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 targets various health benefits. From ingredients such as chia seed and red tomato for antioxidant supplementation, to the colors, flavors and textures that make functional foods and beverages products attractive and palatable, this section offers a comprehensive range of new offerings.
Categories include:
Energy and/or Sports Performance
Despite increasing interest in cognitive health from an aging population, the majority (over two-thirds) of global 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, however, and the initial interest in dietary supplements for this purpose, particularly in the US, has now started to move into the market. A range of ingredients are used in these types of products, including vitamin B6 and B12, taurine, choline, magnesium and, of course, DHA.
With rising concerns over dementia, Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, the brain health category should be looking at potential for strong growth over the next few years, although it remains to be seen how much in the way of sales the food and drinks market can take from the dominant supplements sector. There are few brain health foods targeted specifically at older people to date, with many, particularly those fortified with omega 3 fatty acids, taking a more general health positioning or focusing on products for children and/or families. Focus on older consumers has been very limited to date, and this could be regarded as a key opportunity if scientific evidence can be provided and relevant claims permitted.
—Lu Ann Williams, Innova Market Insights, helpdesk@innovami.com, www.innovadatabase.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
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., 866- 262-6699, www.aidp.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, www.cheminutra.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, www.cognizin.com,
www.kyowa-usa.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. 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 and beverages.—BASF Nutrition & Health, www.newtrition.basf.com
Clarity Premix
Many consumers go to energy beverages for extra help to stay alert. Watson’s new Spark Premix can provide the clarity, mental focus and energy many are looking for—without the supplements that consumers consider to be unsafe. Spark Premix leaves out caffeine, glucuronolactone, inositol, milk thistle extract, guarana and taurine. Spark Premix also adds energy and stamina. It’s ideal for beverages and bars.—Watson Inc., www.watson-inc.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
