Past News Items - July 2022
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In the News
US commercial launch of Curcuwin Ultra+ kicks off with new joint health and mobility study
Glaxon™ SuperGreens Immune introduces a more comprehensive formula with IMMUSE™ from Kyowa Hakko
American Holistic Nurses Association Selects Pacific College of Health and Science For Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education Award
Fish Oil Supplements and Resistance Training Help Limit Sarcopenia in Older Women
Vitamin D May Be Useful in Treating Patients with Clostridioides difficile Infections
Vitamin K2 Use, Awareness Continues To Grow: New Consumer Survey
The Institute for Functional Medicine Once Again Receives Accreditation with Commendation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
Vitamin D VITAL for Health—Study, Editorial a Disservice to Americans Seeking Better Health, According to CRN
US commercial launch of Curcuwin Ultra+ kicks off with new joint health and mobility study
OmniActive Health Technologies (“OmniActive” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce its latest clinical study results supporting the launch of Curcuwin Ultra+, the latest addition to the company’s branded curcumin portfolio. The company is expecting its new science demonstrating strong clinical efficacy to be published later this year.
The clinical trial was designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study involving 135 subjects with mild knee osteoarthritis. They received 250 mg (50 mg curcuminoids) or 500 mg (100 mg curcuminoids) of Curcuwin Ultra+ per day for 84 days. Both doses of Curcuwin Ultra+ resulted in early onset efficacy, as early as day five, for overall joint health comfort and mobility. These benefits of Curcuwin Ultra+ persisted throughout the study.
“The results of this robust study demonstrated that a low dose of just 250 mg (50 mg curcuminoids) of Curcuwin Ultra+ may serve as a unique nutritional solution for managing issues related to knee joint comfort and mobility including cartilage health,” said Deshanie Rai, Ph.D., FACN, VP, Global Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at OmniActive.
Earlier this year, a pharmacokinetic study, which was published in Advances in Therapy, demonstrated that the same 250 mg dose of Curcuwin Ultra+ was 144 times more bioavailable and absorbed 40% faster than a standard curcumin extract.?Deshanie went on to state, “The combined findings demonstrate that with Curcuwin Ultra+, less is more. We are thrilled with the results; this is groundbreaking for the curcumin market.”
The complete joint health and mobility study results will be available once it has been published. Those who are interested in formulating with Curcuwin Ultra+ are encouraged to contact OmniActive.
About OmniActive
Established in 2005, OmniActive seeks to improve lives through innovative science and natural health solutions. OmniActive’s product portfolio consists of scientifically validated, IP-protected, branded Specialty Actives and an extensive line of natural Botanical Actives for global customers in the dietary supplement, functional food, and beverage markets. The Company’s leading brands include Lutemax 2020, Lutemax Brain, Lutemax Free Lutein and Lutein Esters, Lutemax Skinglo, Capsimax, Curcuwin Ultra+, enXtra, Gingever, Nutritears, and Xtenergy. OmniActive partners with customers through its sales and distribution networks in key markets worldwide, supported by three global R&D centers and best-in-class production facilities throughout India. The Company has offices in Mumbai, India and Morristown, New Jersey.
Glaxon™ SuperGreens Immune introduces a more comprehensive formula with IMMUSE™ from Kyowa Hakko
Glaxon™, producer of sports nutrition dietary supplements, has just released a new product in the greens supplement category. SuperGreens Enhanced Immune Edition combines the power of several Glaxon™ patented blends: Green Balance™, Supershrooms® Organic Mushroom Blend, and Betta Berries™ plus IMMUSE™, a postbiotic that provides immune support at a cellular level. The product's debut marks a revolutionary all-in-one greens with the postbiotic IMMUSE™ for immune system support.
Joey Savage, the visionary and formulator of SuperGreens Enhanced Immune Edition, says, "Everyone is looking to enhance their immune system these days, and the science supporting IMMUSE™ was a key factor in determining the formulation for this new product introduction."
IMMUSE™ is a branded form of the LC-Plasma strain of lactic acid bacteria with the ability to activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Once triggered, these unique and rare immune cells circulate throughout the body mobilizing NK Cells, killer T cells, helper T cells, and B Cells for broad-range immune support. The lactic acid bacteria developed by Kirin Holding Company Limited and offered by Kyowa Hakko USA, IMMUSE™ is a thoroughly researched immune activator, with 29 published studies and over ten years of research supporting its mode of action.
