This edition of Supplement Shorts features GLP-1 support product launches, new ingredients on display at Vitafoods Europe and ingredient testing initiatives. Check out the supplement industry news, from scientific innovations to finished products and everything in between.
Force Factor enters GLP-1 support market
Supplement brand Force Factor has entered the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) space with three new product launches at Walmart and CVS. Centered around science-backed ingredients, all products contain a citrus bioflavonoid (marketed as Eriomin by Ingredients by Nature), chromium picolinate (marketed as Chromax by Everwell Health) and banaba extract.
“We selected Eriomin for its impressive clinical validation and its synergistic potential when paired with other bioactives,” said Daniel Wallace, Force Factor CEO.
“Our new Super GLP-1 Support line represents a major step forward in natural metabolic support, and Eriomin is a cornerstone ingredient in that innovation,” Wallace said.
The product bears the term “GLP-1 support” because eriocitrin, the flavonoid in Eriomin, increases endogenous GLP-1 production. Clinical trials have also demonstrated that eriocitrin improves hyperglycemia and supports gut health by ameliorating intestinal dysbiosis.
“Nonpharmaceutical cardiometabolic actives that are natural GLP-1 boosters are in high demand, but unlike Eriomin, typically fall short on human clinical substantiation and intellectual property,” said Doug Lynch, commercial lead for Ingredients by Nature.
Clinical studies also substantiate chromium picolinate, showing it decreases carbohydrate cravings in subjects with atypical depression.
Eriomin serves as a case study for how scientific substantiation — especially in a trending category — factors into scalability of an active ingredient. It’s not just the clinicals, however.
“Branding is everything,” according to Lynch, who stressed the importance of trademarks, patents and messaging in marketing science-backed ingredients.
Learn more about the Force Factor launch, citrus flavonoid research and best practices for science-backed ingredients in the full interview with Doug Lynch below.
Marinova’s fucoidan ingredients meet the definition of prebiotic as outlined by the International Probiotics Association. Image credit: Marinova
Vitafoods Europe ingredient preview
Ingredient supplier Marinova announced that its Maritech ingredient meets the definition of a prebiotic according to the International Probiotics Association. Maritech is an extract of Undaria pinnatifida seaweed high in fucoidan.
“The prebiotic validation is based on published scientific evidence,” said David Gesch, technical services manager for Marinova.
“This includes the promotion of beneficial bacteria in the gut, in addition to supporting fermentation that produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate,” Gesch said.
Marinova will be presenting in the New Ingredients Theater at Vitafoods Europe.
Ingredient supplier Greenvit announced the launch of its aronia berry extract, Aronvit, a source of antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds to support gut health, which it will showcase at Vitafoods Europe.
“Aronia berries are rich in precision polyphenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, tannins and other flavonoids that contribute potent antioxidant properties and multiple health benefits, including activity in the GI,” said Rafał Pietruszyński, CEO of Greenvit.
Nutritional powder supplier CoreFX will showcase its newly trademarked eXoFunction and CoreNhanced BioTransport technologies at Vitafoods Europe. The former focuses on product characteristics such as flavor masking and flowability determine ingredient behavior through processing and sensory characteristics, while the latter focuses on time release and nutrient absorption.
“Brands perform across a full format journey, not just what is in the bottle, and format performance extends beyond the nutrient or bioactive itself, said Denis Neville, CEO at CoreFX.
“The CoreNhanced™ platform bridges in-product functionality and in-body bioefficacy to ensure brands improve consumer experience,” Neville said.
Ingredient manufacturer Pharmactive will be debuting its new ingredient for hair growth, Kyoh, at Vitafoods Europe. Kyoh is a Eruca sativa leaf standardized to no less than 1.5% flavanol glycosides — mostly quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin — collectively branded as Erucosides.
“Kyoh was developed in response to the growing interest in hair health, especially within the beauty-from-within space, where more targeted solutions are gaining attention,” said Carlos Rodriguez, communications manager for Pharmactive.
“Kyoh is designed as a nutricosmetic ingredient that takes a more targeted approach to hair care, delivering natural, botanical-origin support through a rigorously defined composition,” Rodriguez said.
Last year, researchers published a preclinical trial on Kyoh that outlined the mechanisms by which the ingredient supports hair growth. Clinical trial results are due to publish later this year, according to the press release.
Now Foods launched vitamin C and D3 gummies after a six-year effort to find a manufacturer that could meet their quality standards and audit requirements. Photo Credit: Now Foods
Dietary supplement finished product news
Natural product brand NOW Foods added vitamin C and D3 gummies to their dietary supplement lineup after a six-year effort to ensure the products meet their quality requirements and contain therapeutic amounts of the vitamins. These are the first vitamin gummies within NOW’s portfolio.
“We recognized that this format has grown in popularity over the years,” said Kim Perkins, supplement category manager for NOW, who said the biggest challenge was finding a contract manufacturer to meet their internal standards and pass their quality requirements.
“After many years, we are proud of the result and believe these new SKUs will be a popular addition to our extensive supplement line,” Perkins said.
Herbal supplement brand Gaia Herbs announced the launch of its new L-Ergo Complex product under its practitioner line, formulated with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) extract from Nammex as well as yeast-bound selenium. Each serving of the supplement contains 150 mg beta-glucans and 4 mg L-ergothioneine, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties and supporting cellular health. A clinical trial recently conducted on oyster mushroom supplementation showed it also supports mood in older adults.
Supplement brand Herbalist and Alchemist launched a lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) liquid supplement, formulated with both mycelium and fruiting body extracts for supporting focus and memory. “Research on lion’s mane has shown that there are two groups of active constituents contributing to its nootropic support function; the erinacines found in the mycelia and the hericenones found in the fruiting body of the fungi,” according to the press release.
Company and organization updates
Ingredient supplier NXT USA has partnered with Twin Arbor Labs to establish an independent testing method for Xeya shatavari extract. Researchers used HPLC-ELSD to measure the four shatavarins present in the ingredient.
“Clinical results are only as meaningful as the material behind them,” said Eric Anderson, managing director at NXT USA.
“Partnering with Twin Arbor Labs allows us to independently confirm that every batch of Xeya modern shatavari meets the same standards used in our clinical research,” Anderson said.
Ingredient supplier Jiaherb announced the launch of its new testing program, JiaSure. Citing the complexity of botanical raw materials, the company “aims to provide customers and partners with practical insights into proper testing methodologies, common pitfalls and real-world analytical challenges,” according to the press release.
“We have encountered many cases where incorrect testing methods or inappropriate reference standards led to confusion and even misleading conclusions,” said Corey Shaw, vice president.
“Through this program, we want to help our customers better understand how to interpret the testing reports and approach botanical testing correctly.”
Botanical supplier Nektium announced that it achieved B Corp certification as part of its commitment to quality and sustainability. “Our commitment to conducting business in a different manner will serve as a source of inspiration for others and will help to disseminate the notion that we can redefine success in business to encompass people and planet as well as profit,” said Beatriz Ercilla, Nektium’s quality, regulatory and sustainability director.
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].