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Mon, Oct 21, 2024 11:00 AM EDT

Unlocking the Potential of Ankascin 568: Enhancing Cardiovascular Health in Dietary Supplements to Propel Your Products to New Heights

Meeting the diverse demands of different consumer populations that span generations can be a challenge. This white paper explores the scientific background and 5-in-1 health benefits of ANKASCIN® 568, an FDA NDI-approved fermented botanical known for improving metabolic health and aiding healthy aging. It also provides market insights and custom-made recommendations for combining ANKASCIN® 568 with components such as omega-3 fatty acids, berberine, magnesium, chromium, Garcinia, and vitamin D to boost your product’s market appeal with ANKASCIN® 568 advantages. Let ANKASCIN® 568 and our expert solutions elevate your product to new heights!

Propel your Product to New Heights

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

Akay Bioactives  announced the publication of a randomized placebo-controlled study

 investigating the effects of its Immufen ingredient on mild allergic rhinitis. Immufen is a complex of ashwagandha and curcumin standardized to withanolides and curcuminoids using the company’s FenuMat technology. According to Akay, FenuMat is a plant-based co-delivery system that ensures consistent release of soluble bioactives to optimized overall bioavailability.

In the 28-day study, 105 participants were randomized to receive either the ashwagandha and curcumin complex, a bioavailable curcumin, or placebo twice daily. Researchers measured allergic rhinitis symptoms and quality of life using Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS), and the Profile of Mood States Short Form (POMS-SF) questionnaire at both baseline and study completion.

Results showed the complex significantly decreased symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Specifically, the complex reduced nasal congestion by 34.64%, runny rose by 33.01%, nasal itching by 29.77%, sneezing by 32.76%, and TNSS by 31.62%. Compared to the complex, the bioavailable curcumin did not significantly effect symptoms and TNSS, except sneezing.

"These results represent a significant breakthrough in natural, plant-based solutions for seasonal health,” said Krishnakumar IM, PhD, chief research officer of Akay Bioactives, in a press release. “Immufen stands out for its effectiveness and its positive impact on participants' overall well-being."

M.K.; Aryan, M.K.; Pranhakaran, P.; Mulaki, J.N.; S.D.S.; IM, K.; Panicker, S.P. Short-term influence of Immufen™ on mild allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 

The randomized placebo-controlled study investigating the effects of Akay Bioactives' Immufen ingredient on mild allergic rhinitis.

Branded ashwagandha and curcumin complex may offer allergy relief according to recent study

conference, October 9-11, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) first held the WellComms forum—six presentations intended for marketing and communications professionals. In the first presentation, Brian Yam, VP of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance at Blue Ocean Regulatory Inc. presented, “How To Last in the Amazon Game – How Brands Are Navigating Amazon’s Latest Compliance Requirements.” Yam covered the past, present, and potential future of Amazon requirements.

He first walked through the process of getting a brand on Amazon through a seller’s point of view in order to highlight the compliance and verification issues that naturally arise during this journey. Yam discussed the certification requirements from 2023, in which sellers needed, for example, to provide a certificate of analysis (COA) to Amazon. However, Amazon’s initial requirements enabled the retesting of a product until it produced a passing result, fabrications of a COA, or calculating the amount of an ingredient in a capsule, rather than actually testing for it. 

In April 2024, Amazon’s requirements were updated to include new information needed from sellers, such as requiring specific contaminants to be tested for, and for all the required product documentation to be funneled through designated laboratories to verify the results, instead of directly through Amazon. “This was a huge wake up call for the brands,” Yam stated. Brands realized ingredients hadn’t been tested for quantity and the validity of manufacturers’ GMP certification was questioned.

He then presented six best practices for navigating Amazon’s latest requirements for today and for the long term:

Use accredited GMP certified manufacturers

Set explicit testing specifications for the product

Conduct third party testing now so issues can be resolved before the inventory leaves the facility

Establish non-compliance protocols with the manufacturing and what the manufacturer will to do to make it right

As a bonus tip, he explained the overlap between products that are NSF certified and compliance with Amazon’s policies.

