Connecting the dots between postpartum depression and micronutrient status, the importance of fiber supplementation for those taking GLP-1 medications, and company updates from new CEOs to new investments make this edition of Supplement Shorts. Check out the supplement industry news, from scientific innovations to finished products and everything in between.
New tool helps women uncover nutrient deficiencies connected with postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects nearly 1 in 5 women globally, yet many new mothers do not understand the criticality of vitamins and minerals in mental health. Micronutrient imbalances such as low trace element levels and vitamin D insufficiency can play a role in PPD.
Maryann Walsh, registered dietitian experienced postpartum depression herself, set out to empower women with this knowledge in the hope it could help others dealing with maternal mental health issues.
The ISLA protocol — Integrated Symptom and Lab Assessment for maternal mental health — is an evidence-based tool that combines existing mental health questionnaires with nutrient biomarker ranges to help women understand if nutritional issues are playing a role in mental health status.
The website also facilitates blood tests to assess nutrient levels, with options to have labs performed at a Quest Diagnostics location (via Fullscript) or providing a test list to take to a medical care provider.
Walsh designed the tool, which she named after her daughter, as a free resource and an adjunct to therapy and medications, ensuring moms leave no stone unturned when it comes to their mental health. She said that while medication and therapy helped her in her personal struggle, it is important for all options to be part of the conversation.
As she developed the ISLA protocol, she learned specifically that imbalances in copper and zinc can impact mental health. The tool alerts women to these imbalances and suggests nutritional strategies, including dietary supplements, to address them.
“There needs to be more awareness about micronutrients and mental health status,” Walsh said.
“If we can help these tests become the standard of care for women, we can empower women and further the conversation about mental health,” she said. “Dietary supplement brands also should facilitate education and evidence-based recommendations to support this important cause.”
Clinical currents and science news
An article in the journal of nutrition reviewed role of fiber supplementation for those taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications, positing that fiber supplements can help alleviate some of the side effects associated with GLP-1 RA medication and may help maintain weight loss after discontinuing medication.
“For brands looking to formulate for the GLP-1 user, finding clinically validated fiber that’s gentle on the stomach would be advantageous,” said Brittany Johnson, Ph.D., senior business development manager at FutureCeuticals and author of the report.
“For after GLP-1, fiber formulations should utilize fibers that have a prebiotic and/or postbiotic benefit, since there is evidence that the microbiome helps support weight management,” Johnson said.
Cognitive health ingredients are getting attention in the research literature as of late. A review on urolithins suggests these compounds may help with mild cognitive impairment via modulation of inflammation, mitochondrial function, gut microbiome and oxidative stress.
Additionally, a prospective study following older adults (ages 55-75) with metabolic syndrome for two years showed higher dietary choline “was associated with slower decline in attention and beneficial changes in language.” Higher dietary betaine intake was linked to benefits in language and executive function.
A clinical trial on eggshell membrane showed improved joint symptoms for people with osteoarthritis. Participants took 600 mg of eggshell membrane (marketed as Ovomet-AS by ingredient supplier Eggnovo) for 12 weeks, resulting in significant improvements as measured by both visual analog scales and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).
Cranberry-derived flavonoids may provide another avenue for supporting women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a preclinical trial in mice. The initial research demonstrated a cranberry extract with high flavonoid content increased endometrial thickness and decreased serum testosterone and estradiol levels.
Thorne touts positive results from independent consumer studies on their Magnesium Glycinate and Ginseng Plus products. Photo Credit: Thorne
Dietary supplement finished product news
Supplement brand Thorne announced positive results of independent consumer studies evaluating its magnesium glycinate and ginseng plus products. Of the consumers who took the magnesium supplement for 28 days, 91% reported sleep improvements and 94% reported “improved ability to stay calm in stressful situations.” Of those who took the ginseng supplement for 30 days, 85% reported increased energy and 71% said their mood improved.
Consumer brand GoHydrate has entered the supplement category with the launch of its GoHydrate+Creatine stick packs. Each sachet of the kiwi strawberry-flavored product delivers 5 g creatine monohydrate along with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium.
Supplement brand Amare launched NeuCollagen, a supplement for supporting beauty from within, joint and muscle health and cognitive well-being. The formula contains six science-backed, branded ingredients including Collavant n2, Dermial and Mobilee from ingredient supplier Bioiberica.
“We set out to reimagine what collagen could do. By combining clinically studied ingredients with our expertise in the gut-brain connection, we’ve created a formula that supports beauty, mobility, and mental well-being together in one powerful solution,” said Marie Swisher, Amare chief marketing officer.
Amare NeuCollagen contains six science-backed, branded ingredients targeting multiple needs states associated with collagen ingredients, such as beauty from within and joint health. Photo Credit: Amare Global
Company and organization updates
Contract research organization Radicle Science announced a multimillion dollar investment in its platform from Resilience Reserve. Radicle also was selected for the One Mind Accelerator program and was invited to three Plug & Play Silicon Valley innovation cohorts.
“Radicle Science has pioneered a remarkable ability to put non-pharmaceutical products through large, rigorous clinical trials, thereby unlocking powerful new possibilities for affordable treatments,” said Chris Anderson, Resilience Reserve co-founder.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition announced the launch of SciComms Connect, centered around using scientific evidence for responsible product development and communication with consumers. The symposium will take place on Oct. 6 before CRN’s Innovation Exchange that same day and Convergence Oct. 7-8.
“Our members consistently tell us that one of the industry’s biggest challenges — and opportunities — is ensuring that strong science is communicated clearly and responsibly,” said CRN vice president of communications Jeff Ventura.
“Consumers today are navigating an unprecedented volume of health information over an array of platforms. SciComms Connect will bring scientists, product innovators and communicators together to explore how evidence-based insights can be conveyed accurately and in ways that are relatable to consumers,” Ventura said.
Wellness brand Live Conscious has committed a fixed annual pledge to support Vitamin Angels, an organization dedicated to providing vitamins and minerals to at-risk populations such as pregnant women, infants and young children.
“As a women-led team serving a 79% female community, we recognize the importance of mothers and children having access to essential nutrients needed for a healthy, productive life,” said Jillian DeMarche, brand director for Live Conscious.
Health tech app SuppCo announced the launch of its TESTED program, an independent certification that tests off-the-shelf products to measure against ingredient claims. All results — good or bad — will be posted on SuppCo’s product pages.
“SuppCo was born out of my own frustration trying to make informed decisions about supplements, and I quickly realized this wasn’t a personal challenge, but a systemic failure of the industry,” said Steve Martocci, co-founder and CEO.
“With TESTED by SuppCo, we’re setting a clear, independent standard for transparency and accountability so people can finally trust what they’re buying, and responsible brands can prove it,” Martocci said.
Plant-cell-based ingredient company Novella announced Antonio Martinez Descalzo will serve in the chief executive role. “Having successfully completed pilot production, we are moving into full industrial manufacturing, responding to the global demand for precise, consistent and high-potency botanical ingredients,” said chairman and co-founder Kobi Avidan.
“Martinez’s combined background as a seasoned nutraceutical expert and global commercial strategist makes him the ideal leader to steer Novella toward becoming a commercial powerhouse,” Avidan said.
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 at [email protected].
