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is a board certified interventional cardiologist. She completed a six year program at Albany Medical College, graduating at the age of 23. She completed her residency at Henry Ford Hospital, cardiology fellowship at the University of Rochester, and interventional cardiology fellowship at the esteemed Tufts Medical Center in Boston. She is a member of the 1MD Nutrition Scientific Advisory Board.

Insights from Dr. Heather Shenkman,vegan cardiologist and triathlete.


Power of nutrition in cardiac health

OmniActive Health Technologies (Bridgewater, NJ and Mumbai, India) has announced a partnership with the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN; Washington, D.C.) to educate and raise awareness about the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in supporting maternal and fetal health during pregnancy among obstetricians, gynecologists, and other maternal healthcare practitioners. This knowledge will be shared at The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s (ACOG) Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting. OmniActive is 

one of six companies CRN has partnered with

 to showcase the latest research and developments in prenatal nutrition through a specially designed “Prenatal Nutrition Center” at the conference. 

“It’s wonderful to have OmniActive as one of our featured partners during the ACOG annual event to help spread the word on the importance of prenatal nutrition,” said Andrea Wong, PhD, senior vice president, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs for CRN, in a press release. “CRN continues our efforts in supporting supplement manufacturers and ingredient suppliers in bringing clinically studied products to consumers to help meet their nutritional needs. Advancing awareness at the physician’s level is a huge part of this equation and this meeting is an effective way of reaching them.”

Citing market research from SkyQuest Technology, OmniActive explains in its press release that prenatal supplement sales were estimated to be at $740 million in 2023 and projected to rise to $1.4 billion by 2031. Similarly, a recent 

 found that about 60% of gynecologists think that 80-100% of their pregnant patients take dietary supplements. There is therefore a great deal of opportunity to grow and advance this category. Lutein and zeaxanthin are known for their support of eye health, but these benefits are relevant during pregnancy as well, says Deshanie Rai, PhD, FACN, vice president of Global Science, Regulatory and Advocacy at OmniActive Health Technologies.

“Current evidence supports the preferential accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin in the human eye and neural tissues during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. This suggests that lutein may play a functional and protective role in infant visual and cognitive development. As part of our Lutein for Every Age campaign, our goal is to help educate healthcare practitioners on this latest nutritional science research and the benefits of achieving adequate dietary lutein during pregnancy,” said Rai, in a press release. “OmniActive is proud to partner with the CRN Foundation’s Prenatal Nutrition Centre to promote awareness among healthcare practitioners on the nutritional relevance of lutein for both mom and baby.”

The educational initiative, “Lutein for Every Age,” focuses on raising awareness of early and consistent lutein and zeaxanthin intake to help support eye, cognitive, and general health throughout life, explains OmniActive. The AOCG meeting is taking place from May 17-19, 2024 in San Francisco, CA.

OmniActive Health Technologies has announced a partnership with the Council for Responsible Nutrition to educate and raise awareness about the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in supporting maternal and fetal health during pregnancy among obstetricians, gynecologists, and other maternal healthcare practitioners. 

Topic

OmniActive partners with CRN to raise awareness about macular carotenoids for prenatal health

On this month's episode of the Nutritional Outlook Podcast, Cepham's founder and president, Anand Swaroop, discusses the company's recent announcement to prioritize women's health research and innovation. He breaks down the plan to bridge major gaps in women's health research and product development.

Bionap is a dynamic company which produces sustainable Mediterranean ingredients grown in the areas surrounding Mt. Etna UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bionap's team develops innovative natural ingredients, striving for better health and wellness.

From the initial selection of raw materials to the final extracts, Bionap strictly controls the whole production process to ensure the highest manufacturing standards. The safety and effectiveness of Bionap ingredients are supported by continuous scientific research and clinical trials that have been published in international scientific journals.