Next, Yam explained three potential future directions for Amazon compliance:

Mandating that the set of products sent to laboratories for testing come from the Amazon warehouse

Minimizing friction for seller and reduce backlogs

In his CRN Convergence '24 conference presentation, Brian Yam of Blue Ocean Regulatory Inc. discussed how brands can last in Amazon’s marketplace.

Tips for navigating Amazon’s compliance requirements

Sabinsa has announced that its global CEO and managing director, Shaheen Majeed, has been elected the vice chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (2024-25). According to the announcement, CII aims to “create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering Industry, Government and civil society through advisory and consultative processes.”

The non-profit, non-government, industry-led-and-managed organization has approximately 9000 members from both the private and public sectors, as well as an indirect membership of more than 365,000 enterprises from 294 national and regional sectoral industry bodies. The organizations National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights is made up of leaders from a range of sectors of Indian industry that recommend policy, educate stakeholders, extend best practices, and organize discussion platforms on intellectual property issues.

“India is progressing in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and is globally viewed as one of the fastest-growing economies in terms of innovation, a testament to cutting-edge technologies and scientific advancements,” said Majeed, in a press release. “CII has consistently supported industries and startups in fostering innovation ecosystem through a strong intellectual property framework. I look forward to collaborating with other committee members and industry peers to devise and drive strategic initiatives that will further industry’s innovation potential.”

Majeed is well-suited for the position of vice chairman, considering Sabinsa’s large intellectual property portfolio of 500 patents. Shaheen himself hold 62 U.S. and international patents, and has authored 31 peer-reviewed publications.

According to the announcement, CII aims to “create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering Industry, Government and civil society through advisory and consultative processes.”

Sabinsa’s Shaheen Majeed elected vice chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights

A growing body of scientific literature has been drawing connections between the health of the gut microbiome and other physiological systems, including brain, skin, and heart health. Emerging research is also pointing to the microbiome’s impact on bone health.

Bones are both structural and serve as a reservoir for minerals such as calcium and phosphorous. These minerals give the bones their “hardness,” while proteins such a collagen give bones “softness,” allowing them to sustain some mechanical pressure without breaking easily.

Cells called osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation by producing collagen, which serve as a scaffold for calcium and phosphorous to deposit into. Osteoclasts are cells that resorb bone, adhering to the bone to dissolve and release mineral deposits. In a healthy system, there is a constant interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. However, when this homeostasis is disrupted, conditions such as osteopenia, characterized by lower-than-normal bone mineral density, or even osteoporosis can occur. This is typically caused by the over activation of osteoclasts, degrading more bone than osteoblasts can rebuild.

Bone mass naturally decreases with age, but bone health is influenced by a number of factors, including nutrition and physical activity. Another potential factor impacting bone mass, researchers are finding, is the microbial composition of the gastrointestinal tract. A dysbiotic gut microbiome has been associated with bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Research has shown that people with osteoporosis have a significantly higher microbiome diversity (in this case, not a good thing), characterized by an abundance of 

. Animal studies have shown that the administration of antibiotics to deplete the gut microbiome was found to restore bone mass.

That said, a healthy functioning gut microbiome does beneficially impact bone health. For example, the microbiome is a source of vitamin K2, required for osteocalcin function and bone formation through the stimulation of osteoblasts. A different animal study also found that a decrease in vitamin K2 levels following antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion was associated with reduced osteocalcin and bone strength in mice.

 Additionally, while antibiotics may reduce the population of detrimental bacteria, they do the same for beneficial bacteria, such as butyrate producing bacteria, which is a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) associated with bone formation.

 For example, antibiotics can cause the depletion of Bacteroidetes. The reduced abundance of this bacteria is also associated with inflammatory bowel diseases and type 1 diabetes, which are populations that experience excessive bone loss.

The gut microbiome can influence bone remodeling both directly and indirectly. For example, the release of microbial metabolites such as SCFAs is one direct mechanism by which the microbiome influences bone remodeling, while indirectly, the gut microbiome can regulate bone remodeling through its interaction with immune cells such as T helper cells 17 or T regulatory cells, as well as hormones such as estrogen.

