Beyond The Headlines: Clasado Biosciences and Bart’s distribution agreement, CDC salmonella outbreak warning

21 Jun 2024 --- In nutrition news this week, Clasado Biosciences and Bart drew up an exclusive distribution agreement for prebiotic Bimuno GOS to be dispensed in Poland, while Lifesum acquired Lykon and Enzyme Science designed the GI + Biome Complex formula to promote healthy digestive function. Meanwhile, Abbott and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) collaborated to increase access to healthy foods and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning about a salmonella outbreak in cucumbers.

Business news
Clasado Biosciences signed a new distribution agreement with functional ingredient specialist Bart, who will be its exclusive distributor of prebiotic ingredient, Bimuno GOS, to the Polish market. The agreement further strengthens the global accessibility of Clasado’s prebiotic, which has comprehensive scientific backing and is low-dose and stable. Bimuno GOS nourishes good bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria, associated with gastrointestinal, immune and cognitive health. It is available in powder and syrup formats and is highly versatile, making it suitable for various product applications, including dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages.

Nutrition app Lifesum has acquired Lykon, a biomarker-based personalized nutrition company in Germany. By combining its nutrition expertise with Lykon’s at-home biomarker testing and customized health solutions capabilities, Lifesum aims to provide a comprehensive, personalized experience. Lifesum users can scientifically validate their health, improve it and access tools to change their behavior conveniently and affordably. The company’s strategy includes forging partnerships with industry leaders such as Ōura, Nike and Amazon and pursuing further acquisitions to enhance the platform.

Enzyme Science, the practitioner division of Enzymedica, has designed the GI + Biome Complex formula to promote healthy digestive function and integrity of the intestines. The formula features the scientifically studied ButyraGen, with tributyrin and fiber, Lipase Thera-blend, PepZinGI Zinc-Carnosine and Livaux organic golden kiwi in a convenient two-capsule serving. The formula helps promote mucosal integrity, maintain healthy gut bacteria and support butyrate production. It also promotes healthy motility. The vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO formula contains no milk, casein, soy, egg or artificial colors, fillers or flavors.

Dietary and weight management supplement manufacturer Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals will collaborate with a GMP supplier in China and India on its “blockbuster” product, Berberine Cyclosome. This product provides a natural and effective solution for blood sugar metabolism support and healthy weight management. The company specializes in phellodendron and berberine research with its Nexrutine series. Berberine uses 250 mg of a 97% pure Nexrutine XS extract naturally derived from phellodendron bark. Consumer demand for berberine has grown significantly in the past year, mainly because of exposure on TikTok and other social media platforms.Vimergy ingredients will be featured in the Medical Medium smoothie.

Premium health supplement brand Vimergy will be featured in the Medical Medium smoothie created by Anthony William. The smoothie will feature Vimergy barley grass juice powder, spirulina powder, wild blueberry powder and Atlantic dulse to aid the body’s natural cleansing process. A range of the company’s premium supplements, including PropolisPure and Celeryforce, is available at Erewhon locations in Los Angeles, US.

Usana Health Sciences entered into a partnership agreement with the Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (JBSF), Jamaica. The partnership will run through the 2026 Winter Olympics, where Usana will provide the team with nutritional products. The JBSF allows male and female athletes to participate in the sport of bobsleigh and skeleton at both a development and elite level, aiming to produce world and Olympic champions.

Nutrition initiatives
Healthcare company Abbott and the NACHC joined forces to increase access to healthy foods and improve health through the Innovation Incubator initiative. They have selected eight community health centers to receive funding, expert guidance and training to design and test new solutions to advance nutrition and improve care in their communities. One in eight US households experience food insecurity or lack of access to an affordable, nutritious diet. Studies show that integrating nutritious food into clinical care can help address chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes or heart disease. Innovation Incubator awardees will bring forward innovative ideas to help health centers improve access to nutritious food as a part of a healthy lifestyle for their patients.

The Sprouts Healthy Community Foundation can now apply for funding for programs that advance nutrition education, nutrition access and wellness for children and adults in their communities. Sprouts will award US$3 million to approximately 300 local organizations. Each grant will provide organizations with US$5,000–10,000 in funding. Grant categories include Sprouting School Gardens for new or existing school-based gardening programs, Growing Healthy Kids for community-based programs focused on children’s nutrition and Wellness Across the Lifespan for community-based programs focused on adult health and wellness.

The first vegan food bank in Los Angeles, US, has been established, called Vegans of Los Angeles Food Bank, to ensure food security and greater accessibility to healthier food options for roughly 25,000 people annually. It serves in-season, local farm-fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, grains, beans and often donated plant-based products from donors such as Whoa Cookie Doug. Hot food is occasionally provided by Vegetarian Inc., Chobani, Just Egg, Hungry Planet and Support + Feed. There are also collaborations to help each person “Build-a-Bag” of groceries to support their families.

Scientific newsEnzyme Science’s GI + Biome Complex formula promotes optimal digestive functioning.
The CDC has issued a warning of a salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. Over 160 people across 25 states and Washington DC, US, have reported illnesses. According to the CDC, 54 people have been hospitalized. The alleged contaminated cucumbers have been recalled from Fresh Start Produce Sales. Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. George Washington University experts are available to offer insight and analysis.

The USPSTF commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the evidence on interventions — behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy — for weight loss or weight management in children and adolescents that can be provided in or referred from a primary care setting. Following the review, the USPSTF recommends that clinicians offer or refer children and adolescents six years or older with a high body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex to comprehensive, intensive behavioral interventions. Approximately 19.7% of US children and adolescents ages two to 19 have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex, based on CDC’s growth charts from 2000. The prevalence of high BMI increases with age. It is higher among Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic Black children and adolescents and children from lower-income families. The current recommendation is consistent with its 2017 recommendation statement on screening for obesity in children and adolescents.

Trade shows
Flavor innovator Virginia Dare will return to IFT First July 15–17, with a booth that mirrors its new state-of-the-art headquarters in New Jersey, US. Trade show attendees can sample products that demonstrate the company’s expertise in custom flavor configuration, taste improvement, beverage applications, wellness formulations and functional delivery innovation. A few samples they will showcase that reflect the latest flavor trends include ready-to-drink plant-based functional coffee latte, huckleberry bramble ginless cocktail, Calamansi green tea hydration beverage, caramel apple crumble protein shake, watermelon margarita pixy stick and blood orange yuzu ceramide gummy.

Appointments
Functional ingredients manufacturer Beneo has appointed Olivier Roques as its new chief executive officer (CEO) and a new member of its executive board of directors. Roques has a degree in agronomics and a Master’s degree in business administration. He started his career in the dairy and flavor industries, followed by 20 years in leadership roles in the US and at Agrana Fruit, where he was CEO. Roques will also be responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing as Beneo’s new chief sales officer.

Bioactive compounds developer Brightseed has appointed David Blackwood as senior vice president of bioactives. Blackwood will aim to grow the company’s intellectual property-protected pipeline of bioactive ingredients for functional food, beverages and supplement applications while expanding its portfolio of products for commercialization. He has over 25 years of experience maximizing company growth and revenue within complex and diverse industry sectors, including nutrition, specialty chemicals and materials. Before this role, Blackwood was vice president of sales and marketing for DSM’s dietary supplement business in North America and senior vice president of global sales at PanTheryx.

By Inga de Jong

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