SuperGreens Enhanced Immune Edition is also loaded with antioxidants, superfoods, fiber, and enzymes. The Supershrooms® Organic Mushroom Blend is designed to enhance mental focus, support athletic performance, and provide beta-glucans to help with healthy white blood cells.*
"We are excited to be in the greens category with IMMUSE™ featured as a key component of the Glaxon™ SuperGreens Enhanced Immune Edition formulation. With the global superfood powders market expected to hit USD 11.50 billion by 2030, there's huge potential for innovative new product introductions," said Karen Todd, MBA, RD, Vice President Global Brand Marketing, Kyowa Hakko USA, Inc.
SuperGreens Enhanced Immune Edition is currently a limited-edition item and comes in a Blueberry Açaí flavor. It can be purchased via Glaxon™ or GNC. To learn more about IMMUSE™, go to https://immusehealth.com/.
*The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
About IMMUSE:
*IMMUSE™ is a clinically researched lactic acid bacteria developed by Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. IMMUSE™ is a postbiotic that delivers a new, breakthrough approach to broad range immune support*. As a clinically researched immune activator* supported by 29 published studies, including 14 human trials, IMMUSE™ proactively supports the immune system through a novel method of action that activates pDC (plasmacytoid dendritic cells)*. The pDC, a rare type of immune cell, functions as a key leader of the immune system and has been shown to activate pivotal cells such as NK, Killer-T, Helper-T, and B cells, for a more comprehensive approach to immune support*. Its unique mechanism of action, discovered by Kyowa Hakko's parent company Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd., is opening doors for discovering postbiotics concerning immune health.
About Kyowa Hakko USA:
Kyowa Hakko USA is the North & South American office of Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. Ltd., an international health ingredients manufacturer and world leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food & beverage products. Kyowa is the maker of branded ingredients, including IMMUSE™ LC-Plasma, Eyemuse® Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KW3110, Cognizin® Citicoline, Pantesin® Pantethine, Setria® Glutathione, as well as L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine. For more information, visit http://www.kyowa-usa.com.
About GLAXON™:
GLAXON™ is a brand of mold breaking dietary supplements with an emphasis on cross category lifestyle solutions beyond just the active nutrition space. GLAXON™ is one of the fastest growing brands in the space that has become an emerging leader in market innovation. Leveraging growth by disruptive thought-provoking branding, product education, and transparent supplements that provide lifestyle solutions. GLAXON™ is headquartered in a 100,000 sq ft facility of product incubation including: design, formulation, manufacturing, marketing, and sales. GLAXON™ headquarters is uniquely built to fast-track product concepts from R&D to fully finished products all under one roof remaining true to the company mantra, "Made with Real Science". GLAXON™ can be found at GNC, GLAXON.com, and select retailers globally. For more information visit GLAXON.com or find us on Instagram and TikTok.
American Holistic Nurses Association Selects Pacific College of Health and Science For Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education Award
Pacific College of Health and Science announced today it has earned the Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education Award from the American Holistic Nursing Association (AHNA). As a specialty nursing association serving more than 5,500 nurses and holistic healthcare professionals both nationally and internationally, AHNA’s mission is to illuminate holism in nursing practice, community, advocacy, research, and education. The organization’s vision is that every nurse is a holistic nurse, and Pacific College of Health and Science’s leadership in holistic nursing education is making that vision a reality.
“Since our founding in 1986, Pacific College of Health and Science has been dedicated to top-tier, cutting-edge holistic nursing education,” said Malcolm Youngren, President and CEO of Pacific College of Health and Science. “This award is proof that we are reaching a whole new generation of nurses with healing integrative modalities. It is an honor to be recognized by the AHNA for this prestigious award.”
Applications for the Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education Award were reviewed by the Holistic Nurse of the Year Awards Committee, and the choices were finalized by the AHNA Board of Directors. Pacific College of Health and Science was officially recognized for this award at the AHNA Conference Awards Banquet on Friday, June 10th.
“Thank you for your dedication to your institution and to furthering holistic nursing practices,” said Terri Roberts, Executive Director of AHNA. “Congratulations on your award.”
