Wellness Foods + Supplements 3/2023

No. 3, November/December 2023
www.harnisch.com | ISSN 2364-8104
Photo © : Adobe Stock/Mediteraneo
Women's health
Probiotics
Dairy products
Marine ingredients
Vitamins
Healthy ageing
Energy and endurance
Plant extracts

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Editorial
SILKE WATKINS, Editor-in-Chief
Are we losing touch with nature?
Today’s generation of grandparents have not
only spent more time experiencing nature,
they also know more about the various plant
and animal species and are well versed in
the healing power of herbs and plants. Not
that everything used to be better in the good
old days. But when it comes to nature, that
is actually true. Technology and digitalisation
now take up so much space in our lives
that there is very little room left for experiencing
nature.
A distinct estrangement from nature among
children and adolescents began back at
the end of the 1990s. 60 per cent of the
people interviewed found it unpleasant to
have a bug crawl over their hand. 36 per
cent were unable to recall a beautiful experience
of nature. Sadly, this situation has not
improved. There is a connection between
experiences in nature and media consumption.
62 per cent of adolescents who rarely
go out into the woods spend three or more
hours in front of a screen every day. This
figure is only 45 per cent among adolescents
who spend time in the woods almost daily.
Back in 1990, a survey showed that nearly
three quarters of all children between 6 and
13 years of age were spending time outside
every day. This was true for less than half the
children in 2003.
We know that regular experiences in nature
support children’s overall development,
including their sense of balance, body confidence,
maturing of the senses, social skills,
cognitive abilities, language, imagination and
overall health. Brain research has found that
the presence of nature, interacting with and playing in it, is relevant for
satisfying emotional as well as cognitive needs of people as they grow
up. When children are denied these experiences, they have difficulty
developing key abilities. Their emotional bonding capacity becomes
stunted without proximity to plants and animals. The empathy, imagination
and zest for life of the children decline.
When parents are asked why they do not allow their children to have
these experiences, the answer is often: Fear. Fear that the children
may get hurt outdoors, that they may become ill through contact
with plants and animals. Many children internalise the views of their
parents that are passed on to them. Dangers and diseases are seen
to be lurking everywhere. These children are however robbed of the
opportunity to experience the meaning of life. Their vitality is taken
from them. Cognition researchers view this as the primary cause of
psychological illnesses.
Estrangement from nature has significant potential to be disastrous
for civilisation. Who is to preserve nature when there is nobody left
with awareness that it forms part of our lives? That it provides us with
everything we need to lead a good and healthy life?
Schools, too, largely limit themselves to imparting information. Topics
pertaining to nature are of course included in the curriculum, and
students gain an awareness of nature. But that is the crux of the
matter: While children and adolescents learn about the composition
of animals and plants, this learning is theoretical and detached from
life. Young people are not truly experiencing anything when they go
to parks, but are not allowed to touch anything there and have to stay
on designated trails. They need opportunities for contact with nature,
to freely experience it with all their senses and to give their creativity
free rein. Even though it may be difficult for many people today, this
always includes an element of risk. But that’s life.
I wish you an interesting read!
Silke Watkins
No. 3 November/December 2023
3

Contents
Health
Convenience Food
Food & Beverages
Confectionary
Cover Photo © : Adobe Stock/Mediteraneo
Various studies increasingly indicate that nutrition during
prenatal and early childhood development in particular can
have a decisive and formative influence on the later development
of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular
disease. This means that someone will be healthy or ill
in old age, is laid out in the early phase of life and can be
strongly influenced by environmental factors. For example,
an un balanced diet can lead to changes in development as
early as the embryonic phase and into the first years of life.
These changes can even be passed down through generations.
However, this also means that external factors are much more
decisive for health than genes. The mother's eating habits
and the child's subsequent diet in the first few years of life
can therefore have significant consequences for the child. This
naturally continues as the child grows older.
(see articles on pages: 10, 12, 16, 19, 27, 42)
Sports Nutrition
Health Care
Contents
Personal Care
Women's health
06 Menobelle TM , living through the menopause comfortably
08 Arjuna Natural’s turmeric – Frankincense botanical blend relieves menstrual pain in clinical study
Probiotics
10 Food probiotics, add a pinch of healthy
Gut health
12 “Prebiocran - The new generation of gut health solutions”
Dairy products
16 How can we rethink food products and adapt them to the world we live in?
Natural marine complex
19 Perspectives in osteoporosis therapy: The unique contribution of salmon-based CalGo ®
Vitamins
22 Moringa: Multivitamin with high protein content
Botanical extracts
24 Botanical extracts: the natural solution to flavourists’ technical and organoleptic requirements
Natural plant extracts
27 Why does Pycnogenol ® offer such a wide range of health benefits?
Energy drinks
33 “Caffeine alone is not enough”: Reinventing the ‘energy drink’ for a modern lens
Sweetening alternatives
36 Date derivatives as a special sweetening alternative
38 Ticking the boxes for sweetness and improved nutritional properties
Healthy ageing
42 Spermidine science: unlocking the secrets to healthy ageing
Energy and endurance
46 Equipping the body to push harder for longer
Obituary
50 Au Revoir Edouard
50 Impressum
4 No. 3 November/December2023

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Women's health
Photo © : Adobe Stock/Ivan Traimak
Menobelle TM , living through the
menopause comfortably
Women have to address any number of specific issues throughout
their lives, but tackling physical concerns and the desire to age
happily and healthily are major priorities. Menopause is one of these
issues and is associated with personal challenges and changes in
personal roles within the family and society. Committed to improving
women’s well-being, Robertet has developed Menobelle, a solution
to live through the menopause comfortably.
This upcycled ingredient containing lemon balm, bergamot and
peony relieves the physical and mental discomforts of menopause.
It can be easily used in food supplements or functional foods and its
efficiency has been proven with clinical studies.
Menopause, a key stage in women’s health
The women’s health market continues to grow. Indeed, the annual
growth rate of the global market is estimated at 12.4 % over the
period 2020-2030 1 . Femtech startups worldwide have invested and
raised a record of 2.6 billion euros, up 44% from 2020 2 .
Menopause is a natural event in a woman’s life. For 85 % of women,
this phenomenon is also associated to physical and emotional
changes that can strongly affect their everyday life. 3 With an estimation
of 9.7 billion people in 2050, and an aging population 4 , the
number of menopausal women is set to rise. Numerous challenges
are being launched on the market to meet women’s needs.
Menobelle a new active for women's health
Menobelle is an ingredient that accompanies women during menopause
to target physical and mental changes. This natural ingredient
is composed of a blend of synergistic Mediterranean plants, without
hormones or phyto-oestrogens compared to some ingredients on the
market.
– Menobelle is composed of Melissa officilalis, a plant of Robertet
sourcing extracted from fresh leaves. This plant improves sleep,
mood, cognitive health, digestion and bloating.
– Citrus bergamia, supplied thanks to a long-standing partnership
with Robertet, also enters in the ingredient’s composition. It targets
cardio-metabolic disorders.
– The third plant is Paeonia lactiflora which has analgesic and antispasmodic
properties to fight against menopausal disorders.
Beyond the natural character of the ingredient, Menobelle matches
with the sustainability trend, as it is upcycled.
This ingredient offers an effective solution that women can trust. A clinical
study was carried out on 153 pre-menopausal and menopausal
women aged 45 to 55. With two capsules of Menobelle, two times
a day, during two months, the ingredient had relieved menopausal
discomforts. Indeed, Menobelle had decreased many menopausal
symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, need for solitude, dissatisfac-
6 No. 3 November/December 2023

