PEA for Menstrual Discomfort

 Menstrual pain, or primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain without any underlying pathology), is estimated to be the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain globally (World Health Organization), with a prevalence of 45% to 95%. It is linked to restrictions in daily activities, work and school absenteeism, and personal distress. 

Gencor shared the news of its recent published human clinical study investigating its palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient, Levagen+, as a safe, innovative, and effective supplement to ease acute menstrual discomfort. Gencor explained that the main cause of the painful symptoms is attributed to the overproduction of uterine prostaglandins, particularly prostaglandin F2-α (PGF2α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which peak during the early days of menstruation. In addition to regulatory effects on inflammation, pain, and body temperature, prostaglandin production is thought to contribute to secondary symptoms of menstrual pain, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, women experiencing dysmenorrhea may show elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and an increased body temperature.

Preclinical research suggests that PEA’s primary mechanism of action is to provide relief from occasional discomfort and support a balanced inflammatory response, which may be through the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR α). This latest randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of PEA in alleviating acute menstrual pain in otherwise healthy women.

The study involved 80 menstruating females aged 18 years and older self-reporting mild to moderate menstruating cramp pain. Each randomized bottle of the trial product contained either 350mg of Levagen+ or the placebo. Pain scores were recorded on the numerical pain rating scale (NRS) every 30 minutes for up to four hours.

The findings: Levagen+ significantly reduced pain scores compared to placebo at 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 hours post-dose, with a pain reduction of approximately 25% by 2.5 hours compared to the placebo group.

“Despite its negative effect on daily life and common occurrence, menstrual pain is often perceived as a ‘normal’ facet of a woman’s menstrual cycle,” said R.V. Venkatesh, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Gencor. “The results of this study show that Levagen+ can be an effective and quick-acting supplement to support women during their monthly cycles. We are excited to continue to explore how Levagen+ can support female health.”  

Adaptogen for Exercise Performance

Gnosis by Lesaffre published a  study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition demonstrating that supplementation with LANDKIND Pure Salidroside exerts positive impacts on exercise performance. An active compound in the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea, Salidroside is only found in limited quantities naturally occurring in the plant. In response, Gnosis developed a proprietary fermentation process to isolate pure salidroside, ensuring long-term, stable supply without depleting R. rosea resources.

"What we have with LANDKIND Pure Salidroside is truly unique in the industry," shared Nicole Lemus, Gnosis Director Americas. "Our precision, proprietary fermentation process creates a sustainable, ethically sourced bioactive of Rhodiola with consistent purity and stability. Most importantly, it offers brand owners unmatched convenience and versatility for cutting-edge product development: with a lower dose requirement versus Rhodiola extracts, LANDKIND Pure Salidroside offers a proven base for innovative natural energy products with room for other targeted bioactives. It can also be a powerful but small-dose natural energy component that can be easily added to existing products. In either case, its pure format avoids the bulk and taste challenges of large Rhodiola doses.”

The study included 50 healthy men and women. Participants were supplemented with 30 mg twice a day of LANDKIND Pure Salidroside or a placebo and engaged in two multi-day testing sessions separated by 14 days. Participants performed graded exercise tests on a treadmill to determine their peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) and engaged in a high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) protocol depending on their VO2 peak. Maximal strength and muscular endurance were also assessed. Mood state evaluations were also conducted using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Blood samples were analyzed for erythropoietin, myoglobin, and creatine kinase-MM. The results showed several aspects of sports performance were positively influenced by dietary supplementation with salidroside, from cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance to recovery.

Hokkaido Scallop Oil Plasmalogen for Cognitive Function

A pilot study conducted by Fred Pescatore, M.D., MPH, compared the cognitive benefits of Daiwa Brain Health, a supplement containing Hokkaido scallop oil plasmalogen (HSOP), to a widely used cognitive support formula. The study, published in Alternative Therapies, examined 30 participants with subjective cognitive impairment, dividing them into groups of 15. One group took Daiwa Brain Health, providing 0.5 mg of plasmalogen per capsule; the other consumed a blend containing 10 mg apoaequorin and 50 μg vitamin D and D3 per capsule. Cognitive function was assessed using the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) and the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) before and after the study period. Key Findings:

• Participants taking Daiwa Brain Health showed statistically significant improvement in both cognitive assessments.
• The blended supplement group showed no statistically significant changes.
• Dr. Pescatore noted that individuals taking Daiwa Brain Health reported personally feeling a cognitive difference.

