Beautiful Skin for the Future

A recently completed double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that supplementation with LycoRed’s Lyc-O-Mato^® tomato extract helps protect the skin. Study subjects consumed their normal diet, supplemented by either Lyc-O-Mato capsules providing 10mg lycopene per day, or a placebo, for ten weeks. Their skin then was exposed to a UVB/UVA solar simulator. The Lyc-O-Mato group showed a sunburn cell count that was six times lower than in the placebo group and also showed evidence of reduced depletion of Langerhans cells, indicating a protected skin immune system. This discovery could lead to a new trend toward full-body protection, based on daily supplementation that can support beautiful skin from within. LycoRed Ltd., 972-942-0930, www.lycored.com

Making a Claim

A weight-control and starch-reduction dietary supplement has received permission for structure-function claims. Pharmachem Laboratories’ Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer^® dietary ingredient, a proprietary extract of the white bean, has been given the following claims: “May assist in weight control, when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program;” “May reduce the enzymatic digestion of dietary starches;” and it has also been affirmed GRAS for dietary supplements and food products. According to the supplier, this is the first nutritional ingredient to receive structure-function claims for both weight control and reduced digestion of dietary starches. Pharmachem Laboratories, 800-526-0609, phase2info.com

Pure Immunity

A nutrition company has launched a new, value-added ingredient to its immune health solutions offerings. GTC Nutrition’s Puirmune^™, at 90% GOS, is one of the highest purity galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) available on the market, according to the supplier. Occurring naturally in human milk, galacto-oligosaccharides can support immune system strength. According to the International Food Information Council, more than half of consumers are interested in purchasing foods designed to address a specific health benefit, such as improving immune function. It is a prebiotic ingredient--a non-digestible carbohydrate that supports immune health by nourishing and stimulating the growth of beneficial microflora in the colon to support immunity. Purimune is available in powder form. GTC Nutrition, 303-468-5077, www.gtcnutritionsolutions.com

Supfruit News

A high-ORAC, Supfruit blend was found in a recent in vitro study to activate the enzyme quinone reductase (QR). High QR levels are associated with improved cell protection and resistance against oxidative stress. Vita-Berry^® Tropical, from FutureCeuticals Inc., stimulated QR up to 316% at a concentration of 0.027%. VitaBerry Tropical is a proprietary Supfruit blend that combines only the world’s highest antioxidant fruit products. The blend includes açai, mangosteen, acerola, camu camu and whole coffee concentrate. By investigating the activity of Vita-Berry Tropical, the company hopes to provide a differentiated and proven effective Supfruit product for the antioxidant sector. Product applications include capsules, tablets, functional foods and beverages. FutureCeuticals Inc., 815-472-6853, ext.43, www.futureceuticals.com

Aging Advancement

A study in the October 2008 issue of the Journal of Gerontology demonstrates that supplementation with Carnipure, from Lonza, can restore age-decreased L-carnitine levels in the muscle cells of old rats, restore muscle oxidative capacity and further induce positive changes in body composition. In elderly people, both dietary intake of L-carnitine and the nutrients required for the body to naturally make L-carnitine are frequently reduced, leading to reduced L-carnitine levels in various body tissues. Lonza is the only manufacturer of the Carnipure brand of L-carnitine products, including Carnipure tartrate, which consists of 68% pure L-carnitine and 32% L-tartaric acid and is self- affirmed as GRAS. The products are crystalline, white, water- soluble and heat-stable, making them ideal for use in various food and drink applications. In addition, Carnipure tartrate is non-hygroscopic, odorless, has a pleasant citrus taste and excellent flowability. The products are also kosher-certified. Lonza Group Ltd., www.lonza.com

Flexible for Life

A new patented rose-hip supplement works to soothe joints and improve joint function quickly, effectively and safely, offering dietary supplement manufacturers and retailers major new market opportunities. The ability to significantly improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms were demonstrated in several patient- and physician-based assessments for quality of life and disease status. DSM Nutritional Products has the rights to this rose-hip ingredient and is marketing the product under the name i-flex^®. Other major clinical trials have demonstrated that i-flex works to soothe joints and improve flexibility in as little as three weeks for up to 82% of the study subjects. This research also indicates that animal-free i-flex^® is significantly more effective than glucosamine HCL, while having no treatment-related side effects, the company states. DSM Nutritional Products Inc., 800-526-0189, www.unlimitednutrition-na.dsm.com

All's Fair

A new program aims to help end poverty in developing countries through the payment of honest, respectable prices for products. The Institute for Marketecology (IMO) has been selected as a certifier for The Whole Trade Guarantee program at Whole Foods Market. The Whole Trade Guarantee ensures that products meet Whole Foods Market’s high quality standards, producers receive better wages and working conditions, and care is given to the environment during production. An exciting aspect of IMO’s fair trade certification is that it opens the prospect of fair trade certification to an array of materials and products for which it previously did not exist, including those produced for domestic markets, multi-ingredient products, wild-harvested produce and non-food products--including handicrafts, textiles and toys. Institute for Marketecology, 707-644-2354, www.imo.ch or www.fairforlife.net

Change in Distribution

As of January 1, 2009, the global distribution rights to a proprietary, patented composition, Sytrinol^®, will return to its inventor and patent holder, KGK Synergize Inc. (KGK), of London. The change will not affect Sytrinol’s availability or delivery, and the direct relationship to KGK will allow distributors to access KGK’s new branded ingredients, Diabetinol^™ and Dermytol^™. Sytrinol is a clinically proven ingredient composed of polymethoxylated flavones (PMF) and tocotrienols specially formulated for the prevention of atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia.  KGK Synergize Inc., 519-438-9374, sytrinol@kgksynergize.com

Research of Interest

Recently published research expli-cates the importance of vitamin K in the activation of Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification. Authored by researchers at VitaK, part of the University of Maastricht, recent discoveries associated with MGP and their involvements in the regulation of calcium accumulation are discussed. MGP functions to keep the arteries free from calcifications, thereby keeping them flexible and elastic. Schurgers, LJ, et al. 2008. Matrix Gla-protein: The calcification inhibitor in need of vitamin K. Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 100 4: 593-603.

The December 2008 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition includes a supplement entitled “High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Everything You Wanted to Know, but Were Afraid to Ask,” with five papers on this subject. In general, they fail to find a link between HFCS and obesity any greater than other nutritive sweeteners.  NS