Beetroot extract for older adults
Sabinsa announced the publication of a preliminary study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and health benefits of SABEET, a standardized beetroot extract, in older adults. The study was conducted in collaboration with the researchers of the Food and Nutrition Institute of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and published in the journal Nutrients.
Twelve participants aged 60 and above were randomly assigned to receive either 20 grams of SABEET beetroot extract or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Key parameters including anthropometric, biochemical, and hemodynamic measures were evaluated to assess safety and tolerability.
Key findings: Notable increase in plasma nitrate levels and trend of improvement in insulin sensitivity were observed in the beetroot extract group. The study suggests potential health benefits of Beet Root extract supplementation and the safety and efficacy of SABEET beetroot extract in older populations, as the supplementation was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.
“This preliminary study was conducted to underscore the safety and tolerability of SABEET, but we are pleased to see the benefits it indicated as well,” said Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO & Managing Director of The Sami-Sabinsa Group. “These findings align with our commitment to providing scientifically backed, safe, and effective dietary supplements. Sabinsa extends its gratitude to the team in Food and Nutrition Institute at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro for their collaboration in this study, and we look forward to continuing collaboration.”
PEA for immune health benefits
Gencor announced the publication of a human clinical trial showing the company's palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient, Levagen+, is a safe, innovative, and effective supplement for immune health support. Several studies have demonstrated that PEA may positively support immune health through its inflammatory response and unique mechanisms of action via proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) and indirectly modulating the endocannabinoid system, Gencor shared. This latest study examined the effect of PEA supplementation on metabolic pathways through the microbiome.
The finding: The 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed Levagen+ significantly altered gut microbiome cytokines, including IL-2 concentrations, and improved serum triglyceride levels, which suggests PEA supplementation may influence metabolic pathways to support immune health.
“This study has initiated exploration into the potential effects of PEA on the microbiome and metabolic pathways and sheds light on the intricate relationship between PEA, the microbiome, and host health,” said R.V Venkatesh, co-founder and managing director of Gencor. “This study builds upon the previous research of PEA and its promising benefits for immune health.”
Ahiflower oil for joint health
Natures Crops shared the news of research in the European Journal of Nutrition showing Ahiflower oil has comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy as fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms at the same low daily intakes.
Researchers looked at mice fed a background Western diet with induced RA and measured outward signs of inflammation and markers of inflammation. The study authors noted that fish oil has been shown to ameliorate RA symptoms and eliminate the need for NSAID drugs. However, fish oil has sustainability concerns and ahiflower oil is recognized as a sustainable, regeneratively farmed alternative.
Among the findings: During the acute RA phase, Ahiflower-fed mice achieved a 51% reduction in ankle thickness, comparable to fish oil-fed mice at up to a 48% reduction vs control diet; both Ahiflower and fish oil fed mice at the same low-dose level had significantly lower PMV’s (platelet-derived microvesicles) in activated platelets vs the Western control diet fed mice; Ahiflower fed mice showed significantly lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels vs Western and fish oil fed mice (cytokines are considered markers of RA in synovial fluid in the joints).
The study authors say the results demonstrated that diets enriched in ω-3 PUFA such as fish oil and Ahiflower oil have an inhibitory effect on the platelet’s ability to produce PMVs in a context of RA. "From a therapeutic perspective, a slight change in the daily diet of patients living with RA, in combination with their current medication, could potentially provide additional symptom relief for people living with the disease.”
Natures Crops added that the study shows Ahiflower oil has comparable and even superior effects vs fish oil in mammals on the management of joint inflammation and swelling, supporting Ahiflower oil’s supplemental use in humans and companion animals seeking better overall mobility and less joint swelling.
Polyphenols for longevity
Longevity by Nature shared the news that researchers at the Salk Institute have introduced Telomere Technology alongside Telos95, a clinically proven plant-based blend of polyphenols naturally isolated from grapevine and organic olive leaf. Telos95's phytochemical compounds fight free radicals, nourishing cells with nutrients thatpromote telomere and cellular longevity, effectively slowing down the aging process of healthy cells, according to the company. In addition to halting the shortening of telomeres, it has been shown to lengthen them, reducing cellular age by an average of 7.43 years in six months.
