One Step Forward
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established the safety of Lipid Nutrition’s Clarinol® CLA (polyunsaturated, conjugated fatty acid) in the EU’s Novel Food registration process. This assessment is a step toward allowing the product to be used in food products throughout Europe, helping to build a long-term, sustainable market. The core conclusion of the EFSA Panel is the safety of Clarinol has been established for the proposed intake necessary to attain the results, as described by the weight management health claims, which are still under evaluation by EFSA as part of the article list of generic health claims. Lipid Nutrition, the Netherlands, + 31 75 629 2461, www.lipidnutrition.com

Stable and Effective Probiotic
Premium probiotic blends containing the superstrain, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS®-1, from UAS Laboratories, have demonstrated condition-specific health benefits, says the company. A recent clinical case study demonstrated the effectiveness of the probiotic blend containing L. acidophilus DDS-1, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium bifidum in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A clinical study published last year demonstrated effectiveness of the L. acidophilus DDS-1, B. lactis blend in reducing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in young children. The health attributes of L. acidophilus DDS-1 have been well-documented and include human isolates that adapt well to the human body; acid and bile resistance that make it well-suited for intestinal survival; ability to promote digestive health; creates an unfavorable environment for pathogens; maintains natural immune defenses; and contributes to good balance of intestinal flora. UAS Laboratories Inc., 952-935-1707, www.uaslabs.com

Positive Partnership
Krill specialist Aker BioMarine (Norway), and Lipogen (Israel), producer of the functional cognitive ingredient phosphatidylserine (PS), have joined forces to develop an innovative phospholipids formula for cognitive health. The target formula is a unique matrix of Lipogen PS® phosphatidylserine produced from Aker BioMarine’s pure Superba™ Krill Oil. The companies see great potential for this new formula, especially in the brain health market. Phosphatidylserine (PS) and omega-3 fatty acids are both key components of the brain’s cell membranes. The new ingredient could either be applied together with multivitamins, or as a single ingredient targeting brain health. PS acts synergistically with omega-3 fatty acids to increase cognitive abilities, supporting memory, mood, concentration, stress control and other cognitive functions, the companies claim. Aker BioMarine, +47 916 30 120, www.aker biomarine.com, Lipogen, + 972 544 522 355, www.lipogen.co.il

New Study with Grape Seed Extract
There is some exciting news about how grape seed extract may help millions of overweight Americans at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A new study at UC Davis comes on the heels of a study published in July 2009 that indicated the use of Polyphenolics’ MegaNatural BP® grape seed extract, in conjunction with lifestyle modification, may effectively lower blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome. The protocol from that study, led by C. Tissa Kappagoda M.D., professor of cardiovascular medicine at UC Davis Health System, was so effective that it has since been patented, says the supplier. The new, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies will also be conducted under the direction of Dr. Kappagoda. The first will measure the inflammatory markers in people who are overweight or diagnosed with metabolic syndrome throughout a full day’s worth of high-fat meals. The second will look directly at whether grape seed extract suppresses those inflammatory markers. MegaNatural BP® will be used in that study. Inflammatory markers are associated with insulin resistance, a condition which can develop into type 2 diabetes. Polyphenolics, www.polyphenolics.com

Future of Good Skin
FutureCeuticals Inc. has developed what they say is the first beauty-from-within product to report a measurable modulation of elastase in human subjects. Dermaval™, in initial studies, has been shown to inhibit elastase by up to 10% in human subjects, within two hours of ingestion. Elastase is an enzyme associated with the deterioration of elastin, a protein that is a vital part of elastic fibers in the skin. Dermaval is an all-natural blend of individual fruit and vegetable powders that FutureCeuticals’ researchers identified as elastase inhibitors during initial screenings. The final blend of these active ingredients was then tested for elastase inhibition. The research was conducted using FutureCeuticals’ proprietary TargeTest™ biotesting platform. FutureCeuticals Inc., 815-472-6853, ext. 129, www.futureceuticals.com NS