In this edition of Supplement Shorts: Research backed the benefits of branded ingredients, new product launches centered around the gut for supporting health, and Women in Nutraceuticals welcomed two new board members. Check out the supplement industry news, from scientific innovations to finished products and everything in between.
Clinical currents and science news
Omega-3 stearidonic acid (SDA) was the subject of a recent review article highlighting sources of SDA and its impact on human health. The authors noted that SDA converts to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) more efficiently than alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and that Buglossoides arvensis is the most studied source of SDA.
“This first systematic literature review of omega-3 SDA adds important support for brands, brand holders and co-manufacturers in supplements, foods and beverages,” said Greg Cumberford, science and business development lead at Natures Crops International, the manufacturer of ingredients derived from Ahiflower, a branded cultivar of B. arvensis.
Cumberford maintained and the review confirmed that SDA can help stakeholders “achieve better nutrient-density, insulin sensitivity, and whole-body anti-inflammatory ‘look well, move well, feel well’ benefits in skin and joints from omega-3 sources — yet at no trade-offs to taste or consumer convenience.”
An ex vivo digestion study on Digexin, a blend of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) extracts, showed the ingredient improves butyrate production and promotes healthy microbial cross-feeding. NXT USA, the ingredient supplier that markets Digexin, is considering next steps for research and publication of the active’s prebiotic effects.
“We already know Digexin delivers real relief for people dealing with irregular bowel movements, bloating, gas and especially constipation,” Eric Anderson, managing director at NXT USA, stated.
“This study helps explain why — showing that Digexin engages the gut microbiome in a way that promotes butyrate-forward fermentation and balanced microbial metabolism,” he said. “It reinforces Digexin’s multipathway approach to digestive health, without relying on fibers or live bacteria.”
A meta-analysis on Rhodiola rosea supplementation highlighted its ergogenic benefits in endurance performance. Specific metrics improved by rhodiola included VO2max, time to exhaustion and antioxidant capacity.
“This meta-analysis reinforces that rhodiola’s benefits are dose-dependent, with the strongest effects observed at ≥600 mg/d of extract,” said Stacey Smith, senior medical science liaison at Gnosis by Lesaffre, a nutraceutical ingredient supplier.
“It is noteworthy that, as a key bioactive, LANDKIND Pure Salidroside (salidroside is the active component in rhodiola) is effective at dosages far below what is required for the same effect of Rhodiola rosea — 60 mg/d vs. the mean range of 400-700 mg/d,” Smith reported.
Wellness brand OLLY — well known for its gummy supplements—diverged into capsules with the launch of its Precise Probiotics line. Photo Credit: OLLY
Dietary supplement finished product news
Wellness brand OLLY branched away from its staple gummy format to launch Precise Probiotics capsules for stress, metabolism and skin support. All products contain a foundation of the SYNBIO probiotic blend (Lactobacillus paracasei IMC502 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC501) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07, with additional probiotics added specific to the target need state of each product.
“We built each formula on a shared foundation to deliver consistent, everyday benefits that consumers expect from a probiotic — digestive and immune support,” said Shikha Snigdha, Ph.D., VP of scientific affairs for OLLY.
“Each unique strain was chosen based on clinical research linking specific probiotic strains to targeted benefits beyond the gut,” Snigdha said.
While gummies have improved compliance and made dietary supplements more approachable, capsules were the right choice for stability of lactic acid bacteria, Snigdha explained, which is why format selection was key for the new product launch.
“It is a key piece of a larger microbiome strategy focused on meeting growing consumer demand for purposeful, science-backed gut health products that support whole-body wellness,” Snigdha said.
Supplement brand Sifts launched a dietary supplement for supporting consumers in the face of microplastics exposure. Among other gut-supporting ingredients, the product is formulated with chitosan, a polymer formed from chitin found in crustacean shells. A pilot study on ten healthy volunteers showed participants had increased excretion of microplastics in their stool.
“The idea for Sifts started with a simple, unsettling realization: the health-conscious consumer who reads labels and filters their water is still ingesting microplastics every single day,” said Jacob Gilson, founder of Sifts.
“We saw a gap in the market and looked to emerging science around how natural compounds interact with particles in the digestive tract,” Gilson said.
Microbiome biotech company WonderBiotics announced the launch of its Daily Fiber Mix, formulated with soluble fiber and prebiotic ingredients. The product is finely milled for fast solubility and easy addition into a wide range of liquids and contains six grams of fiber per serving. The product helps consumers curb nighttime cravings and prevent energy crashes, according to the press release.
“A healthy gut is a diverse ecosystem, and different probiotic strains require different fibers,” said Taylor Cottle, scientific advisory board member at WonderBiotics.”
“With our new Daily Fiber Mix, we provide a spectrum of fibers to foster a resilient and balanced microbiome,” Cottle said. “We are shifting the conversation from quantity to complexity.”
WonderBiotic’s Daily Fiber Mix contains a blend of soluble fibers and prebiotics to support a balanced microbiome. Photo Credit: WonderBiotics
Company and organization updates
Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN) announced the election of Petra Erlandson and Ewa Hudson to its board of directors, which helps shape WIN’s initiatives, strategy and member engagement.
“Ewa and Petra bring a powerful combination of industry insight, commercial strategy, leadership experience, and passion for advancing women in the nutraceuticals industry,” said Rebecca Takemoto, WIN executive director.
WIN also announced Mary Ann Nation-Greenwall as winner of the WIN heroine award. “Her career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and creating opportunities for others to thrive,” Takemoto said. “She has made a lasting impact across multiple communities, and we are proud to recognize her contributions.”
Nutrition consultancy Specialty Nutrition has named Alejandra Gratson, Ph.D. as managing partner. She has spent the last two decades working on product development and innovation in the functional food and dietary supplement industries.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on translating scientific and consumer insights into product strategies grounded in credible, differentiated science,” Gratson said.
“Today, as evolving consumer expectations fuel a shift in our industry toward greater transparency and efficacy, I’m excited to help companies rethink how they integrate established and emerging technologies into their innovation pipelines and, together, shape the future of truly science-led product innovation.”
The Southern California Dietary Supplements Consortium will be hosting its first east coast event on May 15 in Rockville, MD. The event features a keynote session with Cara Welch, director of the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Both in-person and online registration are available.
Left: Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN) welcomes new board members Ewa Hudson and Petra Erlandson. Right: Mary Ann Nation-Greenwall wins the heroine award, surrounded by WIN’s board of directors. Image Credit: Women in Nutraceuticals.
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].