HSOP, the key ingredient in Daiwa Brain Health, is a phospholipid found in high concentrations in the brain and known for its antioxidant properties. Plasmalogen levels decline with age, with older individuals reported to have approximately 40% lower blood plasmalogen levels than younger adults. Published research indicates that daily supplementation with scallop-derived plasmalogens at 0.5 to 1 mg can increase blood plasmalogen levels and support cognitive function. Previous animal studies suggest that oral plasmalogen supplementation may suppress brain inflammation and improve memory.

With the U.S. population over age 65 projected to grow significantly, Dr. Pescatore emphasized the increasing demand for brain health solutions. “I don't think there's any person in that age category that doesn't say they could use some help with their brain or memory,” he said. “And now, especially people in their 40s and 50s, are asking for a supplement that protects and promotes healthy brain function.”

Chicory Root Fibers for Weight Management

Chicory root fibers significantly reduce body weight, BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and to some degree body fat percentage—this according to a new systematic literature review meta-analysis performed by Dr Raylene Reimer at the University of Calgary. With obesity continuing to pose a major health risk for individuals across the globe, the results of this research are making a strong case for the positive effects of prebiotic chicory root fiber on gut microbiota and metabolic health like BENEO’s Orafti Inulin and Oligofructose prebiotic fibers. The natural, non-GMO, clean-label prebiotic fibers are derived from chicory root and can be used in a wide range of food and beverage applications including baby food, according to national legislations.

“Prebiotics have been investigated for their ability to modulate the gut microbiota and affect various aspects of metabolic health. This systematic review and meta-analyses show that inulin-type fructans, specifically those derived from chicory root, beneficially impact multiple facets of body weight management. Given the positive outcomes seen across a wide range of participants, chicory root prebiotic fiber could be an important tool to help promote improved weight management," commented Dr. Raylene Reimer.

Prebiotic for Benefits Beyond Gut & Immune Health

A study published in Metabolites, titled “The Roles of Diet, Gut Microbiome and Microbial Metabolome in Precision Nutrition” reveals that Benicaros, a precision prebiotic from NutriLeads, can increase the production of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA)—a beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound linked to gut, immune, cardiovascular, brain, and metabolic health. The findings build on previous research showing the ability of Benicaros to increase short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and support gut health. Key Findings:

• Benicaros promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium longum, which enhances IPA production by converting tryptophan into IPA.
• Benicaros delivers reliable results across different gut microbiome compositions.
• Benicaros modulates the gut microbiome in a way that reduces the production of harmful metabolites.

“Benicaros consistently modulates the gut microbiome, delivering reliable results regardless of individual differences in gut microbiome composition,” said NutriLeads CEO Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, Ph.D. “We are very excited about these new results, as they suggest that Benicaros could offer health benefits beyond gut and immune health, potentially supporting the gut-brain connection as well."

NAD Boosters for Promoting Longevity  

A recent study published in Nature Metabolism uncovers the critical role of mitochondria in regulating cellular NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels, reinforcing the importance of maintaining NAD balance for energy production, DNA repair, and overall cellular function. NXT USA says the findings support the potential of NAD-boosting supplements, such as BluNAD Booster from Blue Helix Health and NXT USA, to help sustain NAD levels. Maintaining NAD levels may benefit brain function, memory, and neurological resilience, addressing concerns related to aging. Key Findings:

• While cells can adapt to NAD decline, mitochondrial NAD depletion has more severe consequences, contributing to metabolic imbalances and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Mitochondria help maintain NAD availability across cellular compartments, ensuring critical metabolic processes continue even under stress or nutrient deprivation.
• Key enzymes and transporters are involved in NAD regulation, offering new targets for therapeutic approaches.

“The main takeaway is that NAD decline is generally well tolerated by cells unless it originates in mitochondria,” said Dr. Mathias Zeigler, Professor of Biomedicine at the University of Bergen, Norway. “Mitochondria act as a cellular buffer for NAD, and their dysfunction may exacerbate neurodegenerative diseases known to involve mitochondrial deficiencies.”

Paraxanthine for Supporting Brain Health

A preclinical study in Experimental Brain Research reinforces previous human clinical research demonstrating the cognitive benefits of paraxanthine (PX) over caffeine, according to an announcement from TSI Group. The study confirms that PX—as enfinity, a patent-pending form of PX exclusively distributed by TSI Group—outperforms caffeine in enhancing memory, neuroplasticity, and key brain health markers. Key Findings

• PX significantly improved memory, reasoning, response time, and sustained attention compared to caffeine.
• PX supplementation led to higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience.
• PX improved markers of oxidative stress, neurotransmitters, and long-term brain health.

