crucial for overall bone health.

“These promising findings demonstrate PhaeOptim supports a holistic approach to weight management interventions by improving major physiological components that could optimize adherence to a healthy lifestyle,” said Jonathan Maury, Ph.D., Clinical Research Manager, Microphyt. “PhaeOptim helped women adhere to weight management interventions goals by improving exercise adaptations creating a more supportive, effective, and possibly comfortable experience.”

Study Protocol: Immune-boosting potential of palm tocotrienol complex

Vitamin E from palm oil, known as the tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), has been shown to have immune-enhancing activity, but only one dose of TRF (400 mg daily) has been tested in a clinical trial. ExcelVite shared a study protocol to test other doses: A single-center, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study exploring the effectiveness of daily supplementation with lower doses of palm TRF (200-, 100-, or 50-mg) on immune response after an immunological challenge such as a vaccine. Healthy volunteers are required to attend three clinic sessions (days 0, 28 and 56), where blood samples will be taken to analyze the plasma antibody against influenza vaccine, cytokines, and vitamin E levels, blood leucocyte profile, protein and gene expression studies. The volunteers will be asked to take the supplement after dinner every day for 28 days before and 28 days after receiving an influenza vaccine while maintaining a balanced diet and exercise/activity routine. The researchers note: "Recent world events have created the awareness of having a healthy and functional immune system. Nutrition plays an important role in helping the immune system to function optimally. This study will show the effects of lower doses of TRF in boosting the immune response of healthy individuals and also elucidate the mechanisms through which TRF exerts its immune-enhancing effects."

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