On this month's episode of the Nutritional Outlook Podcast, Cepham's founder and president, Anand Swaroop, discusses the company's recent announcement to prioritize women's health research and innovation. 

The Nutritional Outlook Podcast Episode 35: Prioritizing Women's Health Research and Innovation

In this episode of the Nutritional Outlook Podcast we are looking back on a webcast Nutritional Outlook hosted in May, called “Demystifying the Prebiotic and Postbiotic Markets.” During that event, Sandra Saville, director of education and communication for the International Probiotics Association and Dr. Jessica A. Younes, scientific director of the International Probiotics Association debunked myths about prebiotic and postbiotics, and defined the respective categories to help manufacturers better understand how to responsibly formulate and market prebiotic and postbiotic products. The following are excerpts from the webcast, we encourage you to view the entire webcast to get the full experience here: 

www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/demyst…tic-markets

About our Sponsor, Bionap:
Bionap is a dynamic company which produces sustainable Mediterranean ingredients grown in the areas surrounding Mt. Etna UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bionap's team develops innovative natural ingredients, striving for better health and wellness.

In this episode of the Nutritional Outlook Podcast we are looking back on a webcast Nutritional Outlook hosted in May, called “Demystifying the Prebiotic and Postbiotic Markets.” During that event, Sandra Saville, director of education and communication for the International Probiotics Association and Dr. Jessica A. Younes, scientific director of the International Probiotics Association debunked myths about prebiotic and postbiotics, and defined the respective categories to help manufacturers better understand how to responsibly formulate and market prebiotic and postbiotic products.

The Nutritional Outlook Podcast Episode 34: Demystifying Prebiotics and Postbiotics

In a December 4, 2024 news release, Akay Bioactives described the results from a recent study investigating the impact of its Immufen ingredient on allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms. Immufen is a combination of ashwagandha and curcumin, crafted with the micronutrient delivery technology, FenuMat, to ensure bioavailability and efficacy.

researchers hypothesized that that the combination of the extracts would, per the principles of Ayurvedic pharmacology, provide a synergistic effect and help balance the immune response. As noted in the news release, the market for natural allergy support is anticipated to reach $2.58 billion by the year 2033. Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control, 25.7% and 18.9% of adults and children in the US are affected by seasonal allergies.

During the 84-day study, 105 participants (35 participants per group) received capsules of Immufen (CQAB); CurQfen, or curcumagalactomannaoside, (CGM); or placebo. Immufen was shown to safely alleviate AR symptoms, while also helping to improve sleep and fatigue. More specifically, Immufen saw a 55.5% overall reduction in symptoms based on the total nasal symptom score (TNSS), with significant improvements across specific symptoms, including nasal congestions (-42.5%), runny nose (-57.5%), sneezing (-41.0%), and nasal itching (-43.6%) compared to placebo. With regard to sleep and quality of life measures, participants taking Immufen saw a significant 49.3% decrease in their Bergen Insomnia Scale scores and significant improvements in fatigue (31.4%), vigor (59.3%) and mood (61.3%) based on the Profile of Mood States- Short Form survey. 

Measures of biomarkers also demonstrated an impact on immune markers. Results showed that participants taking Immufen saw a significant reduction in Th2 cytokines(IL,4, IL-5, IL-13) as well as significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). There was also a significant increase in Th1 cytokines,Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. 

According to the researchers, "The relative level of Th1 and Th2 subsets of T-helper cells is the key to the regulation of allergic reactions, in which an enhanced Th2 immune response results upon allergic sensitisation, inflammation and discomforts. Moreover, TNF-α and IL-1β are the two main pro-inflammatory cytokines that play important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation and allergy."

"These findings showcase Immufen as a transformative, long-term solution for managing seasonal health and discomfort while improving overall well-being,” stated Dr. Krishnakumar IM, chief research officer of Akay Bioactives, in a news release.