SCFAs are produced through microbial fermentation of non-digestible dietary fibers. The production of some SCFAs is limited to specific bacterial strains. For example, researchers have linked the production of the SCFA propionate to 

Akkermansia muciniphila, Eubacterium dolichum, Ruminococcus bromii (R. bromii), Bacteroides eggerthii, Bacteroides fragilis

. Butyrate producing bacteria belong to specific bacterial families, namely Clostridiaceae, Eubacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae. Propionate, butyrate, and acetate are SCFAs that have been demonstrated to increase bone mass through inhibiting the production of osteoclasts through a variety of distinct mechanisms.

The gut interacts with the immune system via the intestinal epithelium. Inflammation in the gut can impact the secretion of immune cells. For example, it can result in the production of inflammatory immune phenotypes such as T-helper 17 cells, which produce the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-17 (IL-17).1 The increase of T-helper 17 cells and IL-17 in bone marrow has been shown to promote bone degradation by stimulating the differentiation of osteoclasts in the bone marrow. On the other hand, T regulatory cells can have a beneficial impact on bone health because of their immunosuppressive functions. Evidence shows that certain microbes can regulate bone remodeling by changing the balance between T-helper 17 cells and T regulatory cells. T regulatory cells work by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone formation through the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta.

A recently published study using two large human cohorts identified a potential link between specific bacteria and bone density/strength.5 In the study, researchers investigated the association between the gut microbiome and scans of radius and tibia of two large human cohorts using high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. The cohorts were the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) with 1227 participants between the ages of 32 and 89, and the Osteoporosis in Men Study (MrOS), with 836 participants between the ages of 78 and 98. Results showed that there were 37 microbial genera in the FHA and 4 in the MrOS cohort whose abundance was associated with skeletal health measures.

Meta-analysis of the taxa-bone association found that greater abundance of 

 were associated with lower radius volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and tibia cortical vBMD, respectively, while a higher abundance of 

 was associated with greater tibia cortical vBMD. The researchers also observed that there was a great number of bacteria that were negatively associated with bone density but positively associated with bone size, which they speculate could indicate that certain microbes help promote the growth of bones at the expense of bone density as a person ages. While the study finds some interesting patterns, more research is necessary to draw any conclusions about the relationship between specific microbes and bone health. As the body of research grows, the relationship between the gut microbiome and bone health offers exciting new possibilities for product development.

1. Cooney, O.D.; Nagareddy, P.R.; Murphy, A.J.; Lee, M.K.S.Healthy Gut, Healthy Bones: Targeting the Gut Microbiome to Promote Bone Health. 

, 620466. DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.620466 

Pytlik, M.; Folwarczna, J.; Janiec, W. Effects of doxycycline on mechanical properties of bones in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteopenia. 

Guss, J.D.; Taylor, E.; Rouse, Z.; Roubert, S.; Higgins, C.H.; Thomas, C.J.; Baker, S.P.; Vashishth, D.; et al. The Microbial Metagenome and Bone Tissue Composition in Mice with Microbiome-Induced Reductions in Bone Strength. 

, 146-154. DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2019.06.010

Lyu, Z.; Hu, Y.; Guo, Y.; Liu, D. Modulation of bone remodeling by the gut microbiota: a new therapy for osteoporosis. 

Okoro, P.C.; Orwoll, E.S.; Huttenhower, C.; Morgan, X.; Kuntz, T.M.; McIver, L.J.; Dufour, A.B.; Bouxsein, M.L.A two-cohort study on the association between the gut microbiota and bone density, microarchitecture, and strength. 

A look at the science demonstrating the gut microbiome’s impact on bone health.

Healthy bones via the gut

The average maternal age for women in the United States has steadily risen over the past fifty years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age of mothers reached a record high of 30 years in 2019. For comparison, in 1970, the average maternal age of U.S. women was 24.6 years.

There are many reasons why women are waiting to have children at a later age. Many of these involve education and job opportunities, greater accessibility to reproductive technologies, and the ability to complete certain milestones before starting family planning. Today, 20% of women in the U.S. give birth to their first child after age 35.

