Unique Sugar Boosts Energy

Clinical studies are showing that D-ribose, a unique, five-carbon sugar, can help build energy in tired muscles—and even hearts. Unlike glucose, D-ribose has an important relationship with DNA, RNA and ATP—the “energy currency” of the cells. Bioenergy’s Life Science’s D-ribose helps keep energy levels at their peak. Ribose is one of the essential components of the ATP molecule, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and function of every cell. Production of ribose in the body is slow and limited, so supplementing stressed cells with D-ribose restores cellular energy. D-ribose is already used in a variety of functional foods including energy bars and vitamin water. Bioenergy’s Life Science, Kathy Lund, 866-267-8253, klund@bioenergy.com, www.bioenergy.com

Good News for the Stressed

Recent results presented at the American College of Nutrition’s annual meeting revealed a significant increase in study participants’ general health after taking a natural compound that activates key immune cells. The clinical study, conducted with Biothera’s Wellmune WGP® and a placebo, reported that high-stress subjects taking 250mg of Wellmune WGP daily reported a 41% increase in general health, when compared to the placebo group over a four-week period. The Wellmune WGP group reported a 41% increase in vigor, a 38% reduction in fatigue, a 19% reduction in tension and a 15% reduction in stress-induced confusion. “Wellmune WGP’s ability to activate innate immune cells may increase the body’s ability to protect itself from stress-related challenges to their health,” according to Shawn Talbot, Ph.D, research director for SupplementWatch Inc., an independent dietary supplement research company that conducted the study. Biothera, the Immune Health Company, David Walsh, 651-256-4606, dwalsh@biotherapharma.com

Cholesterol-lowering Plant Extract

A new plant extract for atherosclerosis prevention is based on fucus vesiculosus, a brown algae rich in phytotannins. Diana Naturals, under the Phytonutriance® brand name, has developed Phytonutriance HealSea™ extract, which has been clinically proven to significantly increase the production of aortic nitric oxide, well known for its vasorelaxant and antithrombin effects and to reduce the susceptibility of VLDL and LDL cholesterol-rich lipoproteins to oxidation ex vivo. The company, in conjunction with partners Ceva, the Department of Physiology at the University of Barcelona and the Department of Food and Microbiological Sciences and Technologies at the University of Milan, has conducted in vivo animal and human clinicals to demonstrate that the phlorotannins found in the extract contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis. Diana Naturals, Antrain, France, Gayle Struble, 845-268-5200, gstruble@diana-naturals-inc.com

Sugar-free Functionality

Manufacturers of sugarless confectionery products can derive greater functionality from a new flavor technology. The newest encapsulated flavors in Symrise’s new Sugarless Evoglass line offer benefits to producers of toppings for baked goods and dairy products, as well as makers of energy and meal replacement bars and OTC healthcare products. It is more humidity-stable than previous lines and holds up better in hard candy. In soft products like chocolate, gum and chewy candy, Sugarless Evoglass provides a desirable, crunchy texture. Symrise, Emmanuel Laroche, 201-462-2389, emmanuel.laroche@symrise.com, www.symrise.com

Eleven New Proposed USP Monographs

In November 2007, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) announced 11 new proposed monographs for dietary supplements for public notice and comment. They include turmeric, powdered turmeric, powdered turmeric extract, curcuminoids, curcuminoids capsules, curcuminoids tablets, soy isoflavones extract, soy isoflavones capsules, and soy isoflavones tablets. Monographs for two amino acid formulations, arginine capsules and arginine tablets, also appeared in Pharmacopeia Forum 33(6). This is the journal through which USP offers, for public review and comments, new and revised standards pertaining to the U.S. Pharmacopeia–National Formulary. For more information, see www.usp.org/about USP/media/newsCenter.html?article=104857.

Non-GMO-derived Isomaltulose

A new tooth-friendly, slow-digesting sweetener with a low glycemic index is now on the market. Gadot Biochemical Ind. and its daughter company, Pharmline Inc., have introduced NRGylose, a disaccharide also known as isomaltulose. Although providing the same caloric value as sugar, the ingredient is digested more slowly, leading to a low-glycemic response. Any increase in blood sugar level is more moderate and, therefore, any increase in insulin levels is slower. Isomaltulose can be added to a wide spectrum of formulations, including energy drinks, sports and isotonic drinks, products for diabetics, confectionery, milk drinks, yogurt and cereals. Gadot Biochemical Ind., www.gadotbio.com , www.pharmlineinc.com