Earlier this year, Akay Bioactives published a 

Mamatha, K.; Aryan, MK.; Prabhakaran, P.; Das, SS.; Panicker, SP. An ayurvedic approach to immunomodulation employing a green delivery of phytonutrients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on mild allergic rhinitis. 

The plant-based Immufen offers support for managing seasonal allergy symptoms and improving quality of life.

Immufen by Akay Bioactives shown to reduce allergy symptoms in new study

, Pharmactive Biotech Products, SLU (Madrid, Spain) announced it had demonstrated the authenticity of its proprietary aged black garlic (ABG) extract, Abg10+. The mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of the bioactive compound branded as Agedgarlides, which includes the primary compound 

Pharmactive sources locally grown garlic bulbs for the extract and uses a traditional aging method to produce Abg10+, which develops its hue and its organoleptic properties, while also enriching it with antioxidants, amino acids, and SAC, which is known for cardioprotective qualities. Pharmactive also uses a proprietary process known as ActiveNature Technology to optimize extraction and preservation of SAC. Studies have demonstrated the effect of Abg10+ on balancing blood lipids and enhancing vascular functions. Additionally, two clinical trials demonstrated association between Abg10+ supplementation and favorable reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

 and led by Ignacio Jiménez-Amezcua, PhD, used multiple analytical mass-spectral methodologies to generate “fingerprints” to verify the authenticity, purity, and consistency of Abg10+ and 24 other aged garlic products. The results indicated widely varying amount of SAC in the products with only half of them, including Abg10+, containing the amount of SAC that was stated on their labels. Additionally, liquid Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry also determined the natural origin of the SAC content in Abg10+, while finding synthetic sources of SAC in other supplements.

“In this market, standardization of active compounds makes all the difference,” stated Marina Díez Municio, head of R&D and QC for Pharmactive, in the news release. “There are many extracts on the market that only indicate the plant from which they are derived, the method of extraction and compliance with health requirements in line with the current relatively restrained regulations. But there is no proper characterization of the product, which is its fingerprint. We standardize our product using precise analytical tools that have demonstrated reproducible results.”

While confirming the potency of Abg10+, the study draws attention to the presence of fraudulent ABG products in the market, which include products containing fillers or undeclared compounds, or aging processes sped up by exposure to excessive heat. “Even with the implementation of regulatory measures, penalties, and enforcements to ensure honest labeling and safety, fraudulent products still manage to slip through the net,” stated Carlos Rodríguez, Communications Manager for Pharmactive, in the news release. “For that reason, we consistently evaluate our Abg10+ production from the raw material to the final product, applying in-process controls both in our factory and laboratory. We further conduct tests in clinical settings through third parties. All these safety and efficacy measures ensure that our customers are receiving is 100% authentic aged garlic components supported by science to deliver what is promised.”

Jiménez-Amezcua, I.; Díez-Municio, M.; Ruiz-Matute, A.I.; Soria, A.C. A Comparative Study of LC-MS and FIA-(ESI)MS for Quantitation of 

-Allyl-L-Cysteine in Aged Garlic Supplements. 

The analysis revealed the presence of crucial bioactive compounds in the extract, which is formulated to promote heart health.

Analytical tests affirm purity in aged black garlic extract from Pharmactive Biotech Products, SLU

During SupplySide West, held in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 29-31, 2024, 

 spoke with Jennifer Clancy, Nutriventia’s head of global marketing, on the technology platforms for five ingredients: Melotime, Prolanza, C-Fence, CaffXtend, and TurmXTRA.

At this event, Nutriventia focused on showcasing the Art of Delivery, their philosophy of combining ingredients, technology, and innovation to deliver health solutions. “Our ingredients are obviously science-backed, but without these unique delivery solutions, it really is leaving the consumer or formulators out there unable to move to the next stage,” explained Clancy. “Our cutting-edge delivery platforms solve formulation challenges, ensuring products are easy to absorb, taste great, and deliver results.”

