CRN Membership Continues to Grow

Eight new members have joined the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN):

• Anderson Advanced Ingredients, new voting member
• Indus Biotech Limited, new voting member
• Nisarga Biotech Pvt. Ltd., new voting member
• Nuseed Nutritional, new voting member
• Specnova, new voting member
• IngredientAI, new associate member
• iniTech, new associate member
• Kleinfeld, Kaplan & Becker, LLP, new associate member
• Talati Law Firm, PLLC, new associate member

The addition of these new members promotes the trade association’s dedication to fostering innovation, regulatory compliance, and scientific advancement within the industry. “Responsible is our middle name, and their commitment to responsible practices while driving innovation in the dietary supplement and functional food marketplace aligns with CRN’s culture of credibility that is foundational to our mission to support science-backed supplements and functional foods that promote better health and nutrition,” commented Steve Mister CRN President & CEO.

AB-BIOTICS and Kaneka Probiotics’ Probiotic Blend Proves Superiority

A new comparative clinical study shows AB-BIOTICS and Kaneka Probiotics’ probiotic blend of Bifidobacterium longum KABP-042 and Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP-041 offers superior efficacy over Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938. Published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, the randomized, multicentre, parallel, single-blind trial compared the effectiveness of AB-BIOTICS and KKaneka Probiotics’ probiotic formulation versus Biogaia’s L. reuteri DSM17938 in reducing colic symptoms of 112 colicky infants. Results showed a noticeable reduction in crying and fussing time and an increase in relief time across 7, 14, and 21 day timepoints. After seven days, crying time averaged 180 minutes with L reuteri DSM17938 (registering a reduction of 90 min) and 120 minutes with the B.longum KABP-042 and P.pentosaceus KABP-041 blend (registering a reduction of 150 minutes).

“To us, bringing probiotics to life means advancing the field of probiotics with improved or alternative solutions for consumers worldwide. In this latest study, we wanted to examine our probiotic solution for infant colic treatment, not just in their inherent ability to relieve symptoms but to bolster the evidence for newer solutions compared to the established norms,” commented Jordi Espadaler, Director of Innovation at AB-BIOTICS. 

FrieslandCampina Ingredients Returns to FI Europe

Guests attending the Fi Europe tradeshow in Frankfurt, Germany from November 19-21 can stop by booth 3.0D100 to learn about FrieslandCampina‘s application expertise across consumer life stages and their latest innovations lineup of on-trend concepts including bars with Biots Fermentis and high-protein ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages to help unlock new levels of performance and active nutrition. The company’s early life nutrition team will also be in attendance helping spotlight the Step Up Nutrition platform which was designed to help manufacturers support the development wellbeing of children aged three and older. “At this year’s Fi Europe 2024, we’re showcasing a variety of application concepts including our Biotis Fermentis as well as high-protein RTDs to show manufacturers how they can use our specialized ingredients to create solutions that support holistic health and happy lives,” commented Vicky Davies, Global Marketing Director Performance, Medical and Active Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. 

During the show, FrieslandCampina will be a part of three separate education sessions. On Tuesday, November 19, the Exhibitor Showcase Theatre (3.OK2) will host all three discussions:

• 2pm Linda Bentert, Marketing Manager Biotis Gut Health at FrieslandCampina Ingredients examines “Unlocking innovation in gut health – exploring the power of fermentation”
• 4pm Ramon Mommersteeg, Marketing Manager at FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Stella Effraimidou – Technical Sales Specialist at FrieslandCampina Ingredients will hold the “Elevate your consumer experience, by levelling up your high protein products” conversation.
• 4:30pm “Step Up Nutrition: Fueling tomorrow’s potential” with Yinyin Guan, Marketing Manager at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

Kerry Group Focuses on Women’s Health

Taste & nutrition solutions provider, Kerry Group, has launched a new comprehensive reference website offering a deep dive into the specific health  issues facing women at every life stage. WOW (World of Women’s Health) will serve as a practical resource for anyone looking for information regarding Women’s Health. “At Kerry Group we are radically rethinking the supplement space, with women’s health as a driving factor,” said Izaskun Monsalve, Ph.D., Global Marketing Manager Women’s and Infant Health – ProActive Health at Kerry Group. “By combining premium, clinically proven ingredients with our unmatched ingenuity in taste, we’ve created pioneering health and wellness solutions to bridge the gap in women’s healthcare and empower women. No individual or experience is the same, but with the support of natural, science-backed ingredients, each unique stage of life can be catered to, improving the quality of life and health for women around the world.”