Pacific College of Health and Science’s is teaching students to use evidence-based scientific and holistic knowledge as a foundation in healthcare. This innovative curriculum helps students deepen their understanding of cutting edge healing modalities giving them the ability to thrive in existing or emerging traditional, integrative and holistic healthcare settings. Through this unique positioning, Pacific College of Health and Science assists future healthcare professionals in leading the holistic healthcare movement.
Students wishing to enroll or learn more about Pacific College of Health and Science’s nursing program, including prerequisites, admissions requirements, schedule, course descriptions, tuition & fees, and financial aid information, can visit https://www.pacificcollege.edu/nursing
Fish Oil Supplements and Resistance Training Help Limit Sarcopenia in Older Women
Fish Oil Supplements and Resistance Training Help Limit Sarcopenia in Older Women
One of the many bodily changes that may take place as individuals age is sarcopenia, a reduction of muscle mass and function. The condition is caused by decreasing physical activity and an increasing sedentary lifestyle. Sarcopenia is associated with negative health outcomes and considerable social and economic impacts. This trial of women over the age of 65 years demonstrates the positive effect of fish oil supplementation on resistance training in mitigating sarcopenia.
ABSTRACT
Randomised Controlled Trial of Fish Oil Supplementation on Responsiveness to Resistance Exercise Training in Sarcopenic Older Women. da Cruz Alves NM, Pfrimer K, Santos PC, et al. Nutrients. 2022; 14(14):2844. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142844
This study aims to investigate the effects of fish oil supplementation on the muscle adaptive response to resistance exercise training, physical performance and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in sarcopenic older women. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is performed with thirty-four sarcopenic women (2010 European Consensus of Sarcopenia), aged ≥ 65 years. The participants are allocated into the following two groups: Exercise and Fish Oil (EFO) and Exercise and Placebo (EP). Both groups undertook a resistance exercise programme over 14 weeks. All participants are instructed to ingest 4 g/day of food supplements; the EP group received sunflower oil capsules, and the EFO group, fish oil capsules. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps muscle is calculated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The strength of the lower limbs is measured using isokinetic dynamometry. Both groups show improvements in CSA and strength after the intervention. Changes in EFO are significantly greater compared with EP for muscle strength (peak torque, 19.46 Nm and 5.74 Nm, respectively, p < 0.001). CSA increased after the intervention in both groups (EFO; 6.11% and EP; 2.91%), although there is no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.23). There are no significant intra-group, inter-group or time differences in any of the cytokines measured. The use of fish oil supplementation potentiates the neuromuscular response to the anabolic stimulus from training, increasing muscle strength and physical performance in sarcopenic older women.
On behalf of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (link https://www.crnusa.org/)
Vitamin D May Be Useful in Treating Patients with Clostridioides difficile Infections
There have been no studies on microbiota composition after the administration of vitamin D in patients with Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). Therefore, a group of scientists undertook a trial to compare microbiota composition of patients with and without vitamin D supplements. The group given vitamin D had much more beneficial bacteria after treatment.
ABSTRACT
High Dose Intramuscular Vitamin D3 Supplementation Impacts the Gut Microbiota of Patients With Clostridioides Difficile Infection. Lee SH, Park HK, Kang CD, et al. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Jun 6;12:904987. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.904987.
Background and aim: Current therapeutic strategies for Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI), including oral vancomycin, metronidazole and fecal microbial transplantation, have limited efficacy and treatment failure may occur in as many as one- third of cases. Recent studies have reported that lower concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are associated with CDI severity and recurrence. However, there have been no studies on microbiota composition after the administration of vitamin D in patients with CDI. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the microbiota composition between the two groups, including eight CDI-positive patients with vitamin D supplementation and ten CDI-positive patients without vitamin D supplementation by using 16S rRNA microbial profiling. Methods: Twenty subjects were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled study. One subject dropped out due to lack of contact with the guardian after discharge and one subject dropped out due to withdrawal of consent. Thus, 18 patients with CDI and vitamin D insufficiency (vitamin D level < 17 ng/mL) were divided into two groups: CDI with vitamin D supplementation (n = 8) and CDI without vitamin D supplementation (control: n = 10). Subjects with vitamin D insufficiency were randomized to receive 200,000 IU intramuscular cholecalciferol whereas patients in the control group received only oral vancomycin. Stool samples were obtained twice before vancomycin was administered and eight weeks after treatment; the V3-V4 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing was performed using EzBioCloud.
