Weekly Roundup: DKSH distributes CFF’s fibers in Switzerland, Leading analytical chemistry labs call for CBD transparency

25 Mar 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, DKSH partnered with Germany-based natural fibers supplier CFF to distribute the latter’s Sanacel line of natural fiber concentrates for food applications in Switzerland. Hemp labs – Real Tested CBD and KCA Labs – and CBD retailer SunMed are called for an industry reform and standardized testing for CBD products. Meanwhile, Empwr Nutrition purchased Noble Foods Nutrition from Novacap for an unannounced amount.

In brief: Business news
The fiber concentrates distribution partnership between DKSH and CFF will enable DKSH’s Performance Materials business unit to provide business development, logistics and distribution services for CFF’s Sanacel line of natural fiber concentrates in Switzerland. The fiber concentrates are made from renewable cellulose fibers and can be used in baked goods as well as plant-and meat products. The partnership will enable CFF to increase its brand presence in Switzerland and gain technological knowledge from DKSH’s F&B ingredients team in Zurich.

Real Tested CBD, SunMed and KCA Labs have partnered to encourage accuracy and standardization in hemp product disclosures across the US. The partnership urges other labs to practice transparency by conducting standardized CBD and cannabinoid testing to hold brands and enterprises accountable. Demanded reforms include development and validation methods based on the cannabinoids and matrix (product) types analyzed. Additionally, CBD testing labs and companies should adapt to the changing testing requirements introduced by an evolving industry. Lastly, the partnership calls for industry to identify and quantify substances without interference and coelution with other substances as single test approaches are outdated.Cymbiotika’s reimagined vitamin D3+K2+CoQ10 product may support immunity, cardiovascular health and healthy aging.

Certified Nutraceuticals entered a sales and marketing distribution agreement with Safe Iberoamericana for all five of its collagen products in Mexico. Based in Mexico City, Safe Iberoamericana has more than 2,000 clients. Certified Nutraceuticals’ collagen products include KollaJell for brain health, TendoGuard for bone health and tissue repair, KollaGen II-xs for joint health, KollaGenI.V.X.HEM for pain relief and Pure Marine Collagen Peptides for healthy skin, hair and nails.

Empwr Nutrition expanded its European reach in protein bars toward North America by acquiring Noble Foods Nutrition. Empwr Nutrition has a manufacturing facility in Nova Gradiska, Croatia, and this acquisition will lead to the establishment of a manufacturing plant in North America. Empwr Nutrition and Noble Foods will be able to offer their existing customers new products and capabilities further to strengthen their position in the nutritional bar segment.

In brief: Launches and releases
Wellness brand Cymbiotika is releasing its improved Vitamin D3+K2+CoQ10 product. The formula now promotes overall well-being and supports immunity, cardiovascular health, a balanced mood and healthy aging. Critical for controlling how much calcium and phosphate the body absorbs, the plant-based vitamin D3 included in this improved formula is the same form that the human body produces when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, the vitamin K2 in the product directs calcium in the body to areas in need, such as bones and teeth. Lastly, the CoQ10 controls the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.

In brief: Accreditation and certification
The Global Prebiotic Association (GPA) has added seven new members to its membership panel. The new companies include Embion Technologies at the member level and Advanced Biotics, Comet Bio, Microba Life Sciences, Pathway International, Synbiotic Health and Uplift Food at associate member level. GPA aims to raise public awareness, prebiotic product production transparency, research and understanding of the strong science behind both well-known and newer benefits.Goli Nutrition and Eden Reforestation Projects will rebuild natural landscapes destroyed by deforestation – creating employment opportunities (Credit: Eden Reforestation Projects).

In brief: Environmental efforts and community outreach
Goli Nutrition built on its Goli For Good initiative (aimed at supporting the planet and communities) with its partnership with the nonprofit Eden Reforestation Projects. The latter works in developing countries to restore deforested natural landscapes, thereby providing jobs, safeguarding ecosystems and assisting in mitigating climate change. With every purchase made on goli.com moving forward, a tree will be planted on behalf of the customer.

In brief: Research and studies
A UK clinical trial conducted by King’s College London found that daily consumption of 100 g of cranberries for one month improved cardiovascular function in healthy men. The researchers found that participants who consumed this cranberry portion significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which signals improvement of heart and blood vessel function. FMD is considered a sensitive biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk and measures how blood vessels widen when blood flow increases. These results conclude that cranberries can play an essential role in supporting cardiovascular health and good blood vessel function.

Beachbody’s superfood nutrition shake Shakeology has been found to aid in weight loss. The study was conducted by the independent research organization KGK Science. The researchers found that participants who consumed Shakeology twice a day lost more weight, saw decreases in cholesterol that were already in the normal range and increases in the metabolic hormone adiponectin than in the placebo group. Researchers also observed an increase in the metabolic hormone adiponectin produced by fatty tissue in the body and regulates how a person’s body creates, utilizes and stores energy. The twelve-week study revealed the benefits of Shakeology do not just stem from its calories but also from its additional ingredients, including the protein, fiber, superfood and phytonutrient blends that may contribute to the benefits that people experience with the product. Drinking coffee – especially two to three cups per day – is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and hazardous cardiac rhythms and living longer.

For three years, the University of Cordoba in Spain tested the phenols and other bioactive compounds extracted from olive oil pomace in 43 different olive varieties. Researchers evaluated the role of olive variety and how it affects the phenolic profile of the pomace, taking into account, for the first time in this type of study, a wide variety of cultivars and a period more significant than a single season. The pomaces were divided into three groups based on their concentrations: those with higher concentrations of oleuropein and ligustroside; those with higher concentrations of oleacein and oleocanthal; and those with minor components such as flavonoids and triterpenic acids. Furthermore, removing these compounds from the pomace makes it less polluting to the environment.

According to studies presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 71st Annual Scientific Session, drinking coffee – especially two to three cups per day – is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and hazardous cardiac rhythms and living longer. According to the researchers, the studies, which are the largest to look into coffee’s possible role in heart disease and death, provide reassurance that coffee isn’t linked to new or worsening heart disease and may even be heart-protective. After controlling for exercise, alcohol, smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure, which could all play a role in heart health and longevity, researchers discovered that there was either no effect or, in many cases, significant decreases in cardiovascular risk. Although two to three cups of coffee per day appeared to be the most beneficial, Kistler cautioned that people should not increase their coffee consumption if it makes them feel anxious or uneasy.

By Nicole Kerr