“Consumers just want to step away from the traditional capsules,” she added. “I think they're inconvenienced. You need water, they’re hard to swallow, and they are quite large, so everyone is really looking for alternatives. What we're highlighting here is our ingredients designed for gummy format, sustained or modified release. We're truly one of the only ones that are able to provide sustained release in the gummy format, dispersible solution, ensuring efficient absorption and maximum bioavailability.” Clancy also noted that there is no sugar added to the gummies and natural flavor is added in.

Melotime, a melatonin ingredient, is one of the time-released ingredients that comes in a gummy format, as well as tablets, capsules, stick packs (powder). It is designed to support 8-hour, restorative sleep and mimic the body’s natural sleep pattern. The release profile ensures up to 50% release in the first hour with a periodic release in a 6-hour interval for maintenance. Clancy also highlighted Nutriventia’s taste masking technology, their solution to melatonin’s bitter taste. Melotime was nominated for the 2024 Nutra Ingredients Awards.

Additionally, the Prolanza ingredient, also known as ashwanova, is an ashwagandha root extract designed for stress management. “It’s sustained release, so over time it's giving you that all-day stress support,” Clancy explained. Practical applications for Prolanza include capsules and stick packs (powder). The ingredient was rebranded as ashwanova and trademarked in New Zealand and Australia to offer better name recognition with regard to ashwagandha. The company is also working on global trademarks to rebrand the ingredient in multiple other jurisdictions. 

Their C-Fence ingredient, a direct compressible granular system, is another example of sustained release technology. “It provides 24-hour immune protection and antioxidant support with 12-hour sustained release for vitamin C. Nutriventia is the only one that is able to provide the sustained release of vitamin C,” Clancy stated. The findings were supported in a pharmacokinetic study, and other health benefits include brain health, cardiovascular health, and skin health.

Nutriventia’s CaffXtend product offers a solution to the diminished effects of caffeine due to its quick absorption in the body, plus caffeine tolerance effects from repeated dosing, known as ‘caffeine crash.’ The one-a-day single dose CaffXtend comes in stick packs (powder), hard capsules, chocolates, with gummies under consideration. CaffXtend is designed to last up to 12 hours, and is reported to reduce consumers’ perception of tiredness, fatigue, and jitters, according to a 2023 clinical study.

TurmXTRA, low dose curcuminoids for supporting joint and muscle health, is a 250mg one-a-day dose with a versatile range of applications, including powdered beverages, stick packs, capsules, tablets, gummies and chews, shots, and RTDs. “That's really what makes us different than the industry, that it’s not 500mg, it's 250mg,” explained Clancy. “You'll see TurmXTRA in a lot of ready to drink sports and active nutrition.” The ingredient also won NIE New Ingredient Award in 2023 in the Sports Nutrition category and was a finalist for 2023 NutraIngredients USA Awards in the Sports Nutrition category.

A recently published study found that TurmXTRA at 250 mg taken once per day had better absorption compared to a turmeric extract capsules with 500 mg curcuminoids and 5 mg of piperine taken three times per day for a 500 mg daily dosage. The comparison is apt because piperine is often used in combination with curcuminoids to support absorption.

“The heartbeat of our group this year is all around our innovation lab,” Clancy stated. “So we're really able to showcase our ingredients, but in various application formulas to be able to take it one step further and not just be a supplier of ingredients, but really to show at SupplySide West that we can take it one step further and offer concepts and solutions beyond just the brand of ingredient.”

Thanawala, S.; Shah, R.; Doyle, L.; Upadhyay, V. Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Curcuminoids from Water-Dispersible Turmeric Extract Against a Curcuminoids-Piperine Combination: An Open-Label, Randomized, Balanced, 2-Treatment, 2-Sequence, 2-Period Crossover Study. 

At SupplySide West 2024, Nutriventia showcased their innovations for five ingredients. These technologies offer consumers alternatives to traditional supplement forms.

Heather Shenkman, MD

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