Results: The alpha diversity of the gut microbiota in the recovery state was significantly higher than that in the CDI state. Analysis of bacterial relative abundance showed significantly lower Proteobacteria and higher Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Bifidobacteriaceae in the recovery state. When comparing the control and vitamin D treatment groups after eight weeks, increase in alpha diversity and, abundance of Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae exhibited the same trend in both groups. A significant increase in Bifidobacteriaceae and Christensenellaceae was observed in the vitamin D group; Proteobacteriaabundance was significantly lower in the vitamin D treatment group after eight weeks than that in the control group. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that the increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteriaceae, and Christensenellaceae were prominently evident during recovery after administration of a high dose of cholecalciferol. These findings indicate that vitamin D administration may be useful in patients with CDI, and further studies with larger sample sizes are required.
On behalf of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (link https://www.crnusa.org/
Vitamin K2 Use, Awareness Continues To Grow: New Consumer Survey
The Industry Transparency Center announced a new survey of 3,500 dietary supplement consumers. The “ITC Insights – 2022 Supplement Consumer Survey” was conducted by Dynata from March 1-26, 2022, and was written and analyzed by the Industry Transparency Center. The breakdown of supplement consumers included 1,000 from the US, 1,000 from China, 500 from the UK, 500 from Germany, and 500 from Italy. Participants identifying as Female represented 52% of respondents, and Men represented 48% of respondents. Ages ranged from 18 to 65+ years.
Key Findings from the Survey:
· 63% reported, “I am proactive about my health and take steps to lower health risks,” while 76% said, “I use/have used vitamins, minerals, herbs or other dietary supplements to help manage my health.”
· 62% reported using Vitamin K2 supplements, ranking in the top 10 ingredients used.
· The 18 – 54 age group brackets showed an increase in usage of Vitamin K2 compared to those 55+.
· No single supplement increased usage across every country; however, Vitamin K2 was one of the closest to achieving universal growth. K2 also saw a sharp increase in use from 2020-2022.
· “Perceived effectiveness” of K2 was greater in total supplement users surveyed compared to “regular users.” This suggests to the researchers that future growth is likely as people who do not currently use Vitamin K2 regularly have a high perception of it.
· For supplement users of branded ingredients, “Quality,” “Safety,” “Trust,” “Efficacy,” and “Clinical Validation” ranked as the top 5 reasons for use.
· Bone Health and Heart Health ranked as the top reasons for using Vitamin K2, especially for regular users. While irregular users noted various reasons, including “bioavailability of other supplements.”
· Brain Health and Mental Acuity also ranked relatively high and have a low gap between irregular and regular users. Researchers believe this partially confirms “the earlier hypothesis of potential opportunities in this area.”
“This survey confirms what we see commercially in many ways. Consumers have a high trust and interest in Vitamin K2, especially those looking for specific health benefits,” according to Xavier Berger, Global Market Manager with Gnosis by Lesaffre. “It is also nice to see that ‘quality,’ ‘efficacy’ (i.e., proof that it works), and ‘safety’ are recognized in the branded ingredients. MenaQ7 is a standout Vitamin K2 in this regard, as it is the only K2 as MK-7 with clinical validation confirming bone and cardiovascular benefits.”
Interestingly, 37% of regular users responded that they always look for branded ingredients and are willing to pay a premium, with an additional 22% looking for them but not willing to pay a premium. While nearly 60% of Vitamin K2 users are looking for branded ingredients, products utilizing these premium materials represent a competitive edge.
Berger added, “Very interesting is that 67% of consumers said they look for a specific Vitamin K2 brand while purchasing their supplements, and our two brands – MenaQ7 K2 as MK-7 and vitaMK7 – are in the top 3 brands most sought out.”
The General Criteria for Participation included Supplement users and qualification questions that corrected for participants who proclaimed they were ‘not a user’ in questioning.
About Gnosis by Lesaffre (Link https://gnosisbylesaffre.com/)
Gnosis by Lesaffre harnesses the power of microorganisms and biotransformation processes like fermentation to cultivate nutritional actives, probiotics, and nutritional and functional yeasts that benefit human health and wellbeing. The team draws on its focused research and application capabilities to collaborate with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical brands to develop game-changing products for their customers.