With 75% of women taking a proactive approach to their wellbeing, research on how to live healthier, happier lives, and education on helpful ingredients and habits has increased. WOW will look to provide information on the most pressing health issues and latest market trends surrounding:

• Family Planning – Solutions for mother and child, support for women’s health through the entire child bearing process from fertility, pregnancy, to motherhood.
• The Hormone Lifecycle – Spotlighting the unique challenges women face during hormonal shifts, from menstruation to menopause, and aiding in the maintenance of balance and vitality.
• Healthy Living – Empowering women to control their long-term wellbeing with ingredients promoting energy, resilience, and holistic health.

UK Approves Arla Foods Acquisition of Volac’s Whey

“This is a very welcome decision at a time when demand for high-quality whey ingredients is growing. It means we’re a step closer to a significant acquisition that would consolidate our position as a leader in the whey nutrition space. We will now move forward with the formal process necessary to make Volac’s Whey Nutrition business part of Arla Foods Ingredients. Once that is complete, we will be able to comment further on the many advantages of bringing together these two major manufacturers of whey ingredients – not just for both companies, but also for our customers and the industry as a whole,” shared Luis Cubel, Group Vice President and Managing Director of Arla Foods Ingredients, regarding the news of UK’s Competition and Markets Authority approving Arla Foods Ingredients acquisition of Volac’s Whey Nutrition business. The regulator’s green light came after an evaluation that took place after both companies signed an acquisition agreement on April 18, 2024.

James Neville, joint owner of Volac, spoke on behalf of the company regarding the authorities approval, “We were always confident that Arla Foods Ingredients had the necessary expertise and values to take our Whey Nutrition business to the next level, and we are delighted to have reached this important step in the acquisition process. It’s great news for Volac Whey Nutrition, and for the whey ingredients sector, that these two innovative companies have been allowed to join forces.”

IFT Publishes White Paper

The nonprofit scientific organization, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), released a new white paper on the solutions to reducing exposure to heavy metals in food. “Challenges, Risks, and Potential Solutions to Mitigate Heavy Metal Exposure” examines mitigation strategies and highlights research collaboration, and public health communications addressing the causes and health effects of heavy metals in the U.S. food supply while reviewing how federal nutrition guidelines can better account for exposure to heavy metals, especially in vulnerable populations. “From farmers measuring soil concentration to consumers cooking at home, reducing dietary exposure to heavy metals is a challenge that will require all facets of the global food system to solve,” said IFT Chief Science and Technology Officer Bryan Hitchcock. A full copy of the report is available here.

GRMA Announces New Partnerships and Certification

The Global Retailer and Manufacturer Alliance (GRMA) is partnering with HealthLOQ and ANAB to launch the Dietary Supplement Product Integrity Program. Under the new initiative, ANAB will provide its assessment infrastructure and competent assessors while HealthLOQ will contribute its cutting-edge technology, document protection, and credential validation to the program that will thoroughly assess the capabilities of labs and allow them to exhibit their test methods for specific dietary supplements. “We’re excited about our new partnerships with ANAB and HealthLOQ. These collaborations advance science and public health in dietary supplements,” shared Allyn Shultis, GRMA Executive Director.

As the program gains acceptance within the industry, participants will benefit from a special logo, marketing support, and recognition amongst industry players. “Through our partnership with GRMA, we’re helping the dietary supplement industry set a new harmonized standard for integrity, trust, and transparency,” said Derek Lurth, CEO of HealthLOQ.

New Science Backs Fava Bean Protein PeptiStrong

Health and wellness ingredients company, Nuritas, has released the latest data surrounding its natural peptide network ingredient derived from fava beans, PeptiStrong. PepiStrong offers consumers, particularly older adults, an effective muscle health supplement alternative to traditional supplements. The new research shows PeptiStrong to be as effective as Leucine at only 25% of the typical dose, 60% more effective than HMB at half the usual dose, and matching Creatine in ATP synthesis with five times superior mTOR upregulation. For its users, this means they can have better muscle health outcomes minus the side effects, lower supplement volumes, and decreased costs.

 “Maintaining muscle health is crucial for reducing all-cause mortality and improving quality of life. PeptiStrong provides a novel approach to muscle health, delivering better outcomes with reduced supplement intake through plant-based solutions. Nuritas is pioneering a new paradigm in health ingredients, focusing on overall wellness,” shared Dr. Nora Khaldi, CEO and Founder of Nuritas. 

Best Day Brewing Raises $20 Million

Non-alcoholic craft beer brand, Best Day Brewing, has raised $20 million in total funding this year. New partners and existing investors contributed to the investment which will expand product pipeline and further scale distribution nationwide to keep pace with increased demand. “There’s a shift happening with drinking behaviors. The future is all about freedom of choice. Consumers are demanding more options, whether they are mindful drinkers, switch drinkers, Cali-sober, sober curious, or just want a really good tasting beer without the impact of alcohol. Best Day Brewing is the defining brand of this movement, reshaping and pioneering the future of drinking,” said Tate Huffard, CEO & Founder of Best Day Brewing.