Women's health
tion with work life, stomach pain, fatigue, sexual desire reduction,
lack of energy, physical changes, irritability... The results had been
proven from the second month. The ingredient, in the form of a beige
to yellow powder, is not soluble in water. It can be easily used in food
supplements or functional foods. The optimal dose is 475 mg/day.
With its plant-based composition, it is suitable for vegans.
The following claims can be used for the ingredient: Menobelle
relieves menopausal discomfort, including mental and physical wellbeing.
Robertet is aware of the problems women face throughout
their lives, especially menopause.
Robertet, a partner in women’s health
Robertet, committed to improving women’s well-being, expresses its
desire to support women at every stage of life, with the development
of a range of ingredients whose reliability and efficacy have been
proven by scientific studies.
– Among these ingredients, Lipowheat targets a glowing and
younger-looking skin.
– Holimel ® also plays a role in skin beauty, and particularly in the skin
photoaging protection.
– To help reduce cellulite, Dimpless ® has been developed.
– And Robertet doesn’t stop here: Keranat acts on the anti-hair
loss solution to enhance hair beauty. With many ingredients
designed to improve women’s quality of life, Robertet is deep into
the women’s health.
References
1
Women Health and Beauty Supplements Market, by Ingredient Application, Distribution
Channel : Global Opportunity Analysis and Indutry Forecast, 2021-2030
2
CB Insights, La carte du marché Femtech, 2021
3
Robertet, Menobelle, living through the menopause comfortably
4
United Nations, Global Issues, Population.
For more information, please visit
www.robertet.com
No. 3 November/December 2023
7

Women's health
Photo © : Adobe Stock/New Africa
Arjuna Natural’s turmeric – Frankincense botanical
blend relieves menstrual pain in clinical study
A novel botanical formula powered by turmeric (Curcuma
longa L), and frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has demonstrated
abilities to alleviate menstrual cramps in a new clinical
study. Rhuleave-K, a breakthrough blend composed by
the renowned nutraceutical company Arjuna Natural Pvt
Ltd, is poised to offer a natural holistic solution to manage
menstrual discomfort, allowing women to enjoy their daily
activities without interruption.
Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by intense, and sometimes
excruciating cramping that grips the lower abdomen and pelvic zone.
It emerges right before and during the first couple of days of menstruation
and lasts for about 48 to 72 hours. It can be accompanied by
additional symptoms such as sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting
and diarrhoea.
The burden of menstrual pain is the single most prevalent gynaecological
complaint that affects over half of women in their reproductive
age regardless of age or socioeconomic status. For many, the pain is
so debilitating that it disrupts their daily routine leading to diminished
work productivity, missed days at work or study, reduced sleep quality
with knock-on effects on the overall quality of life for at least several
days each month.
The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study led by
Dr Divya Agarwal was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine
in June 2023. The study which was conducted at the Smt. Meva
Chaudhary Hospital in Jhansi involved healthy women suffering from
primary dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation unrelated to any uterine
pathology. Only women reporting moderate to severe menstrual
cramping were qualified to participate.
8 No. 3 November/December 2023

Women's health
In a one-day, single-dose study, the cohort of women was randomly
split into two groups. One group was allocated 1000 mg Rhuleave-K
in two soft gels, while the other received a placebo. The participants
were administered their assigned treatments only when the menstrual
pain reached a severity of 5 or greater on a 0–10 numeri cal rating
scale (NRS).
After dosing, the participants were evaluated every 30 minutes for
six hours to track changes in pain intensity and pain relief. Results
indicated a promising role of the turmeric–Boswellia formulation in
reducing pain intensity. The mean total pain relief of the treatment
group was found to be 12.6 times better than the placebo group with
a statistically significant difference at every 30-minute time point.
Moreover, the overall difference in pain intensity following six hours of
observation was 20 times better than the placebo group.
Rhuleave-K is a pioneering formula meticulously crafted by Arjuna
Natural, as a botanical solution for providing pain relief. In this
ground-breaking botanical blend, turmeric and Boswellia extracts are
brought together in an oil base and manufactured using proprietary
SPEEDTECH technology to elicit fast action.
This unique blend has already showcased potent analgesic activity in
numerous clinical trials, specifically targeting musculoskeletal pain.
“The excellent results we witnessed in the previous studies on musculoskeletal
pain inspired us to see if we can extend Rhuleave-K’s benefits
to other common forms of pain,” reports Benny Antony, PhD, joint
managing director for Arjuna Natural. “Menstrual pain is a relentless
burden for countless women globally. Many depend on overthe-counter
NSAIDs to get pain relief. Yet more and more women
are turning to natural therapies as they seek a comprehensive and
enduring solution for menstrual pain relief. Rhuleave-K has the potential
to offer an easy and rapid natural solution to this common issue,
our company is dedicated to empowering women to take control of
their well-being through natural solutions.”
“Additional clinical trials are in the pipeline to further explore
Rhuleave-K potential role in providing fast action menstrual pain
relief and synergistic all-round support,” concludes Antony.
References
“Effect of Turmeric–Boswellia–Sesame Formulation in Menstrual Cramp Pain Associated
with Primary Dysmenorrhea—A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study”,
June 2023
Authors: Divya Agarval, et al.
doi.org/10.3390/jcm12123968
For more information, please visit
https://arjunanatural.com/
No. 3 November/December 2023
9

Probiotics
Photo © : Adobe Stock/Krakenimages
Food probiotics, add a pinch of healthy
Consumer awareness and demand for healthier ingredients,
especially for probiotics in foodstuffs, is increasing as they
are looking to improve their overall wellbeing. The role of
probiotics to support a healthy and balanced gut microflora
is well documented and known by the consumers; 68 %
of consumers recognize the link between digestive health
and overall health. Hence, functional foods and beverages
containing specific probiotics with health benefits have been
growing as a category around the world.
Functional foods or beverages offer health benefits that extend
beyond their nutritional value. In addition to nutrient-rich ingredients
like fruits and vegetables, the category includes foods fortified with
vitamins, minerals, fiber, and probiotics. 55 % of global consumers
say they prefer to choose foods and beverages that provide functional
benefits and 40 % of global consumers state they are willing to pay up
to 10 % more for foods that provide functional benefits. 1
FMCG GURUS affirms, in their 2022 non-alcoholic beverages
global report, that consumers are nowadays most likely to choose
“better-for-you” beverages that are winning over sugary juices and
colas. Consumers are taking a proactive
approach to health and wellbeing, as
44 % of consumers state they are interested
by pro ducts supporting the immune
system, and 41 % of consumers say they are
appealed by the claim “contains probiotics”.
Overall, 59 % of global consumers state they
have purchased a probiotic product in the
last 12 months.
The challenges of formulating
with probiotics
Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms
that, when administered in adequate
amounts, confer a health benefit on the
host”. The key aspects of this definition
include that probiotic bacteria must be alive
when administered and be able to survive in
a sufficient amount until they reach their site
of action – the intestinal tract.
10 No. 3 November/December 2023

Probiotics
Microencapsulated strains
Formulating probiotics in food matrices
comes with challenges, and it takes specific
know-how to incorporate probiotics in food
matrices. The efficacy of probiotics is contingent
to their capacity to survive the many
stressors from the manufacturer’s plant
to the consumer’s gut. Lallemand Health
Solutions has developed a range of protective
technologies to ensure optimal probiotic
survival in food matrices, and efficacy
at their site of action. Probiocap ® technology
is a microencapsulation procedure that
protects probiotic strains from physical food
processing conditions such as compression,
thermal shocks, and high acidity, offering
great opportunities for food applications.
Probiocap ® technology can be applied to the
following strains, which have been extensively
studied in humans either alone or in
combination:
L. helveticus Rosell ® -52
L. rhamnosus Rosell ® -11
B. longum Rosell ® -175
L. helveticus LAFTI ® L10
Spore-forming Bacillus strains
The spore-forming Bacillus probiotic strains
are intrinsically resistant strains. In hostile
conditions, Bacillus probiotics can perform
a specific transformation, called sporulation,
which leads to the formation of an
endospore. When the environment becomes
favorable, the endospore can reactivate itself
into a vegetative cell. Due to the protective
endospore, spore-forming probiotics
are naturally capable of surviving thermal
shocks, high pressure, pH variations, gastric
acidity from digestion and long-term storage.
Photo © : shutterstock/losangela
Their viability and efficacy were successfully
tested in several extreme conditions
for many food and beverage applications.
Bacillus probiotics withstand high pressure
processing and pasteurization, common
manufacturing processes to preserve beverages.
Lallemand’s strain resistance to
pasteurization has notably been tested in
non-dairy milks, namely almond milk and
soy milk and showed great survival. Moreover,
the strain was shown to survive throughout the shelf life of several
kombucha products, despite the low pH environment.
Overall, Bacillus strains have been tested in many food and beverages
applications. Lallemand Health Solutions proposes two sporeforming
probiotic strains: Bacillus subtilis Rosell ® -179 which has identified
mechanism of action for its beneficial effects on gut health and
is documented with one clinical study on bile acid metabolism in overweight,
otherwise healthy, adults. As per its latest addition, Bacillus
coagulans Rosell ® -449 it has demonstrated gut health benefits.
Building on over 85 years of probiotic knowledge and know-how from
its research center, the Rosell ® Institute for Microbiome and Probiotics,
Lallemand Heath Solutions is leveraging functionality for gut
microbiome, and many more health purposes, by offering probiotic
solutions for food and beverage applications such as microencapsulated
Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium strains and spore forming
Bacillus bacteria. This brings added health solutions to the global food
and beverage market, for gut, immune, mental, women’s, metabolic,
skin, oral health, and the sports category.
Reference
1
FMCG Gurus, 2022
For more information, please contact
foodprobiotics@lallemand.com
foodprobiotics.lallemand.com
No. 3 November/December 2023
11

