Prepared Foods and its NutraSolutions brand present this annual “Ingredients for Health” guide. It profiles commercially available ingredients and helps developers and formulators 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 presents a comprehensive range of new offerings.

Categories include:

Antioxidants for Health

Bone & Joint Health

Cardiovascular Health

Cognitive Health

Digestive Health

Energy and/or Sports Performance

Immunity

Weight Management

General Health

Memory Boost

Maintaining cognitive performance has become an increasingly vital requirement of our active way of life. American Ginseng has traditionally been used to improve cognitive function. Naturex has developed Cereboost, a natural solution to immediately enhance short term memory and attention. Cereboost is a patented ingredient made from high-quality American Ginseng with a specific profile in ginsenosides that guarantees its high activity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study shows that 200mg supplementation with Cereboost improves working memory and supports attention, contributing to increased cognitive performance. This has been confirmed in a second gold standard clinical trial published in 2015 on 52 elderly people.

—Naturex, www.naturex.com

Brain Boost for All Ages

Cera-Q is a new, powerful, clinically demonstrated cognitive function and memory  enhancement extract from a  unique natural source. Borne of traditional Korean medicine, Cera-Q is a new protein hydrolysate ingredient derived from a silkfibroin that has long been consumed for its range of health benefits.  Comprising bioactive peptides with a unique amino acid profile, Cera-Q is backed by 10 human clinical trials and in vitro data, all of which demonstrate Cera-Q’s support of memory, learning, and general cognitive function across a wide range of ages, from children to the elderly. These published studies show significant results from a three- to four-week trial, demonstrating that Cera-Q is a powerful natural solution to help improve brain health at every age.

— Novel Ingredients, www.novelingredient.com

Green Oat Extract

Neuravena (EFLA 955) is a green oat extract, manufactured from a selected variety of oat herb (Avena sativa L.) scientifically shown to enhance overall mental fitness and support cognitive performance in stressful situations. The raw material used by Frutarom to develop Neuravena has been scientifically selected from dozens of different oat varieties for its superior bioactivity. Neuravena is supported by five clinical studies showing that it positively influences brain activity during stressful situations in line with improved cognitive performance.

— Frutarom, www.frutarom.com

Boost Flexibility, Function

Zembrin is a patented, standardized and clinically studied extract of the South African plant, Sceletium tortuosum. Zembrin has been clinically demonstrated to improve cognitive function—specifically cognitive flexibility and executive function. One of the most intriguing aspects of Zembrin is that it is experiential – users “feel” its benefits. It also is fast acting. A recently published study that used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology to examine the effects of short term supplementation with Zembrin on the “threat circuitry” of the human brain showed reduced anxiety-related activity of the amygdala and its associated anxiety circuitry within two hours of administration.

— PLT Health Solutions, www.plthealth.com

Relaxation, Focus

Suntheanine is Taiyo’s patented pure form of L-theanine. Suntheanine is not an extract of green tea, but rather is produced via a patented fermentation process that mimics the natural process in green tea leaves, resulting in a 100% pure L-isomer-theanine. Clinical research suggests that 50mg–200mg of Suntheanine naturally stimulates activity in the brain known as alpha waves, which are associated with a relaxed but alert mental state. Suntheanine has been shown to be safe based on numerous favorable toxicology and efficacy studies. Unlike other stress reducing supplements, Suntheanine does not cause drowsiness. Suntheanine has been consumed in beverages, foods and supplements since 1994 with no indication of adverse reactions or contraindications. It received GRAS Affirmation in 2007.

— Taiyo International Inc., www.suntheanine.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 US and European standards for food safety. 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, www.bluecal-ingredients.com

Patented Citicoline

Cognizin Citicoline is a potent brain health nutrient that has been clinically studied to support mental energy, focus, attention and recall. Citicoline is found in every cell of the body that provides nutritional support that fuels metal processes, enhances focus and concentration, and supports healthy memory function. Cognizin is the only patented form of citicoline studied in healthy adults and adolescence. Cognizin has GRAS and Novel Food status making it a great choice in functional foods and beverages. It is stable, allergen-free and a non-stimulant ingredient.

— Kyowa Hakko U.S.A., Inc., www.kyowa-usa.com

Organic Matcha Powder

When it comes to Matcha, quality matters. That’s why Taiyo is dedicated to producing Matcha of superior quality using only best practices. To maintain the leaf’s natural green color, savory taste, and rich nutrient content, our Organic Matcha Powder is prepared under carefully controlled low temperatures in a GMP and FSSC Certified quality facility using only the highest quality pesticide controlled leaves to assure compliance with stringent US FDA residual pesticide regulations for tea. Not only enjoyed for its rich flavor, Matcha is also a wholesome nutritious ingredient rich in polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, fibers, chlorophyll and L-theanine.  It has a fresh taste and natural vivid green color. Matcha Powder can be used as a unique refreshing flavor in beverages, dairy products and confections.

—Taiyo International Inc., www.taiyointernational.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 effects 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., www.aidp.com

Appeal to the Senses

BASF Nutrition & Health offers omega-3 powders and oils with an award-winning sensory profile. The ingredients easily formulate into dairy products such as yogurt drinks; infant and child nutrition products; spreads; as well as ready-to-eat meals and snacks. Powder forms are microencapsulated and provide a two-year shelf life. BASF’s omega-3 products contain the long-chain fatty acids, EPA and DHA, known for their heart and brain health benefits. The product line includes kosher, halal, and non-GMO products. Derived from wild caught sardine and anchovy, BASF uses sustainable sources and maintains environmental balance.

— BASF Nutrition & Health, www.newtrition.basf.com

Carbohydrate Complex

Clasado Biosciences, producers and suppliers of the second generation prebiotic Bimuno (B-GOS), a unique trans-galactooligosaccharide, and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, announced results of a pre-clinical study demonstrating a major role of the unique carbohydrate complex Bimuno against neuro-inflammation and anxiety. The study was published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity. It is the first study to demonstrate that a prebiotic can have a modulatory role in neuro-immuno processes as well as reversing anxiety induced by inflammation. It also shows that the beneficial effects of Bimuno on brain health and emotions also are exerted via a combination of the immune system and a key receptor in the brain, a serotonin receptor. Bimuno is a non-digestible carbohydrate (fiber) with received GRAS status for both conventional foods as well as infant formula.

— Clasado Biosciences Ltd, www.clasado.com

Non-GMO Certified

FutureCeuticals proprietary Coffeeberry coffee fruit concentrate (N580) recently received certification and NGP verification by the Non-GMO Project. Published clinical research indicates that Coffeeberry coffee fruit extract, unlike brewed coffee, caffeine, or green coffee bean extract, significantly increases plasma levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein active in our brain and in our central and peripheral nervous systems. BDNF plays a critical role in the development, maintenance and repair of neurons, and in helping to protect us against age-related neuro-decline. BDNF is important for a variety of processes, including learning, memory, alertness, mood, support for healthy body weight, and maintenance of energy metabolism.

— FutureCeuticals, www.futureceuticals.com