Cranberries and Grape Seed for Heart Health

A standardized cranberry and grape seed extract blend was found in a recent ex vivo study to inhibit oxidized, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL). CranForte®, from FutureCeuticals Inc., is a carefully manufactured and proprietary blend of cranberry and grape seed extract that is standardized to organic acids, proanthocyanindins and ORAC levels. By blending the cranberry and grape seed extract, the company feels the product offers the consumer the appeal of healthy cranberries and the research benefits of grape seed extract. Proanthocyanindin-rich grape seed extract can play a crucial role in heart health, according to recent research. CranForte is available in capsules and tablets, as well as in functional foods and beverages. FutureCeuticals Inc., 815-472-6853, ext.29,

The Natural

A new joint health formulation has been recently launched. Diana Naturals’ Phytonutriance® ChondrActiv™ is a standardized, patented joint health ingredient containing a combination of collagen type 2, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. Extracted from chicken cartilage, Chondr-Activ has a high (55%) collagen type 2 content, an essential building block required to maintain cohesion of the cartilaginous matrix. The 12% chondroitin sulfate and 0.5-1.5% hyaluronic acid contribute to the permanent renewal of proteoglycans, a major biochemical component of joints. Results from clinical trials show that ChondrActiv decreases the consumption of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs by 73% and improves mobility and quality of life. ChondrActiv is water-dispersible and has application uses in tablets, capsules, powder mixes and beverages. It is also non-allergenic. Diana Naturals, 845-268-6200,

A Gain for Pain Management

A new study using an exclusive dietary supplement ingredient has been published.  5-LOXIN®, from PL Thomas, in alliance with Laila Nutraceuticals, India, shows clinically and statistically significant improvements in pain scores and physical function scores in osteoarthritis patients at daily doses of 100mg and 250mg. Significant improvements were recorded as early as seven days after the start of treatment. Corroborating the improvements in pain scores in treatment groups, a significant reduction in synovial fluid MMP activity, enzymes which damage connective tissue, was noted. 5-LOXIN was found to be well-tolerated, with no safety concerns. According to this study, the compound shows no major adverse effects in osteoarthritis patients. 5-LOXIN is available in North America in Osteo Bi-Flex products, with the Joint Shield blend sold in food, drug, mass market and club stores. For more information on this study, contact PL Thomas, 973-984-0900, .

Pure Joy for Athletes

A new company-sponsored study from the University of Connecticut, (Spiering, BA, et al. 2008. Effects of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate Supplementation on Muscle Oxygenation Responses to Resistance Exercise. J Strength Cond Res. 22:1130-1135) demonstrates that supplementation with Carnipure™ tartrate, from Lonza, induces an increase in muscle oxygen consumption, providing a potential mechanism for reduced hypoxic stress following resistance exercise. Resistance exercise is known to cause muscle hypoxia, which triggers free radical formation and membrane disruption. For the athlete, this means muscle damage, soreness and reduced performance. Any attenuation of muscle hypoxia would, therefore, contribute to a faster and better recovery from exercise. Lonza is the only manufacturer of the Carnipure brand of L-Carnitine products. Carnipure tartrate consists of 68% pure L-Carnitine and 32% L-tartaric acid and is self-affirmed as GRAS. Carnipure products are crystalline, white, water-soluble and heat-stable, which makes them ideal for use in various food and drink applications. In addition, it is non-hygroscopic, odorless, has a pleasant citrus taste and excellent flowability, and is kosher-certified. Lonza Inc., 800-777-1875,

Clean and White

Consumers continue to demand clean food product labels, with no sacrifice to shelflife. Henningsen Foods is excited to introduce EP-1, Egg White Peptides for use as a natural antioxidant in response to those demands. Laboratory testing has shown low levels of Henningsen’s EP-1 are effective at decreasing the rate of lipid oxidation--thus maintaining the shelflife of susceptible products, without the use of synthetic antioxidants. EP-1 qualifies for both kosher and natural labeling and is a free-flowing powder with excellent dispersibility that will not coagulate when heated--all simplifying its use during manufacturing. Applications include nutritional bars, drinks and supplements. Henningsen Foods Inc., 800-228-2769, NS