Gut health
“Prebiocran - The new generation
of gut health solutions”
It is widely recognized that diet is an essential determinant
of health, and a predominant factor shaping the host-microbiota
relationship. Indeed, gut microbiota contributes to the
energy balance and produces metabolites triggering metabolic
and inflammatory responses in response to various
stimuli such as diet 1 .
In a healthy state, the epithelial cells form a strong barrier protected
by a mucus layer keeping the bacterial community at a safe distance,
while select symbionts favor maturation of the mucosal immune
system by interacting with the host epithelium 1 . However, a growing
body of evidence indicates that western diet, characterized by high-fat,
high sugar, and low fiber content, contributes to the etiology of chronic
inflammatory diseases, and alters the gut microbiota (i. e., dysbiosis),
with harmful consequences on the intestinal barrier and immune function.
This notably leads to what is called a “leaky gut”, i. e., the disruption
of the intestinal barrier, which is associated with alterations of the
gut microbiota, reduction of the mucus layer thickness and consistency,
impairment of the tight junction, microbiota
encroachment, increased permeability
allowing translocation of pathogens and associated
molecules (i. e., endotoxemia) and
inflammation 1,2 .
Fortunately, some nutritional components
like polyphenols emerge as potential dietary
solutions associated with health benefits.
Fruits polyphenols consumption is associated
with reduced risk of chronic diseases,
such as cardiovascular pathologies or metabolic
syndrome 3–5 . These bioactive metabolites
are poorly absorbed in the small intestine
and reach the colon, where they modulate
the gut microbiota and exert a prebio tic 1
effect which is positively associated with
metabolic and gut health 3–5 .
12 No. 3 November/December 2023

Gut health
Phenobio+ - A 5-year
research program
In 2018, Symrise supported the creation of
a 5-year Industrial Partnership Chair called
Phenobio+, together with the Institute of
Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF)
and the Natural Science and Engineering
Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The
Chair was led by Prof. Yves Desjardins and
aimed to investigate the potential prebiotic
effect of fruit polyphenols, in particular from
cranberry. This unprecedented scientific
program produced cutting-edge research.
The results are the outcome of talented
student’s work guided by Prof. Yves Desjardins,
but also other prominent researchers
involved in the Chair (Prof. André Marette,
Denis Roy, Alain Veilleux and Emile Levy).
prebiotics such as fibers. In the context of the Industrial Partnership
Chair, Symrise aimed to investigate the potential prebiotic impact of
Prebiocran on intestinal barrier function and potential metabolic
health benefits. A systemic approach used a clinical study, some
animal models of metabolic disorders and cell line experiments,
and advanced in vitro models, such as intestinal organoids and the
M-SHIME, one the few gut models that artificially mimics the entire
gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that Prebiocran modulates
the gut microbiota composition and function, which is associated
with metabolic health improvement.
Prebiocran modulates the gut microbiota beta-diversity
In a short-term clinical trial, 39 healthy participants daily consumed
480 mg of Prebiocran for 4 days. A 7-day washout period preceded
the intervention, with strict limitation of polyphenols-containing food.
Biological samples were collected before and after the treatment and
fecal DNA has been sequenced to study the gut microbiota evolution.
Symrise and cranberry: a long history
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a
fruit originating from North America, rich in
polyphenols and traditionally used by Native
Americans to relieve a variety of ailments.
Symrise expertise in the processing and
extraction of cranberry polyphenols started
back in 2008. Thanks to its dedicated extraction
facility located in the Quebec province
of Canada, in the heart of the cranberry
production area, the company has a unique
access to local cranberry farmers and carefully
selects the most concentrated in polyphenols
varieties.
Prebiocran - Symrise's polyphenolrich
cranberry extract
Cranberries are high in polyphenols, having
antioxidant properties and supporting
various health benefits of which urinary but
also cardiometabolic health. Prebiocran is
a natural ingredient obtained by extracting
the phenolic compounds of cranberries.
It has been designed to offer all the varieties
of polyphenols present in the fruit and
is standardized to feature no less than 30 %
total polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu method).
Prebiocran is a low-dose (480 mg) offering
convenient on-the-go supplement formats
that cannot be formulated with traditional
Prebiocran treatment modulates the human microbiota in a clinical study.
Lessard-Lord et al., unpublished. The distance-based redundancy analysis
based on 16S RNAr gene amplicon sequencing exhibits the dissimilarity between
the subjects. Each dot represents a unique human subject microbiota
before (in blue) and after (in purple) 4 days of Prebiocran treatment.
The results of this clinical trial showed that a short-term administration
of Prebiocran was sufficient to modulate the basal human gut
microbiota beta-diversity, and to notably induce a bloom of Bifidobacterium,
a bacteria associated with gut health 7 (Lessard-Lord et al.,
unpublished).
This modulation of the gut microbiota was also observed in the
M-SHIME ® complex in vitro model. The Simulator of the Human
Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME ® ) is one of the few gut models
that mimics the entire gastrointestinal tract. It is a semi-dynamic
model with multi-stage compartment reactors, each of them respec-
No. 3 November/December 2023
13