The Institute for Functional Medicine Once Again Receives Accreditation with Commendation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
FEDERAL WAY, Wash.--The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) is proud to announce their recent Accreditation with Commendation, awarded by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). IFM has been continuously accredited by the ACCME since 2001, receiving the coveted status of Accreditation with Commendation three times. This accreditation term is in effect July 25, 2022 – July 31, 2028.
Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA, IFM chief executive officer shares, “Continued recognition by the ACCME affirms the importance of IFM’s continuing medical education for practitioners worldwide. Accreditation with Commendation recognizes the breadth and depth of our education and how, through partnership with the healthcare community, IFM’s curriculum is positively impacting population health, improving the delivery of healthcare, and supporting health equity.”
Grounded in science and equipped to effectively address chronic disease and comorbidities—75% of our nation’s healthcare expenditure—functional medicine is a proven and effective solution to the current healthcare crisis. A growing number of practitioners and patients are seeking a wider array of evidence-based care to improve health outcomes and decrease long-term costs.
“Healthcare professionals must have access to the most up-to-date, safe, valid, and effective clinical training available to understand how to recognize and address the foundational causes of disease,” states Joseph E. Pizzorno, ND, IFM Board of Directors chair. “Patients deserve access to personalized care to restore and optimize their health.”
Accreditation in the ACCME System seeks to assure the medical community and the public that IFM delivers education that is relevant to clinicians’ needs, evidence-based, evaluated for its effectiveness, and independent of commercial influence. Through participation in accredited CME, clinicians and teams drive improvement in their practice and optimize the care, health, and wellness of their patients.
“We look forward to continuing our long-standing role in providing the gold standard for functional medicine education, tools, and resources,” adds Mack. “Our curriculum is evidence-based, informed by its forward-thinking, systems-oriented principles, and prepares confident and competent practitioners to deliver highly personalized care.”
IFM is proud to serve as a provider of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and to continue to advance the highest expression of individual health through the widespread adoption of functional medicine. Learn more about IFM’s education and trainings at IFM.org.
About IFM
The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) is the global leader in functional medicine and a collaborator in the transformation of health care. IFM is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization that believes functional medicine can help every individual reach their full potential for health and well-being. Founded in 1991 and dedicated to the widespread adoption of functional medicine, IFM works to advance education and training, clinical patient care, research, and outcomes in functional medicine worldwide. For more information, please visit IFM.org.
About functional medicine
Functional medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. The functional medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness.
Vitamin D VITAL for Health—Study, Editorial a Disservice to Americans Seeking Better Health, According to CRN
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, today responded to the results of an ancillary study of the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL) reported today in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Statement by Andrea Wong, Ph.D., CRN senior vice president scientific and regulatory affairs:
“Vitamin D and calcium work in tandem to support bone health—calcium helps build and maintain bones, while vitamin D helps your body effectively absorb calcium. So, these secondary study results are not surprising since VITAL was designed to assess vitamin D supplementation alone and did not include or control for calcium supplementation and intake. It seems obvious that investigating one without the other would produce disappointing results.
“Further, the study focused only on generally healthy midlife or older adults instead of individuals with vitamin D deficiency, low bone mass, or osteoporosis who may be more vulnerable to fractures and derive a benefit from vitamin D supplementation. The odds were stacked against this ancillary study before it even started.
“Despite the limitations of the ancillary study, the main VITAL findings and another ancillary study have added to the body of research on vitamin D’s impact on health, including promising results for reducing the risk of cancer-related death and autoimmune diseases. These and other important benefits have been completely ignored in the accompanying editorial, which outright dismisses vitamin D screening and supplementation.
“The fact remains that vitamin D is an essential nutrient that supports numerous biological functions. Dietary studies have repeatedly shown many people still fall short of obtaining adequate levels of vitamin D and may be missing out on health benefits. The most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans identifies vitamin D as a ‘nutrient of public health concern.’ 1 Advising people to stop taking vitamin D supplements when natural food sources of this nutrient are scarce and sun exposure may not be feasible for those who are most vulnerable, is a disservice to public health.
“People should discuss with their health care practitioner whether testing their vitamin D levels or supplementing with vitamin D is appropriate.”
The CRN Foundation’s “Vitamin D & Me!” website includes more information on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency as well as a library of scientific research on vitamin D.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 200 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. For more information, visit www.crnusa.org. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.
1 U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.