"Our clinical studies demonstrate that Telos95 protects telomeres, slows cellular aging, and enhances longevity. By harnessing the power of natural polyphenols, we aim to redefine how we approach aging and age-related illnesses," says Abdul Alkayali, Vice President of Sales at Longevity by Nature.
The company explained that Telomere Technology, in conjunction with Telos95, offers potential benefits in reducing the need for therapies to treat age-related illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, eye diseases, and inflammatory conditions. In addition, they say,Telos95 can be prescribed to insurance customers who have undergone telomere testing, showing promise in stopping or reversing telomere shortening with regular use.
Mulberry leaf water extract for blood sugar control
A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with healthy adults published in Nutrients, conducted by researchers at the Oxford Brookes Center for Nutrition and Health, shows that Reducose, a natural mulberry leaf water extract from Phynova, can help control elevations in blood sugar and insulin after consuming a meal.
Among the findings shared by Phynova: All three Reducose levels tested (200mg, 225mg, 250mg) significantly reduced total blood glucose responses by 30-33% compared to placebo during the 2-hour postprandial period; all three Reducose levels tested significantly reduced the peak blood glucose responses by 26-32% compared to placebo during the 2-hour postprandial period, with the mean peak glucose response across all three dose groups being 6.0mmol/L or less (levels adjusted to baseline); all three Reducose levels significantly diminished total insulin release by 31-38% versus placebo during the postprandial window; all three levels significantly lowered peak insulin release by 27-40% versus placebo during the postprandial window (levels adjusted to baseline).
The company noted that these latest findings confirm previous clinical trial results that investigated the blood glucose and insulin health benefits of Reducose in response to a complete meal with macronutrient composition that was representative of the average Western diet.
Magnesium for cognitive support
AIDP shared a study that offers more evidence on the cognitive benefits of the brain bioavailable magnesium supplement, magnesium L-threonate, branded as Magetein. Published in Nature Communications, the research was conducted by neuroscientists from Neurocentria and Tsinghua University and shed light into how magnesium levels in the brain control the organization and strength of synaptic connections between neurons. Additionally, the study brought together over a decade of research on magnesium L-threonate and its ability to enter neurons and drive the molecular changes needed for enhanced synaptic plasticity and reduced brain aging.
The analysis explains how two separate categories of synaptic configurations (based on shape, number, and functional status) determine which configurations are more susceptible to encoding capacity. Weaker synaptic configurations are more flexible and capable of making new connections compared to strong configurations which are neurons encoded to older memories and are more rigid, fixed, and have less capacity for new connectivity. Magnesium L-threonate infiltrates the neuron and increases the density and quantity of the weaker more adaptive connections. Learn more here.
Krill Oil for Omega-3 deficiency in lupus patients
Aker BioMarine shared the news of research published in Lupus Science & Medicine, which shows that phospholipid-rich krill oil supplementation (Superba Boost krill oil) helped to increase Omega-3 Index significantly among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with the control group within the first month of supplementation. Researchers also reported that no reduction in disease activity was seen among the general group of lupus patients, but the post-hoc sub-analysis showed temporary reduced disease activity among those with severe disease as defined by a commonly used measurement tool.
The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 78 adult patients with active SLE randomized to receive 4 g/day krill oil or placebo for the first 24 weeks; thereafter patients could opt to enter an open-label extension with krill oil supplementation. The primary endpoint was improvement of red blood cell Omega-3 Index from baseline to Week 24.
The finding: The Omega-3 Index was consistently low in the test groups, suggesting deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids among lupus patients. Treatment with krill oil significantly increased the Omega-3 Index within one month and maintained this improvement throughout the 48-week trial. Aker notes that people with lupus are at an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications; optimizing Omega-3 Index through krill oil supplementation may show benefit for this population and warrants further study.
“Our mission is to improve human health, and since inception we have prioritized research & development, and intellectual property to understand the nutritional value and potential health benefits of krill oil nutrients,” said Matts Johansen, CEO, Aker BioMarine. “This new study is one of the biggest investments we have contributed to in regard to clinical trials, and we are excited to see what the future holds.”