Gut health
tively displaying defined conditions (pH, nutritional medium etc.)
according to the intestinal region they represent, following a longitudinal
axis. The M-SHIME, i. e., Mucosal-SHIME, is an extension
of this model which also mimics the mucosal microbiome, incorporating
mucin-covered microcosms and allowing better understanding
of the host-microbe interaction according to the transversal axis 8,9 .
In this study (Cattero et al., unpublished), researchers inoculated
the M-SHIME system with the fecal material of six healthy subjects.
After a suitable adaptation period, they administrated 480 mg Prebiocran
for two weeks. Then, they analyzed the gut microbiota
composition and showed that, consistent with the clinical study,
Prebiocran significantly and gradually modulated the microbiota
composition in all the gut compartments (lumen and mucus of the
ascendant and transverse colons). More specifically, Prebiocran
promoted, in both lumen and mucin compartments of the transverse
colon, the growth of bacteria known to metabolize proanthocyanidins
(PACs) into smaller bioactive metabolites (i. e., Eggerthella, Flavonifactor
and Lactiplantibacillus) 10,11 , but also bacteria associated with
gut barrier protection and health, such as Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium
12,13 .
Finally, these results were also confirmed by in vivo models in a
longer term. Most of the preclinical studies were performed using
diet-induced obesity and type 2 diabetes mouse models. Mice
received either a control diet, a high-fat high-sugar (HFHS) diet or a
high-fat high sugar diet supplemented with Prebiocran for 14-19
weeks 14,15 . Interestingly, all the animal studies converged with the clinical
and M-SHIME studies and repeatedly showed that Prebiocran
modulates the gut microbiota 14–16 . This was often associated with the
increase of Akkermansia genus 14 .
Prebiocran and cranberry extract fractions support
gut barrier function
Alongside with these previous investigations, the researchers also
studied the capacity of cranberry extracts to support the gut barrier
function in several models.
To understand underlying mechanisms and involved functions,
in-depth investigations in the M-SHIME ® model specifically showed
that Prebiocran not only increased some individual bacteria, but
a consortium or a guild of bacteria. This was associated with health
benefits, enhancing a favorable ecosystem and health relatedmetabo
lites production such as butyrate and specific bile acids
(Cattero and Lessard-Lord et al., unpublished).
Also, mouse organoids were used to mimic a mini intestine, as a
complex multicellular in vitro system. Researchers reproduced the
model published by O’Rourke and al. 17 , which presents the main
types of intestinal barrier cells (i.e., Paneth cells, enterocytes, Goblet
cells and enteroendocrine cells). Results showed that a fraction of
Prebiocran, purified in proanthocyanidins (PACs), time and dosedependently
increases Muc2 and Klf4 gene
expression, some key biomarkers of intestinal
strengthening involved in Goblet cells differentiation
and mucin production (Tinoco-Mar
et al., unpublished).
Moreover, additional results in the same
previously described obesity and type 2
diabetes mouse studies highlighted the
capacity of Prebiocran to improve the gut
health barrier function and metabolic health,
supporting its prebiotic potential. Indeed,
Anhê et al. observed a prevention of the endotoxemia
(i. e., high level of lipopolysaccharides
in blood circulation – also a marker of
intestinal permeability) and several markers
of jejunum inflammation such as increased
Cox2, TNFα or NF-κB gene expression 14 .
Medina-Larqué et al. also showed that Prebiocran
prevented the deleterious effects
of the HFHS diet on the intestinal barrier
strength, counteracting the decrease of
crypt depth, Goblet cells (mucin producers)
number and mucus degradation 16 . Finally,
in a model where mice were already obese
after 13 weeks of HFHS diet, Prebiocran
administration tended to restore the mucin
amount present in feces 18 .
Prebiocran sustains
metabolic health
In a classic model of Caco-2/15 intestinal
cells, researchers evaluated the beneficial
impact of a PACs-rich cranberry fraction
on inflammation, oxidation, lipid, and
glucose homeostasis. It was observed that
this fraction from Prebiocran was effective
in counteracting the decrease of antioxidant
defense (SOD2) and oxidative stress (COX2)
markers in intestinal cells. Also, the extract
prevented the increase of several lipogenesis
(SREBP-1C), neoglucogenesis (G6P) and
insulin signaling (pAkt) markers.
Finally, researchers also tested in murine
models the potential beneficial preventive
effects of Prebiocran on obesity-associated
disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and
hepatic steatosis. Anhê et al. and Daoust
et al. notably observed that the cranberry
extract prevented the HFHS-induced metabolic
damages, in particular the liver weight
14 No. 3 November/December 2023

Gut health
gain and the hepatic lipid accumulation, as
well as the hyperinsulinemia and the Homeostasis
Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance
(HOMA-IR) index increase 14,15 .
Overall, the results of Symrise’s partnership
with INAF demonstrate the role of
Prebiocran in supporting gut and metabolic
health at a low dose of 480 mg.
References
1. Régnier, M., Hul, M. V., Knauf, C. & Cani, P. D. Gut microbiome, endocrine control of gut barrier function and metabolic
diseases. Journal of Endocrinology 248, R67–R82 (2021).
2. Daniel, N., Lécuyer, E. & Chassaing, B. Host/microbiota interactions in health and diseases—Time for mucosal microbiology!
Mucosal Immunology 14, 1006–1016 (2021).
3. Fraga, C. G., Croft, K. D., Kennedy, D. O. & Tomás-Barberán, F. A. The effects of polyphenols and other bioactives on
human health. Food Funct. 10, 514–528 (2019).
4. Crowe-White, K. M. et al. Flavan-3-ols and Cardiometabolic Health: First Ever Dietary Bioactive Guideline. Adv Nutr 13,
2070–2083 (2022).
5. Vivarelli, S. et al. Polyphenols: a route from bioavailability to bioactivity addressing potential health benefits to tackle
human chronic diseases. Arch Toxicol 97, 3–38 (2023).
6. Gibson, G. R. et al. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics
(ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 14, 491–502 (2017).
7. Chen, J., Chen, X. & Ho, C. L. Recent Development of Probiotic Bifidobacteria for Treating Human Diseases. Front Bioeng
Biotechnol 9, 770248 (2021).
8. Molly, K., Vande Woestyne, M. & Verstraete, W. Development of a 5-step multi-chamber reactor as a simulation of the
human intestinal microbial ecosystem. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 39, 254–258 (1993).
9. Van de Wiele, T., Van den Abbeele, P., Ossieur, W., Possemiers, S. & Marzorati, M. The Simulator of the Human Intestinal
Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME ® ). in The Impact of Food Bioactives on Health: in vitro and ex vivo models (eds. Verhoeckx, K.
et al.) (Springer, 2015).
10. Corrêa, T. A. F., Rogero, M. M., Hassimotto, N. M. A. & Lajolo, F. M. The Two-Way Polyphenols-Microbiota Interactions and
Their Effects on Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases. Front Nutr 6, 188 (2019).
11. Gaur, G. & Gänzle, M. G. Conversion of (poly)phenolic compounds in food fermentations by lactic acid bacteria: Novel
insights into metabolic pathways and functional metabolites. Current Research in Food Science 6, 100448 (2023).
12. Cani, P. D., Depommier, C., Derrien, M., Everard, A. & de Vos, W. M. Akkermansia muciniphila: paradigm for next-generation
beneficial microorganisms. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 19, 625–637 (2022).
13. Leylabadlo, H. E. et al. The critical role of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in human health: An overview. Microbial Pathogenesis
149, 104344 (2020).
14. Anhê, F. F. et al. A polyphenol-rich cranberry extract protects from diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance and intestinal
inflammation in association with increased Akkermansia spp. population in the gut microbiota of mice. Gut 64, 872–883
(2015).
15. Daoust, L. et al. The postnatal window is critical for the development of sex-specific metabolic and gut microbiota
outcomes in offspring. Gut Microbes 13, 2004070 (2021).
16. Medina-Larqué, A.-S. et al. Cranberry polyphenols and agave agavins impact gut immune response and microbiota
composition while improving gut barrier function, inflammation, and glucose metabolism in mice fed an obesogenic diet.
Front Immunol 13, 871080 (2022).
17. O’Rourke, K. P., Ackerman, S., Dow, L. E. & Lowe, S. W. Isolation, Culture, and Maintenance of Mouse Intestinal Stem
Cells. Bio Protoc 6, e1733 (2016).
18. Anhê, F. F. et al. A polyphenol-rich cranberry extract reverses insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis independently of
body weight loss. Mol Metab 6, 1563–1573 (2017).
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gut health
solution
backed by
a 5-year Chair
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For more information, feel free to contact
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No. 3 November/December 2023
15

Dairy products
How can we rethink food products and
adapt them to the world we live in?
Anne Laure LEGRAND
Yogurt-based products are enjoying growing popularity,
thanks to the increasing interest shown by consumers in
fermentation processes and the functional properties associated
with this category. In response, French dairy ingredient
supplier Epi Ingredients has contributed its expertise
develop a yogurt powder set to become a reference in the
market. This product reflects the company’s determination
to meet customer demands with useful innovations offering
numerous benefits.
What do consumers expect today?
Consumer demands are increasingly specific and varied. Since the
Covid-19 crisis, interest in health is particularly strong, and a balanced
nutritious diet is seen as essential for maintaining good health. 1
Compositions are scrutinized for beneficial or innovative elements.
However, the search for improved health has not come to replace the
search for eating pleasure, only to complement it. Flavors are therefore
still of prime importance. It is also interesting
to note that consumers are becoming
increasingly curious about experiencing new
flavors. Indeed, as a sign of increased openmindedness,
an appetite for foreign cuisine
seems to be becoming more and more widespread
around the world.
Against this backdrop, new product launches
and innovations are not uncommon since
the pandemic. In particular, nearly 800
products containing yogurt powder have
been launched in Europe, including 213 in
the last year. 2 This specific market therefore
appears to be dynamic and could remain so
if the demands presented above are taken
as a roadmap for the development of new
products.
16 No. 3 November/December 2023