The good news is there are multiple benefits for moms when starting a family later, including cognitive and longevity benefits.

The downside is that pregnancies after age 35, or what healthcare practitioners call “advanced maternal age,” come with a higher risk of complications to both mom and baby. Some of these risks include gestational diabetes, preterm birth, increased chromosomal abnormalities and other birth defects, and miscarriage. Risk factors extend to recovery post-birth as well.

The most significant contributing factors to these risks are likely related to ovarian aging, resulting in decreased quality of eggs later in life, and a general increased risk for chronic disease that occurs with age.

Despite these risks, there are various nutritional factors which may help to reduce the risks of pregnancy in women over the age of 35. During pregnancy we know that there is an increased need for essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and calcium making nutrition and supplementation increasingly important. Taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin that includes iron, folate, choline, and other nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy at any age is essential.

We’ve known for decades that adequate folate intake prior to conception is important to prevent neural tube defects.

 In addition, emerging data suggests that it may also reduce risk for other fetal structural abnormalities,

 and may help to protect against early delivery, a risk factor with advanced maternal age. Common food sources of folate include dark leafy greens, beans, and peas.

We know that omega-3 is important for fetal brain development for pregnant women of all ages.

 Importantly, there is also some evidence that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce risks commonly associated with pregnancy after 35, like preterm delivery.

 Food sources of DHA include fish, shellfish, and algae.

Levels of this important antioxidant and energy producing nutrient decrease with age and may also be associated with decreased egg quality and fertility rates. Studies show that supplementing with CoQ10 prior to natural and assisted fertility efforts can help support egg and embryo quality by protecting eggs from oxidative damage.

 Some food sources for CoQ10 include organ meats, fatty fish, and soy.

Supporting insulin sensitivity is important for everyone, but may become increasingly important in advanced maternal age, where there is an increased risk for gestational diabetes. Supplementing with inositol can help to support pregnancy rates, which is a challenge with women over 35.

 Increasing consumption of fruits, veggies, grains, and nuts can help boost choline intake.

Recovering from pregnancy may prove to be a challenge for older women as well.

While age alone may not factor into increased risks, women over 35 may be more prone to other factors that make them more susceptible to post-pregnancy complications like postpartum depression and slow physical recovery. These risks increase dramatically over age 40, and in mothers with multiple births.

In addition to following the nutrient recommendations, keeping up with protein intake, omega-3s, and a quality prenatal or multivitamin with iron and quality B vitamins can help to support recovery time and reduce risk for postpartum depression.

Understanding how women can be best supported and recover from pregnancy later in life is critical for mom and baby as advanced maternal age will likely continue to be more common in the years to come.


Dr. Amanda Frick, ND, LAc is the vice president of medical affairs at Thorne. She leverages her expertise in naturopathic medicine to bring a personalized, science-backed approach to the health and wellness and nutritional supplements space.

US Preventative Services Taskforce. Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement. 

 (5), 454-459. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.12876

Greenberg, J.A.; Bell, S.J.; Guan, Y.; Yu, Y.H. Folic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention.

Obeid, R.; Holzgreve, W.; Pietrzik, K. Folate supplementation for prevention of congenital heart defects and low birth weight: an update. 

 (Supp 2), S424–S433. DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2019.02.03

4. Devarshi, P.P.; Grant, R.W.; Ikonte, C.J.; Mitmesser, S.H. Maternal Omega-3 Nutrition, Placental Transfer and Fetal Brain Development in Gestational Diabetes and Preeclampsia

Xu, Y.; Nisenblat, V.; Lu, C.; Li, R.; Qiao, J.; Zhen, X.; Wang, S. Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. 

Zheng, X.; Lin, D.; Zhang, Y.; Lin, Y.; Song, J.; Li, S.; Sun, Y. Inositol supplement improves clinical pregnancy rate in infertile women undergoing ovulation induction for ICSI or IVF-ET. 

 (49), e8842. DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000008842

How we can better support preparation and recovery in a population of new (older) moms. 

SunWay Biotech Co., LTD.

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