Prepared Foods and its NutraSolutions brand present this annual “Ingredients for Health” reference. It offers market data and information about commercially available ingredients that assist developers and formulators with products that target various health benefits. From ingredients such as chia seed and red tomato for antioxidant supplementation, to the colors, flavors and textures that make nutraceutical products attractive and palatable, this section offers a comprehensive range of new offerings.

The categories are as follows:

 

  Cognitive Health

Despite increasing interest in cognitive health from an aging population, the majority (over two thirds) of global food and drinks launches marketed on a brain health platform are baby foods, particularly infant formulas and milks, where DHA is often used for its brain development properties. There also is rising concern about maintaining intellectual capacity, memory and learning ability with age. The initial interest in dietary supplements for this purpose, particularly in the U.S., has now started to move into the food and drinks market. A range of ingredients are used, including omega-3/DHA, soya phospholipids, GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) and botanicals, such as ginkgo biloba. Soft drinks and dairy products are the sectors seeing most activity, with 6.4 and 3.8%, respectively, of total global launches on a brain health platform in 2012, with milk and dairy drinks; juices and juice drinks; and sports and energy drinks the leading individual categories.

–Lu Ann Williams, Innova Market Insights,

helpdesk@innovami.com, www.innovadatabase.com

 

Broad Omega-3 Portfolio

BASF Nutrition & Health is the global leader in marine-sourced omega-3s. Formulators can select from a broad range of powders and oils for applications in liquid or solid form for dairy products such as yogurt drinks; infant and child nutrition products; spreads; as well as ready-to-eat meals and snacks. With recent acquisitions fully integrated, BASF is committed to delivering superior quality omega-3s that enhance health without adversely impacting the product’s sensory characteristics.  BASF’s omega-3 products contain the long-chain fatty acids, EPA and DHA, known for their heart and brain health benefits.  The line includes kosher, halal, and non-GMO products. Naturally sourced from a secure supply, according to stringent new EU hygiene regulation, strict protocols ensure that every batch conforms to high quality standards. Derived from high purity, salt water fish, BASF uses sustainable sources while maintaining environmental balance. BASF’s award-winning omega-3s’ sensory profile allows the ingredients to be easily formulated in a wide variety of foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

—BASF Nutrition & Health, 973-245-7858

Lauren Cafiero, Ph.D., lauren.cafiero@basf.com,

www.newtrition.basf.com

 

Improve Memory, Brain Health

Patented Magtein is the only form of magnesium shown to effectively cross the blood brain barrier.  It increases brain synaptic density by rejuvenating neural cells. Four published research studies in prestigious journals demonstrated Magtein’s ability to improve short-term and long-term memory, recognition and learning, as well as alleviating anxiety and phobia, plus improve and reverse the affects of Alzheimer’s in animal models.  Magtein is suitable for both the nutraceutical market and the food/beverage channel. It has a clean taste, is odorless, highly soluble and is safe. It is self-affirmed GRAS, and available exclusively through AIDP.

—AIDP Inc., 866- 262-6699, www.aidp.com

 

Natural Memory Support

There are more than 21 million consumers at colleges and universities. Then consider that there more 100 million “knowledge workers” of all ages—and that’s the market for Synapsa Natural Memory Support. Synapsa is an ingredient shown to improve information processing, enhance memory and upgrade intellectual performance – naturally and safely. Synapsa is a patented extract of Bacopa monnieri—offering seed-to-shelf quality control—backed by six solid clinical studies targeted to healthy adults, ages 18 to 65. Beyond improving memory and learning, new data suggests that short term supplementation with Synapsa can improve mental performance. With more studies in progress, Synapsa is an ingredient that can become the foundation of any food or beverage brand that targets learning, memory and mental performance.

—PLT Health Solutions, 973-984-0900

plt@plthomas.com, www.plthomas.com

 

Citicoline Brain Builder

Cognizin is a branded form of Citicoline, a natural substance found in every cell of the body and especially vital to brain health. Citicoline is broken down during intestinal absorption and, after passing through the blood/brain barrier, is reconstituted in the brain as citicoline. Citicoline is a water-soluble compound that supplies precursors for the synthesis of phospholipids, including phosphatidyl-choline, a major constituent of brain tissue; helps maintain normal levels of acetylcholine, a chemical that regulates memory and cognitive function; enhances communication between neurons; supports visual function; protects neural structures from free radical damage; enhances metabolism and healthy brain activity; and helps sustain healthy cellular mitochondria for sustained energy. Cognizin also is highly stable, GRAS, ultra-pure and allergen-free.

—Kyowa Hakko USA, 800-596-9252

www.cognizin.com, www.kyowa-usa.com

 

Relieve Stress, Boost Brain

SerinAid PhosphatidylSerine (PS) is a clinically proven stress reducer and mental performance enhancer for individuals of all ages. SerinAid is an all-natural, efficacious, and GRAS approved ingredient. Recently, SerinAid Disperse PS, a true water dispersible PS product for use in functional beverages was introduced making it easier than ever to include this highly respected ingredient in any functional beverage.

Chemi Nutra, 866-907-0400

info@cheminutra.com, www.cheminutra.com

 

Vegetarian DHA Source

Most people believe that fish are a rich source of DHA, when in fact, fish get DHA from the algae in their foodchain. life’sDHA goes straight to the source, producing DHA from the same microalgae sources used by fish. Grown in a controlled environment, life’sDHA is a vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA naturally free of ocean-borne contaminants. life’sDHA is produced in an FDA-inspected facility under current Good Manufacturing Practices in a controlled environment from start to finish. life'sDHA's manufacturing plants specialize in the production and refinement of DHA from algae. The process begins with the initial algae cell culture and results in highly purified DHA oil. The microalgae are grown in fermentors that range in size from 80,000 to 260,000 liters. When grown, the microalgae is then harvested and processed to extract the clear, amber-colored oil rich in DHA. life’sDHA is a trusted source used in more than 99% of U.S. infant formulas.

—DSM Nutritional Products Inc., 800-526-0189

lifes.DHA@dsm.com, www.lifesdha.com or www.dsm.com

 

Reduce Stress, Anxiety

Natural L-theanine, L-Tea Active helps consumers improve concentration and mental alertness, while inducing relaxation without drowsiness. It is ideal for functional beverages, dietary supplements or even confections. L-Tea Active is water-soluble, with no taste or color. Developed from a natural source—using a natural process—this ingredient is FDA GRAS, kosher, halal, and BRC certified based on U.S. and European food safety standards. Blue California uses a proprietary process to produce this 98% pure ingredient and offers assured quality (with independent validation) from batch to batch.

—Blue California, 949-635-1991

info@bluecal-ingredients.com, www.bluecal-ingredients.com