Dairy products
Yogurt: a combination of taste
and health
A solid nutritional composition
The nutritional benefits of yogurt - and yogurt
powders - are beyond question. They provide
a significant quantity of nutrients essential to
the body’s proper functioning. In terms of vitamins
and minerals, it contains calcium, B vitamins,
phosphorus, and potassium which are
all involved in biological processes as varied
as they are important. For example, calcium
is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and
bones and minerals are involved in the functions
of the metabolism and blood pressure
regulation. Yogurt powder is also rich in highquality
protein. Indeed, the proteins present
in yogurt contain essential amino acids not
produced in the human body.
Microorganisms: the indispensable
ingredients in yogurt
Yogurt is a dairy product obtained by the
fermentation of milk by certain microorganisms.
These microorganisms must be alive,
active, and present in significant quantities.
The characteristics of yogurt, such as
its texture, flavor and nutritional value, are
precisely those influenced by the microorganisms
selected and the management
of fermentation concentration, temperature
and duration. They are therefore of the
utmost importance.
More specifically, these microorganisms
are lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria
are a group of bacteria involved in various
ways in the fermentation process and
some of them are specific to yogurt e. g.,
Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus
bulgaricus. They possess an enzyme,
B-galactosidase, which breaks down lactose
into simple sugar (glucose and galactose).
This enzyme remains active throughout the
digestive tract, making yogurt powder suitable
for people with lactose intolerance.
Probiotics for better health
Let's give these bacteria another title!
They can also be described as probiotics.
According to the WHO definition, probiotics
are “living microorganisms which,
when ingested in sufficient quantities, exert
a health benefit over and above the traditional nutritional effects”.
This is precisely the case with yogurt and yogurt powder, which can
contain more than 10 7 cfu/g of powder. For sure, a sufficient quantity!
So, what are the benefits of probiotics in yogurt? There is no shortage
of them! They contribute to well-being, nutritional support, improved
transit and lactose digestion.
Yogurt powder: a wide range of applications
Yogurt powder is a dried form of yogurt. One of the main aims of drying
is to preserve it. Yogurt powder has a longer shelf life than fresh yogurt,
and its low moisture content means it does not need to be refrigerated.
Yogurt powder is also very easy to use. Compared with conventional
yogurt, its smaller volume makes it easier to transport, and the fields
of application are wide. Yogurt powders can be used in adult and
baby foods, to make ice creams, drinks, and bakery products, and
in numerous innovations around the world. They can be found, for
example, in pastry fillings and toppings, frozen desserts, seasonings,
yogurt drinks and nutritional products.
In some of these applications, fresh yogurt could not be used. For
example, it is not used in chocolate and confectionery, whereas
yogurt powder can be found in recipes for marshmallows or gums.
Epi Ingredients’ solution: a process to preserve benefits
and ensure quality
Between convenience, proven health benefits and a familiar, appreciated
taste, it is clear that yogurt powder has all the potential to appeal
to consumers. French ingredient supplier Epi Ingredients provides a
complete range of yogurt powders that take into account all the issues
presented here.
Well-preserved benefits
These yogurt powders are produced from skimmed yogurts by a
spray drying process, giving them a shelf life of 9 to 12 months. The
same process is also used to manufacture milk powders.
In setting up this process, careful attention was paid to the microorganisms
that are essential to yogurt. Epi Ingredients’ manufacturing
process has been fine-tuned by solid technical expertise to keep
certain cultures alive throughout the manufacturing process, right
up to the final product obtained. Their effect on texture and health
is thus preserved. In addition, neither the other nutritional benefits
nor the characteristic taste of yogurt is affected. In short, despite the
drying process, there’s no difference with fresh yogurt.
Superior quality, suitable for infants
As mentioned before, the functional benefits of yogurt powders enable
a wide range of applications: e. g., ice creams, beverages, adult nutrition,
bakery products etc. To this list, Epi Ingredients added an application
that requires the utmost attention: infant nutrition.
No. 3 November/December 2023
17

Dairy products
Thanks to these various controls, Epi Ingredients’ yogurt powders
are of the highest hygienic quality. They can be used in baby foods,
providing the essential elements for their development in complete
safety.
Dynamic products to meet societal demand
Ingredient supplier Epi Ingredients is committed to finding solutions
in line with current consumer trends and expectations. The manufacture
of yogurt powder is therefore adapted to the development of new
products and to strict certifications. This is illustrated by the launch
of new preparations sourced from a diverse blend of cultures as well
as organic and acid yogurt powders.
A new product innovation in response to current trends embracing
cuisine from diverse cultures has recently been developed in powder
form: kefir. Kefir is a drink from the Caucasus with a texture close
to drinking yogurt. It can be consumed as it is or used in recipes to
replace milk or cream.
Epi Ingredients’ first guarantee of quality is manufacturing on an
industrial site that produces infant formula. All yogurt powders are
thus controlled according to strict criteria concerning infant nutrition.
In particular, the environment of the drying towers is highly
controlled: children’s products are monitored with the utmost vigilance,
and microbiological tests are carried out on a regular basis.
Not all microorganisms are harmful to humans, but those that are
must be monitored with the strictest attention. For example, Cronobacter
is a bacterium present in the environment that is transmitted
mainly via food consumption and can therefore be responsible for
human infections. Infants and young children under 5 are particularly
vulnerable targets. Infected by Cronobacter, they can develop
meningitis or septicemia among other things. Cronobacter is therefore
a key concern at the forefront of anti-bacterial controls.
The presence of microorganisms can also give rise to a bacterial
competition mechanism. Placed in the same environment, different
species can enter into competition: sharing the same resource or
secreting toxins can affect their survival and reproduction. In other
words, microorganisms regulate their own development. In yogurt,
the lactic flora of at least 10 7 cfu/g enables this competition mechanism
to take place, naturally limiting the development of undesirable
microorganisms.
Consumer awareness of food quality and the goal of eating better,
healthier food is driving the organic market. Against this backdrop,
Epi Ingredients has made considerable efforts to offer organic yogurt
powders. The result? The strict requirements of organic specifications
are met, while still retaining functional, nutritional, and organoleptic
benefits without the need for refrigeration.
Consumer demands also concern taste. In response, Epi Ingredients
has developed an additive-free sour yogurt powder providing a full
range of traditional, authentic and natural yogurt flavors.
Epi Ingredients’ yogurt powders are thus an ideal example of a
product designed with no compromise on eating pleasure, nutrition,
and health benefits. Their superior quality and strict conformity with
infant nutrition requirements make them a product you can trust.
This is also the perfect illustration of Groupe Laïta's CSR approach
initiated in 2015, Passion du Lait ® . Innovations are designed in
response to societal expectations, with a focus on utility and openness
to the world.
These products and their applications will be presented at
FI Europe 2023, Booth: 3.0J20.
References
1
Mazars, Les Français et le système de santé, 02/2022
2
Mintel, 2023
For more information, please contact
Anne Laure LEGRAND
Product manager
EPI INGREDIENTS
epi.ingredients@laita.fr
https://epi-ingredients.com/en/
18 No. 3 November/December 2023

Natural marine complex
Photo © : Hofseth Biocare
Perspectives in osteoporosis therapy: The
unique contribution of salmon-based CalGo ®
Dr. Sonja John
Osteoporosis is a widespread and
serious health problem that affects
millions of people. This disease leads
to a decrease in bone density with an
increased risk of fractures. To address
this challenge, it is crucial to understand
the prevention and treatment
of osteoporosis and explore ways to
promote bone health.
Osteoporosis: a complex disease
The risk of developing osteoporosis varies
across the population. The differences
include gender, age 1 , family predisposition,
diet and other external factors such as
smoking and alcohol consumption 2 . In addition,
certain medications such as glucocorticoids
3 can also increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Compared to men, women have a higher
risk of osteoporosis, due to a lack of estrogen
during the menopause 5 . The risk of developing
osteoporosis increases with age due to natural bone loss; therefore,
elderly women are the most vulnerable group for osteoporosis.
The complexity of the factors that contribute to the development of
this disease demonstrates the importance of targeted measures for
prevention and treatment.
Prevention and early detection: the key to health
The prevention of osteoporosis involves a variety of measures that are
closely linked with diet, exercise and lifestyle.
A diet with sufficient amounts of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K
plays a decisive role in the early prevention of osteoporosis 4,6 . These
factors are responsible for achieving a high peak bone mass, meaning
the maximum bone density achieved in early adulthood.
In prevention, calcium carbonates and other calcium salts are most
frequently used to improve the dietary supply of calcium 11, 12, 13 .
Calcium carbonate has a very high calcium content compared to
other calcium salts and was therefore often used as the main active
component in food supplements in the past. However, the clini cal
evidence has been questioned by some scientists. Excessive intake of
calcium may lead to negative effects, such as an increased tendency
to arteriosclerosis and the associated risks.
No. 3 November/December 2023
19

