The gut-bone axis and menopause, science-supported product launches and claims, and a new patent make this edition of Supplement Shorts. Check out the supplement industry news, from ingredients to finished products.
Synbiotic may provide benefit for postmenopausal women
Researchers showed SBD111 – a synbiotic medical food – reduces bone loss via the gut-bone axis, according to a new in vitro study published by the Journal of Functional Foods. Cellular studies showed the synbiotic preparation improved gut epithelial barrier function, decreased inflammation markers and also decreased osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone resorption.
This research is particularly important for postmenopausal women, as decreased estrogen is associated with bone loss. Researchers have shown a link between gut permeability, inflammation and bone loss in this population. While osteoporosis affects 1 in 5 women, according to the National Institutes of Health, estimates are that 50% of women aged 50 or older have osteoporosis or osteopenia.
SBD111 is a combination of prebiotic fibers and several probiotic strains: Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Pichia kudriavzevii. Scientists evaluated the effects of SBD111 in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of postmenopausal women over 12 months. While there were no significant differences in bone loss for the entire cohort, subjects with osteopenia or a BMI greater than 30 experienced a reduction in bone mineral density loss.
Clinical currents and science news
Scientists found no consistent link between the use of nonsugar sweeteners and cancer, according to a review article in Advances in Nutrition. Although intake of the sweeteners was self-reported, the review of 90 epidemiological studies showed no clear connection with cancer. This is good news as the supplement category grows beyond pills and capsules and formulators look for more healthful ingredient solutions.
Multi-ingredient liposomal formulations boosted absorption of nutrients, according to new study published by Functional Foods. Researchers evaluated two multi-nutrient liposomal products against their non-liposomal controls in a randomized, double-blind crossover study.
New product innovations
Waleria Healthtech, manufacturer of aspurus shatavari extract, announced via press release New Chapter featured the ingredient in their new supplement, Shatavari Force Menopause Support. Each one-capsule serving contains 500 mg of the shatavari extract that has been shown to improve menopausal symptoms.
“Our collaboration with New Chapter is just the start of what is possible when clinically studied ingredients that target menopause meet brand integrity,” said Komal Baldwa, founder of Waleria. “aspurus gives formulators a standardized botanical that delivers measurable results, and Shatavari Force is a perfect showcase of that science.”
PureHealth Research announced launch of new line of supplements for lymph system support. The formulations include botanicals like burdock root, dandelion extract, and Echinacea.
“We’ve watched the scientific understanding of lymphatic health evolve significantly over the past decade,” said Giedrius Cekanskis, CEO of PureHealth Research. “Our lymph system supplements collection reflects this research by incorporating ingredients that clinical studies have shown to support fluid balance, drainage, and immune function.
Oral dissolvable strip brand Melts filed for a patent on their strip technology that improves absorption of nutrients like vitamins and amino acids. According to the press release, this technology utilizes a blend of naturally derived ingredients to protect sensitive actives while simultaneously working with the oral barrier to improve delivery.
“Submitting this patent application is a major milestone for Melts,” said Sam Bregmen, Co-Founder of Melts. “It reflects our continued commitment to real science to make wellness more effective and more accessible.”
Melts oral dissolvable strips start delivering nutrients within 30 seconds, with complete dissolution of the strip within 60-90 seconds. Credit: Melts.
Company updates
NXT USA announced via press release third party validation of their 7-day digestive regularity claims for Digexin, a proprietary blend of okra and ashwagandha extracts. Regulatory compliance firm REJIMUS verified the claims by evaluating clinical trials on Digexin alongside published literature. Such claims include “helps achieve daily regularity in seven days” and “helps relieve occasional gas and bloating in as little as seven days.”
“Digexin has extensive clinical and scientific evidence that supports the distinct structure-function claims that truly separates this ingredient from all others in the category,” said Brandon Griffin, CEO of REJIMUS.
“Our competition isn’t other ingredient suppliers in this category—it’s the mindset of end-consumers thinking that their gut health challenges have limited or no viable self-care solutions,” said Eric Anderson, managing director of NXT USA. “If the dietary supplement industry wants lasting credibility, brands and their supply-chain partners have to invest in real clinical research and third-party scientific validations.”
Maypro announced via press release a partnership with ClostraBio for exclusive distribution of their ingredients, starting with the probiotic CLB101. This probiotic is a strain of Anaerostipes caccae which generates butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that supports the gut lining and integrity of the epithelial barrier.
“At ClostraBio, our mission is to leverage a science driven, multi-pronged approach to address conditions of the lower gut, using novel next-generation probiotics,” said Ritu Shah, CEO of ClostraBio. “CLB101 is the first probiotic designed to mimic the body’s natural butyrate cycle, offering a new frontier in gut integrity and immune support.”
Nutrition supplement brand Metagenics announced Patrick Sly will be the next CEO. “The professional segment of the supplements category has tremendous growth potential, and Metagenics’ outstanding brand and clinically tested product line position the company for continued success,” said Sly.
Launching innovative ingredients and products? Did you just publish a new clinical trial? Getting ready to announce something big? SupplySide Supplement Journal would love to know. Reach out to Devon on LinkedIn with all your buzzworthy news.