PC-EPA/DHA derived from krill to reduce neonatal brain injury
Aker BioMarine also shared the news that its brain health ingredient, LYSOVETA, was evaluated by scientists from Utrecht University Medical Center as a possible strategy to protect against brain damage and myelin loss due to hypoxia-ischemia (HI) (lack of oxygen and reduced blood flow) during the neonatal phase of life. The scientists' conclusion: Short-term, oral supplementation with LYSOVETA provided neuroprotection against neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in mice.]
“Neonatal brain injury has been shown to reduce the amount of DHA in the brain, and the hypothesis is that nutritional supplementation with DHA could help reduce this deficiency and hence the risk of brain injury. Considering that the EPA and DHA in LYSOVETA is part of a specific molecular structure (LPC) leading to accumulation of DHA in the brain, we believe that it holds great potential to mitigate brain injury, which we now see evidenced through this recent study,” says Line Johnsen, SVP Human Health Ingredients R&D, Aker BioMarine. Key takeaways from the study:
- The study investigates the efficacy of Lysoveta in providing neuroprotection against neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in mice.
- Both gray matter and white matter loss were significantly reduced in mice supplemented with Lysoveta.
- The study results show potential neuroprotective effects by mitigating oxidative stress injury caused by HI.
- Lysoveta does not enhance the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for HI brain injury.
- No functional improvements were observed following a short-term (7 days) dose of LYSOVETA supplementation. Aker said this may be explained by a less optimal treatment dose, timing, or duration. A more optimal treatment regime could be investigated in a follow-up study.
Citicoline for brain health
The findings, unveiled at ASN’s Annual Conference—NUTRITION 2024—deepen the understanding of cognitive health and pave the way for innovative approaches to combat brain aging, Kyowa Hakko reported, noting the implications for aging populations, mental health, and neurodegenerative diseases are key areas of interest for consumers.
AI Tool supports Alzheimer's study
Nutrify Today shared the news of a product research paper on Alzheimer’s disease that was generated by the company's NutrifyGenie AI Tool. The study has been published in Current Developments in Nutrition, a journal of the American Society for Nutrition. The goal of the study was to explore the role of nutrition in managing Alzheimer’s and to evaluate the prospect of Nutrify Genie Al as a method for discovering efficient nutritional strategies.
Objectives included assessing Nutrify Genie Al understanding of related nutrient pathways and providing tailored nutritional recommendations for Alzheimer’s patients based on AI analysis. The conclusion: "Our study indicates the significance of nutrition in managing AZ, Nutrify Genie Al presents as a promising model for developing innovative therapeutic strategies within the nutrition, nutraceutical industries. Application of Nutrify Genie Al into industrial practice has a potential to overturn treatment approaches for nutritional needs. Thus, our results open up new research areas with regard to nutrition."
CBN for sleep
FloraWorks announce the peer-reviewed publication of its study on TruCBN (a proprietary ultra-pure version of the cannabinoid Cannabinol (CBN). This research represents the first clinically validated sleep claim for a cannabinoid, underscoring the therapeutic efficacy of TruCBN in enhancing sleep quality, the company said.
The double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, which was independently conducted by the clinical research and health technology company Radicle Science, included over 1,000 participants. The findings suggest CBN is both a safe and effective solution for those seeking to improve their sleep.
Key Findings:
- 50mg of TruCBN demonstrated significantly improved sleep quality compared to placebo.
- Study participants found no significant differences in side effects compared to placebo.
- TruCBN, at a 50mg dose, outperformed a standard dose of melatonin.
"This research represents a significant advancement in sleep science," said Dr. Emily K. Pauli, the study's principal investigator and Chief Research Officer at Radicle Science. "Our findings suggest that TruCBN can effectively enhance sleep quality, providing a natural and safe alternative for those struggling with sleep disturbances and, importantly, an effective alternative to melatonin."
Alleh Lindquist, CEO of FloraWork, added, "This publication is a testament to our commitment to advancing scientific understanding and clinical validation of cannabinoids. This marks a major step forward in our efforts to bring TruCBN into the mainstream markets as a safe and effective alternative in the fight against sleeplessness."