Natural marine complex
Nature has given us the opportunity to utilise
precisely this perfect mixture in the form of
food supplements: literally bones for bones.
The use of a natural complex of calcium,
phosphorus, zinc and collagen has been
shown in scientific studies to be an effective
means of strengthening and supporting an
already damaged bone structure.
Fish as a secret weapon for bone
health
Photo © : Adobe Stock/luciano
Another essential trace element for bone health is zinc. It is involved in
numerous biological processes and promotes bone strength through
the formation of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and inhibiting osteoclasts
(bone-degrading cells) at the same time 15 .
In addition to an adequate supply of minerals, collagen is of particular
importance for bone health. Collagen is present in the bones in the
form of collagen fibres and collagen matrix and is responsible for
the structure and strength of bone tissue 9 . Even if osteoporosis is
already present, collagen can support the regeneration process of
the bone structure, as it interacts with various growth factors and thus
promotes bone regeneration and tissue repair 10 .
Fish, especially sea fish, is widely recognised
for its positive health effects. Omega-3
fatty acids and the high-quality protein in fish
meat are often emphasised in this context.
However, fish can contribute so much more
to human health. By utilising the whole fish,
a high-quality basis for food supplements can
be obtained. In Norway, the fish skeletons
from sustainably produced farmed salmon
are carefully processed in accordance with
the highest quality standards. The resulting,
gently produced natural product consists of a
complex of HAP, collagen type II, protein and
zinc as well as other valuable ingredients.
Particularly noteworthy is the marine HAP,
which is obtained from salmon and marketed
under the brand name CalGo ® . This natural
complex is still relatively unknown when
Targeted weight training is also important for the long-term strengthening
of bone substance 8 . Protein supply also has a positive effect on
bone health 7 .
The combination product from nature
A combination of active ingredients that are similar to the bone
structure is a sensible alternative to the well-known sources of
calcium. A closer look at the potentially preventive effects of these
substances suggests that this combination can be used both for the
supportive treatment of osteoporosis and for prevention, with proven
positive effects on bone structure.
Calcium and phosphate are present in the bones in the form of
hydroxyapatite (HAP), a substance that plays a crucial role in maintaining
bone health and strength. Despite the balanced Ca:P ratio,
HAP has rarely been used in the prevention of osteoporosis. Instead,
different combinations of calcium and phosphate are used, as these
are necessary for the formation of hydroxyapatite in bone 13, 14 .
Photo © : Adobe Stock/Jakub Ruthiewicz
20 No. 3 November/December 2023

Natural marine complex
it comes to preventing osteoporosis and
promoting general bone health. However,
its properties are impressive: the absorption
rate of CalGo ® exceeds that of conventional
calcium carbonate by a factor of six 17 .
Even in cases where the bone structure has
already been damaged, the use of CalGo ®
can help to restore stability. Recent studies
provide convincing results and emphasise
the benefits of this complex, readily bioavailable
compound 16 .
Food supplements for strong bones: The right choice can
make the difference
The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis requires a holistic
approach. The right choice of supplements can have a decisive
impact on bone health. In a world where osteoporosis is a widespread
challenge, natural approaches such as CalGo ® open up new ways to
promote strong and healthy bones. Osteoporosis may be complex,
but the first line of defence can be simple and natural. Bones for
healthy bones.
References
1. McGuigan, F. E., Murray, L., & Gallagher, A. (2011). Body mass index and the risk of fracture. Osteoporosis International, 22(2), 587-592.
2. Berg, K. M., Kunins, H. V., Jackson, J. L., Nahvi, S., Chaudhry, A., Harris, K. A., ... & Arnsten, J. H. (2008). Association between alcohol consumption and
both osteoporotic fracture and bone density. The American Journal of Medicine, 121(5), 406-418.
3. Van Staa, T. P., Leufkens, H. G. M., Abenhaim, L., Zhang, B., & Cooper, C. (2000). Use of oral corticosteroids and risk of fractures. Journal of Bone and
Mineral Research, 15(6), 993-1000.
4. Weaver, C. M. (2011). Calcium requirements of physically active people. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 93(3), 545S-555S.
5. Johnell, O., & Kanis, J. A. (2006). An estimate of the worldwide prevalence and disability associated with osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporosis International,
17(12), 1726-1733.
6. Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266-281.
7. Darling, A. L., Millward, D. J., Torgerson, D. J., Hewitt, C. E., Lanham-New, S. A., & Berry, J. L. (2009). Dietary protein and bone health: a systematic review
and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(6), 1674-1692.
8. Kohrt, W. M., Bloomfield, S. A., Little, K. D., Nelson, M. E., & Yingling, V. R. (2004). American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand: physical activity
and bone health. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(11), 1985-1996.
9. Saito, M., & Marumo, K. (2010). Collagen cross-links as a determinant of bone quality: a possible explanation for bone fragility in aging, osteoporosis,
and diabetes mellitus. Osteoporosis International, 21(2), 195-214.
10. Martino, M. M., Briquez, P. S., Güç, E., Tortelli, F., Kilarski, W. W., Metzger, S., ... & Hubbell, J. A. (2014). Growth factors engineered for super-affinity to
the extracellular matrix enhance tissue healing. Science, 343(6173), 885-888.
11. Reid, I. R., Bolland, M. J., & Grey, A. (2010). Effect of calcium supplementation on hip fractures. Osteoporosis International, 21(2), 291-299.
12. Tang, B. M., Eslick, G. D., Nowson, C., Smith, C., & Bensoussan, A. (2007). Use of calcium or calcium in combination with vitamin D supplementation
to prevent fractures and bone loss in people aged 50 years and older: a meta-analysis. The Lancet, 370(9588), 657-666.
13. Bristow, S. M., Gamble, G. D., Stewart, A., Horne, L., House, M. E., Aati, O., ... & Reid, I. R. (2015). Acute and 3-month effects of microcrystalline
hydroxyapatite, calcium citrate malate, and calcium carbonate on serum calcium and markers of bone turnover: a randomised controlled trial in postmenopausal
women. Osteoporosis International, 26(1), 408-419.
14 Martínez-Maestre, M. Á., González-Cruz, M., & Clavel, J. (2013). Efficacy of hydroxyapatite and a triticum vulgare extract in preventing and treating osteoporosis
in wistar rats. Journal of Osteoporosis, 2013.
15. Yamaguchi, M., Weitzmann, M. N. (2011). Zinc stimulates osteoblastogenesis and suppresses osteoclastogenesis by antagonizing NF-κB activation.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 355(1-2), 179-186.
16. Xu, Y., Ye, J., Zhou, D., & Su, L. (2020). Research progress on applications of calcium derived from marine organisms. Scientific reports, 10(1), 18425
17. Currie, C., Framroze, B., Bjerknes, C., & Hermansen, E. (2022). A Randomized, Blinded, Calcium-Carbonate Controlled Cross over Study of Serum
Calcium Levels 24 Hours after CalGotm Oral Supplementation in Post-Menopausal Women. Biomed. J. Sci. Tech. Res, 41, 32581-32585.
For more information, please contact
Dr. Sonja John, Head of Product and
Application Management
MAGNESIA GmbH
No. 3 November/December 2023
21