Best Day Brewing presents consumers with a full-flavored range of craft brews including West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA, Kölsch, and Electro-Lime, and a rotation of limited-edition flavors. Consumers can purchase the brand’s extensive offerings from Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, HEB, Wegmans, Target, Winco, Sprouts, and the company’s own website. 

LBB Specialties Announces Strategic Partnership

LBB Specialties (LBBS) is partnering with Myzel Organics for a new distribution partnership. Myzel Organics, a provider of 100% organic functional mushroom powders cultivated in Canada at a state-of-the-art facility designed to be net-zero energy and emphasizing environmental stewardship and food security, will look to take advantage of the LBBS network of specialty chemicals and ingredients network in North America.

The new cooperative will focus on introducing Myzel Organics’ organic, Non-GMO, gluten-free mushroom powders to the North American market and expanding LBB Specialties portfolio of innovative, plant-based protein solutions within the food and nutrition market. Markus Sadaka, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Myzel Organics shared his optimism for the collaboration, “LBB Specialties’ relationship-driven sales approach and deep market expertise make them a perfect partner to expand our brand across the USA and Canada. Their focus on purposeful, high-quality ingredients aligns seamlessly with our mission, driving forward our shared commitment to nutrition, wellness, and sustainability.”

Me & the Bees Celebrates with New Packaging

Sustainable beverage producer and advocate for pollinators, Me & the Bees Lemonade, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with an upgrade to 100% recyclable aluminum cans packaging. The company will be changing over from glass bottles to new on-the go sustainable cans for its line of all-natural lemonades. The company’s Founder and CEO, Mikaila Ulmer shared her enthusiasm for the change, “We’re buzzing with excitement about a brighter, more sustainable future…As a member of Gen Z, this new packaging choice perfectly aligns with our growing consumer preferences for contributing to a circular economy because aluminum is the most recycled beverage packaging material in the U.S.”

The company has always emphasized sustainability but will be significantly improving its environmental footprint, reducing its costs and passing the savings on to retailers and consumers by offering its Classic, Prickly Pear, Black Cherry, Passion Fruit and Very Berry Lemonade flavors in a more convenient aluminum can that requires less energy to produce, recycle, and ship making them more ideal to enjoy at home, picnics, poolside, outdoor festivals, or when traveling.

Exposing Conventional Cotton

Modern conventional cotton products are posing serious risks to the environment and the health of humans through its heavy use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, this according to a new report from The Organic Center. “Pesticide, Fertilizer and Genetic Modification Use in Conventional Cotton in the U.S. and Globally: The Case for Organic,” highlights the science and details surrounding the concerns for the chemicals used in conventional cotton production across the world including the US. With cotton being grown in over 50 countries and the United States holding the title of its third largest producer, concerns began to grow over the industry’s extensive use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified (GM) seeds. 

This new report is a continuation of The Organic Center’s 2020 report “Organic Cotton: One of the most important choices you can make for the environment.” Dr Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs for the Organic Center explains the difference in this new version, “Our earlier report shows how organic cotton production prevents the use of toxic synthetic chemicals and promotes a healthy ecosystem. In this new report, we are strengthening our case for a change in most of the world’s cotton production by revealing the statistics and sharing the facts on chemical use in conventional cotton production.” Other key points from the report include:

• In the U.S., some 42 million pounds of pesticides were used in conventional cotton production, ranking cotton as the most pesticide-intensive crop per acre of the nine field crops surveyed by USDA in 2019-2023, including corn, soybeans and wheat. Globally, pesticide usage for cotton ranks fifth among the top single global crops (after soybeans, corn, wheat and rice) with an average annual usage of 256 million pounds.
• At least 98 pesticides were applied to cotton in the U.S., including almost 13 million pounds of the herbicide glyphosate. Exposure to glyphosate has been linked to serious health concerns, such as non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, other cancers, impaired neurodevelopment and more.
• The top 10 pesticides used on conventional cotton in the U.S. pose numerous health risks: seven meet the United Nation’s Highly Hazardous Pesticides criteria, six are considered possible, probable or known carcinogens, three are considered “moderately acutely toxic” pesticides, and four are considered endocrine disruptors.
• In the U.S., around 1.3 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers were used on conventional cotton in 2021, making cotton the third most fertilizer-intensive single crop per acre among nine field crops USDA surveyed 2019-2023, behind only corn and rice. Of that total, nitrogen fertilizer accounted for nearly 700 million pounds. Nitrogen fertilizers are a major contributor to climate change by releasing the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Globally, fertilizer usage on cotton amounted to an estimated 16.4 billion pounds.
• In the U.S., 96 percent of the conventional cotton planted is genetically modified. Globally, cotton was the third most widely adopted genetically modified crop by the 29 countries that have adopted the technology as of 2019.

For additional information including a proposed call to action, download a full copy of the report here.

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