"Not only did PX significantly improve cognitive performance, it also showed significant improvements compared with the control and caffeine groups in several key markers,” said researcher and enfinity energy Partner Ralf Jäger, Ph.D. FISSN, CISSN, MBA. “These included markers of oxidative stress (catalase, glutathione), indicators of long-term brain health (beta-amyloid), and neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA) in the brain.”

TSI Group President Larry Kolb added, "We are excited about the continued paraxanthine research, and about bringing this effective and well-tolerated ingredient to consumers. It is opening huge opportunities in the functional beverage/energy space.” 

Butyrate for Wellbeing

NutraShure Distribution shared a study published in the Journal of Exercise and Nutrition comparing the pharmacokinetics of three butyrate forms: sodium butyrate, lysine butyrate (as BIOMEnd), and tributyrin. The study involved healthy adult men, ages 25-45, who ingested one of the three butyrate forms. Blood samples were collected over a 3.5-hour period and analyzed using GC-MS techniques to measure serum butyrate levels. Researchers also assessed participants' well-being, mood, motivation, and concentration through Visual Analog Scales.

Results showed that BIOMEnd had higher peak plasma concentrations and reached maximum concentration more quickly than tributyrin, indicating greater bioavailability. BIOMEnd achieved a 500% higher peak concentration than tributyrin and 180% higher than sodium butyrate. Participants also reported improved well-being, calmness, and motivation.

“This study is the first comparative study of three commercially available forms of butyrate,” said Brandon Sojka, CEO of NutraShure. “The exceptional pharmacokinetic advantage of BIOMEnd coupled with our new substantiated GLP-1 claims and superior delivery form allows us to provide a solution for supporting gut health, weight management, and overall well-being.”

BIOMEnd was developed to address formulation challenges related to palatability and solubility while supporting gut health, GLP-1 activity, and immune function.

Postbiotic and Fiber for Cat Gut Health

Research published in Animals explored the effects of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347, combined with Fibersol-2, on the intestinal health of adult cats before and after a diet change. The research, conducted by ADM in collaboration with China Agricultural University, suggests that this combination supports gut microbiota balance, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and enhances digestive health.

The 28-day study involved 24 cats at the Pet Nutrition Research Center in Beijing. From days 1 to 14, all cats were fed a lower-protein diet (33%), with half receiving a supplement containing Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 and Fibersol-2. From days 15 to 28, all cats switched to a higher-protein diet (40%), and the supplemented group continued receiving the additive.

Cats receiving the supplement showed improvements in serum lipopolysaccharide levels, an indicator of intestinal permeability, both before and after the diet change. They also had increased secretory immunoglobulin A, suggesting enhanced immune function, and positive shifts in microbiome composition, including greater Blautia abundance and microbial beta diversity.

While both groups experienced an increase in fecal pH after the diet change, the supplemented group maintained a lower pH, potentially due to Blautia-derived organic acid production.

“We understand the vital role gut health plays in pets' overall well-being, particularly during dietary changes,” said Mark Lotsch, President of Global Health and Wellness at ADM. “Insights from this study will open new doors for creating pet food solutions that enhance digestive health and nutritional balance.”

Synergistic Benefits of All Four Tocotrienol Isoforms

PhytoGaia shared news of a study that has redefined understanding of tocotrienols and tocopherols interaction, reaffirming the importance of a balanced, full-spectrum tocotrienols/tocopherol complex in its natural ratio, as what nature intended. Key findings:

• Alpha-Tocopherol Increases Delta-Tocotrienol Absorption: The study found that supplementing with 264 mg/day of d-alpha-tocopherol (equivalent to approximately 393 IU/day of natural alpha-tocopherol) alongside 250 mg/day of d-delta-tocotrienol, increased plasma delta-tocotrienol levels. PhytoGaia said this finding debunks a common misconception that alpha tocopherol reduces tocotrienol absorption and opens new avenues for research into the synergistic effects of tocotrienols and tocopherols.
• Neutral Effects on Lipid Profiles: While supplementation with d-delta-tocotrienol alone showed a trend toward increasing HDL-C and decreasing triglyceride levels, PhytoGaia said the changes were not statistically significant.
• Potential Benefits for Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: The study found that 14 days of d-delta-tocotrienol intake (250 mg/day) together with 264 mg/day (393 IU/day) of d-alpha-tocopherol may lower oxidative stress markers and suppress inflammatory cytokines associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as resistin, IL-1α, IL-12, FGF-b, and PDGF.