Vitamins
Photo © : Adobe Stock/Homesh
Green powder from the Moringa tree
Moringa: Multivitamin
with high protein content
Horseradish tree, drumstick tree and miracle tree are names
for the inconspicuous Moringa tree. It has the reputation
of being one of the most nutrient-rich plants in the world.
Almost all plant components are usable and edible: from the
root to the flowers and seeds to the leaves. Especially the
powder as well as the tablets made from Moringa leaves and
the seed oil find their way onto the European market. Moringa
products are popular because of their ingredients and their
many uses. The Import Promotion Desk (IPD), a project of
the German Federal Minis-try for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ), supports producers of Moringa from
developing and emerging countries, such as Ethiopia, Madagascar
and Sri Lanka, in bringing their products to the EU
market. In turn, IPD connects European buyers with selected
suppliers and opens up alternative procurement sources for
them.
Wonder tree and “Shiferaw”
There are 13 different types of Moringa trees. They belong to the plant
family of the bennut family. The best known and most widespread
is Moringa oleifera. The species originates
from the Indian Himalayan region and is now
cultivated in many tropical areas, including
Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.
Moringa stenopetala is a wild species native
to southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. It
is often called the African Moringa tree. Both
species do not require a lot of water, are fastgrowing
and can reach up to ten metres in
height.
The Moringa tree has many names: It is
called the horseradish tree because the tree
roots have a pungent horseradish-like aroma
due to the content of mustard oil glycosides.
It is also called the drumstick tree after the
long thin Moringa pods, which resemble
small drumsticks in appearance. Its designation
as a cabbage tree already indicates
that the tree plays an important role in the
diet of the population in southern Ethiopia. In
22 No. 3 November/December 2023

Vitamins
E thio pia, the Moringa tree is also called “Shiferaw”: the tree that can
be used for more than 1.000 diseases. Furthermore, another name
for it is miracle tree. It has earned this honorary title not only because
of its richness in nutrients, but also because almost all of its parts are
used by the local population as a food or remedy.
Crop plant from the root to the crown
The Moringa tree is a 100 per cent useful plant – from the roots to
the crown of the tree: the root with its horseradish-like flavour is often
used as a condiment. The root and bark are also used medicinally for
internal and external applications. The blossoms of the Moringa tree
can be processed into tea or eaten fresh. An oil rich in unsaturated
fatty acids can be pressed from the Moringa seeds. The fruits of the
Moringa tree, the pods, can also be used in the kitchen. The tase of
the drumstick is said to be reminiscent of asparagus.
Moringa leaves, for example, are traded on the markets in southern
Ethiopia as a nutrient-rich vegetable. They serve as a cabbage substitute
in the local cuisine and can be eaten fresh or cooked. The leaves
are also used to make Moringa powder, which is in high demand on
the European market.
Nutrient bomb: Moringa powder
Moringa leaves have a very high nutrient density. They contain vitamins
A, B and C as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium
and iron. In addition, the protein content is high and most of the
known essential amino acids are found in the leaves.
Even after the drying process, a high proportion of nutrients is retained.
The IPD partner com-panies in Ethiopia and Madagascar rely on
gentle natural drying to preserve the protein and mineral content of
the Moringa leaves, thus retaining the health-promoting effects of the
Moringa. During the careful drying process on the shelfs, the Moringa
leaves have to be turned daily to achieve even drying, colouring and
to retain their high quality. The leaves come from smallholders or
from the farm itself.
During cultivation and processing, care is taken to ensure that
the leaves are left in their natural state. The companies in the IPD
programme are bio-certified, thus avoiding exposure to pesticides.
The multivitamin with high protein content is offered in powder, tea
and tablet form. The powder tastes slightly spicy and can be used
in many ways. It is very popular in smoothies. But it also goes well
in salad dressings, dips and spreads. Additionally, it can be used
for baking and cooking to enrich hearty dishes with nutrients. Those
who do not like the spiciness of the powder can choose Moringa
tablets. Tea can also be brewed from the leaves. Although vitamins
are broken down by the heat, many other nutrients of the Moringa
leaves are also retained in the tea.
Nutrient mix for the immune system
In Ayurvedic medicine, Moringa is used for a variety of ailments.
Moringa is said to help with up to 300 different conditions. As a
dietary supplement, dried Moringa leaves with their mix of nutrients
can help to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and
stimulate blood circulation. Moringa powder and tablets are also said
to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Moreover,
it is stated that the leaves have a positive effect on blood sugar and
cholesterol levels.
Unsaturated fatty acids: Behen oil
In addition to Moringa powder, Moringa oil, also known as behen oil,
is meeting increasing interest on the European markets. It is pressed
from the ripe Moringa seeds. The cold-pressed organic virgin oil is
mainly known as a massage oil and as an oil for skin and hair care. It
is said to be effective against skin infections, allergies and hair loss.
Moringa oil is also in demand as a cooking or salad oil. The sweetnutty
tasting oil has a high content of omega-9 fatty acids, vitamin C
and E.
Photo © : Betigil, Ethiopia
For more information, please visit
www.importpromotiondesk.de/en/
No. 3 November/December 2023
23

Botanical extracts
Photo © : shutterstock/seksan-wangjaisuk
Botanical extracts:
the natural solution to flavourists’ technical
and organoleptic requirements
Anne Manubens
“80 % of consumers who say they are concerned about the composition
of their food prioritise natural products free of preservatives and
artificial colours.” 1 Far from anecdotal, this figure reflects not simply
a trend but a reality in numerous markets: naturalness is a core
consumer demand. And with ‘demand’ comes ‘response’ on the part
of manufacturers, who must be able to rely on absolutely irreproachable
raw materials and ingredients if they are to guarantee both the
naturalness and functionality of food products. Such is Herbarom’s
field of expertise. For almost 30 years, the company has been developing
and offering natural botanical extracts enabling flavourists to
respond to market demands.
Botanical extracts: Herbarom expertise in creating value
all along the chain
Established at the heart of the Fragrant, Aromatic and Medicinal
plants sector since 1994, Herbarom has forged unique know-how
in both the sensorial and functional aspects
of natural ingredients. Herbarom’s expertise
draws on guaranteed sourcing and
traceability through controlled and sometimes
exclusive crop-growing contracts,
thus ensuring the availability of fundamental
botanical extracts such as essential
oils and flavouring preparations in addition
to the development of tailor-made extracts
or ingredient blends meeting specific flavour
profiles.
An example of this advanced expertise is
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss parsley,
one of Herbarom’s specialities par excellence.
This know-how, acquired through years
of experience in seed selection, extraction
24 No. 3 November/December 2023

Botanical extracts
processes and blending, enables Herbarom
to effectively respond to the aromatic profiles
sought by its customers.
Regulatory expertise: Herbarom’s
added value for naturalness
The growing demand for naturalness on the
part of both manufacturers and consumers
is therefore a reality which requires a keen
sense of trend anticipation by the former
in order to meet the exact demands of the
latter. However, this sense of anticipation
cannot be put to work effectively without
guidance in regulatory compliance.
For example, a flavour can only be described
as ‘natural’ if the aromatic agents in its
formulation are themselves natural (such
as mint extract or essential oil of lemon,
etc.). This guidance constitutes Herbarom’s
added value. Trends, by nature volatile, can
be applied to a product only in strict compliance
with regulations, which change regularly.
Regulatory expertise plays an inherent
role in the composition of the end product,
which in addition to the demand for naturalness,
includes functional and emotional
aspects.
Botanical extracts:
the source of functionality
In developing a successful product, botani cal
extracts offer a dual benefit by combining
both functional and sensorial properties.
Photo © : Pixabay
Functionality is a fundamental trend in food and it is worth noting in
this respect how the dividing line between food and nutraceuticals is
blurring. Consumers are increasingly attracted to food products with
a beneficial aspect, an encouraging sign of the growing awareness of
the link between diet and good health. From a market perspective,
the functional food and beverage market represented $259 billion in
2020, and forecasts place this figure at $530 billion in 2028. 2
In terms of naturalness, transparency, practicality and health benefits,
functional beverages tick all the boxes with respect to consumer
expectations, combining the response to a physiological need with
taste pleasure and well-being. The most popular functional beverages
among consumers are those targeting energy, immunity, detoxification
and stress or sleep management.
+
Development of
tailor-made solutions
FRENCH EXPERT IN
NATURAL PLANT EXTRACTS
FOR FLAVOURINGS AND FOOD
Essential oils
Liquid extracts
Aromatic substances
Vegetable oils
WWW.HERBAROM-GROUPE.COM