PhytoGaia said the findings reinforce its strong advocacy for a full-spectrum approach that harnesses the synergistic benefits of all four tocotrienol isoforms (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) along with tocopherols in their natural ratio. Bryan See, Vice President of PhytoGaia, said, “Each individual tocotrienol—alpha, beta, gamma, and delta—has its own unique biological activity and health benefits. For instance, alpha-tocotrienol, as reported in NIH-funded studies, is the most neuroprotective tocotrienol, while gamma-tocotrienol has shown strong cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. Delta-tocotrienol on the other hand has shown promising results for various cancer tumour markers. This is why a full-spectrum tocotrienols/tocopherol complex in its natural ratio, as found in TocoGaia (which is naturally extracted from palm fruits), is essential to harnessing the synergistic benefits of all isoforms as in a complex, rather than relying on a single isomer.”

Dr. Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist of PhytoGaia, added, “The discovery that alpha-tocopherol can indeed increase delta-tocotrienol absorption, challenges the long-held misconception and underscores the importance of a balanced formulation–with both tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherol as what natures intended. At PhytoGaia, we have always championed the synergy between tocotrienols and tocopherols as a complete complex, and this study further reinforces the need for a holistic approach to tocotrienol research and formulations.” 

Saw Palmetto Extract for Urinary Health in Men with BPH

A study published in The Canadian Journal of Urology examined the effects of USPlus, a standardized USP-verified saw palmetto extract from Valensa International, on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The condition, which affects nearly 50% of men beginning in their 40s, can lead to difficulty urinating, frequent and urgent urination, and other bladder-related issues.

About the study: 45 healthy men with a mean age of 55  supplemented with 320 mg of USPlus daily for 12 weeks. Researchers assessed urinary flow parameters and symptom severity using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) score at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks.

Key Findings:

• 65% of participants saw an improvement in IPSS scores, indicating reduced urinary symptom severity.
• 100% of participants reported improved QoL scores at 12 weeks, with one-third noticing improvements as early as six weeks.
• At 12 weeks, there were significant improvements in both voiding (e.g., stronger stream, less straining) and storage symptoms (e.g., reduced urgency and frequency).
• 50% of men experienced a stronger stream and reduced straining within six weeks.
• 59% of men reported better bladder control and reduced urgency.

Lead investigator Bilal Chughtai, M.D., Department of Urology, Northwell Health, noted the study provides “promising clinical evidence for the use of standardized USP-verified saw palmetto for men suffering with BPH.”

Valensa CEO Umasudhan Palaniswamy highlighted the impact of BPH on men’s quality of life and the demand for natural alternatives" “Three to four million men in the U.S. seek a natural, safe, and effective solution rather than pharmaceutical options. This latest study demonstrates the value of supplementing with USPlus to promote better urinary flow, bladder, and prostate health for men 40 years and older.”

GLP-1 Medication Use Trends

A study analyzing real-world use of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapies in adults with overweight or obesity has been published in JAMA Network Open. The findings provide insights into discontinuation and reinitiation rates and the impact of income, side effects, and weight changes, according to a press release from Truveta Research.

GLP-1 RA medications, including semaglutide and the dual GLP-1 RA/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) medication tirzepatide, are widely used for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment. Truveta Research, in collaboration with Ezekiel Emanuel, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, examined factors influencing medication discontinuation and subsequent reinitiation.

“Given the huge obesity and diabetes epidemics in the U.S., access to GLP-1 medications is a public health priority,” Dr. Emanuel said. “This study sheds light on the challenges real-world patients face in staying on these medications and highlights the need to address barriers such as cost, insurance coverage, and equitable policies.”

Key Findings: The study analyzed data from 125,474 adults with a body mass index of 27 or higher who began GLP-1 RA treatment between 2018 and 2023. Patients were followed for up to two years to assess discontinuation rates and another two years to track reinitiation.

• Within one year, discontinuation was higher in patients without type 2 diabetes (64.8%) compared to those with diabetes (46.5%).
• Greater weight loss was associated with lower discontinuation rates. A 1% reduction in weight correlated with a 3% lower likelihood of stopping the medication.
• Among patients with type 2 diabetes, higher income was linked to lower discontinuation rates. Those earning more than $80,000 were 28% less likely to discontinue treatment than those earning under $30,000.
• Moderate or severe gastrointestinal side effects increased the likelihood of discontinuation.
• Among 41,792 patients who discontinued treatment and had post-discontinuation weight data, reinitiation rates were lower in those without diabetes (36.3% restarted within a year) compared to those with diabetes (47.3%).
• Weight regain after discontinuation increased the likelihood of restarting treatment. A 1% weight gain was associated with a 2.5% higher probability of reinitiation.

“Our findings highlight that, despite the increasing use of GLP-1 RA medications, many patients discontinue them within a year, especially those without diabetes, for whom insurance coverage may be limited,” said Tricia Rodriguez, Ph.D., MPH, principal applied research scientist at Truveta and lead author of the study.