Botanical extracts
This sensorial and organoleptic characterisation
of ingredients is a Herbarom specificity,
an essential skill in guiding customers’
choice of ingredients and helping them to
obtain their desired flavour.
This natural quality of food products,
combined with functionality and emotion,
has thus become a key factor for consumers,
who are increasingly attentive to both
reduced ingredient lists, in addition to the
correlation between the ways in which raw
materials have been grown and used and
the quality of the end product. 3 The steady
growth of the natural ingredient market in the
food sector is proof of this, and these ingredients
are used in a wide range of applications,
including culinary flavouring and
plant-based beverages.
Photo © : Shutterstock
Herbarom boasts a unique chain of expertise
in this market, from the selection of plant
variety and cultivation with partner farmers,
to extraction and technical or organoleptic
qualification. This expertise is the result of
almost 30 years of collaboration with the
brands, laboratories and flavourists shaping
the products of the future.
For more than 15 years, the Herbarom Group has also been leading
the development and tailoring of dietary supplements, with specific
expertise in liquid forms. The company thus plays a strategic role in
meeting the demand for functional food by developing plant extract
solutions to be incorporated in the formulation of beverages.
The emotional benefits of natural botanical extracts
In addition to their functional properties, plant extracts are also
emotional vectors. Their taste triggers olfactory memory, the ability we
all have to recall a past event or moment associated with a specific
smell. The olfactory receptors in our nose capture scent molecules
and transmit signals to our brain, which we interpret as smell sensations.
Added to this is the notion of taste and retronasal olfaction, and
it is this complex combination of sensations which forms the flavour
we can taste in food or drink.
References
1
Agrotech survey, representation relative to the French
population, Part 1: Food sensitivity and expectations -
2022.
2
Fortune Business Insights, global functional food and
beverage market, 2020
3
Le concept et la représentation visuelle de la naturalité
des produits alimentaires pour le consommateur français
[Concept and visual representation of food product naturalness
for the French consumer], Annick Tamaro, Morgane
Innocent, Patricia Mouen, HAL Science, 2022.
For more information, please contact
Anne Manubens,
Group Marketing Director and Sales Director
at Herbarom Laboratoire
Phone +33(0)4 81160202
www.herbarom-groupe.com
26 No. 3 November/December 2023

Natural plant extracts
Photo © : shutterstock/Sergio Pazzano
Why does Pycnogenol ® offer such
a wide range of health benefits?
Its mechanisms of action explained
Dr. Franziska Weichmann
Pycnogenol ® French maritime pine bark is
dubbed the “gold standard ingredient”, “a
phenomenon” and a “natural all-rounder” (1,
2). Clinical studies have shown Pycnogenol ®
to be beneficial for heart health, cognitive
function and respiratory health, as well as
for eye health, skincare, women’s health and
several other body functions (3-10). But how
can one ingredient alone have such a wide
range of benefits across multiple applications?
Let’s shed some light on the holistic
nature and efficacy of Pycnogenol ® .
Pycnogenol ® is much more than just
an ingredient
First and foremost, Pycnogenol ® stands
apart from single compounds. Pycnogenol ®
is a naturally programmed combination with
constant proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids
and organic acids, which offer amazing natural properties.
Pycnogenol ® French maritime pine bark extract’s unique blend of
active compounds cannot be found in any other plant extract. Each
of its compounds provides a different way of acting in the body. Some
of the larger molecules get further processed in the gut into metabolites.
Remarkably, these metabolites are also absorbed into our bloodstream,
contributing to Pycnogenol ® overall efficacy.
Consequently, Pycnogenol ® offers a comprehensive array of active
compounds, distinguishing it from single-component alternatives.
The key properties of Pycnogenol ® on the body are its powerful antioxidant
actions (3, 4, 11-16), its natural anti-inflammatory benefits
(17-19), its effects on the skin and tissues (8, 18, 20, 21) and its
support to blood circulation (3, 7, 22-33).
Collectively, these mechanisms account for the extensive range of
applications that Pycnogenol ® holds in the realms of health and
beauty. Ongoing research will continue to unveil further insights
and potentially discover additional applications for the effects of
Pycnogenol ® .
No. 3 November/December 2023
27

Natural plant extracts
15, 25, 26, 38-43). Interestingly, it was found that a metabolite of
Pycnogenol ® can be taken up in endothelial cells and can thus exert
its anti-inflammatory effects directly in the endothelium (24).
Pycnogenol ® for the endothelium
Numerous studies have consistently shown that Pycnogenol ® improves
endothelial function, resulting in a positive impact on both blood circulation
and microcirculation, firmly establishing its effectiveness.
In patients with coronary artery disease, the effect of Pycnogenol ®
on endothelial function was investigated by assessing “flow-mediated
dilation” in the upper arm artery (3). For this method, the expansion
of the artery in response to an increase in the shear stress associated
with blood flow is measured. An 8-week randomized, placebocontrolled,
crossover, double-blind study showed an improvement
in flow-mediated dilation of 32 % in the Pycnogenol ® group, while it
deteriorated slightly in the placebo patients.
In another study, the flow-mediated dilation of patients with borderline
high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels and increased blood sugar
levels improved significantly after 8 and 12 weeks of Pycnogenol ®
intake (27). These studies, among several others, confirm the positive
effects of taking Pycnogenol ® on endothelial function in patients
with cardiovascular diseases.
Pycnogenol ® improves blood circulation
Keeping the cardiovascular system healthy is key for maintaining good
vitality, physical strength, mental health and for general well-being.
Blood vessels bring oxygen and nutrients through arteries and the
tiniest micro vessels all over our body, providing beneficial effects from
head to toe. Pycnogenol ® exerts some of its beneficial effects as it optimizes
blood flow by improving endothelial function. Blood flow regulation
involves maintaining an appropriate distribution of blood throughout
the body to meet the metabolic demands of tissues and organs.
All blood vessels in the cardiovascular system are lined with the
so-called endothelium. The endothelium is a single layer of cells
lining the inner surface of blood vessels, including arteries and veins.
This layer not only serves as a simple delimitation of the vessel wall
but is also significantly involved in many physiological functions, like
controlling blood pressure by vasoconstriction and-dilation, regulating
the exchange of substances between blood and tissues, preventing
blood clotting, and signaling during inflammation. Endothelial function
and blood flow regulation are crucial for overall health.
Pycnogenol ® improves microcirculation
Healthy microcirculation is vital as it leads to a well-functioning supply
of nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body. In several previously
published studies, Pycnogenol ® was shown to improve blood circulation
in small blood vessels in the body, like the very fine micro vessels
in the skin, fingertips and in the inner ear or the retinal capillaries in
the eye (7, 28-31, 34-37).
In a 3-month study on diabetic retinopathy, Pycnogenol ® supplementation
improved the retinal blood flow by around 30 % compared to
no change in the control patients (7). In another study with patients
Many different studies have shown that Pycnogenol ® has a positive
effect on blood circulation and microcirculation (7, 28-31, 34-37) by
improving endothelial function (3, 22-27) and by lowering platelet
aggregation without increasing bleeding time (32, 33). In addition,
Pycnogenol ® has been shown to normalize blood pressure and to
improve blood lipid profile as well as blood sugar values (12, 13,
28 No. 3 November/December 2023

Natural plant extracts
suffering from coronary heart disease,
microcirculation on the fingertip improved
significantly in 54 % of the patients, taking
Pycnogenol ® and in 33 % of the placebo
patients after 4 weeks (31).
inflammatory conditions like knee osteoarthritis (45, 46), endometriosis
(47, 48) or allergic rhinitis (6, 49). Pycnogenol ® was shown to
promote joint mobility and flexibility and naturally relieve pain.
Pycnogenol ® helps break the
cycle of inflammation and oxidative
stress naturally
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
pro perties of Pycnogenol ® further contribute
to the versatile nature of Pycnogenol ® on
body health and beauty. Inflammation and
oxidative stress. Inflammation and oxidative
stress are closely linked processes in the
body. Oxidative stress can trigger inflammation,
and inflammation, in turn, can lead to
more oxidative stress. (44). Initially, inflammation
is a complex protective response of
the body to harmful stimuli and is part of
innate immunity. However, too much inflammation
can lead to chronic inflammation -
the basis of various diseases such as atherosclerosis,
arthritis or allergies.
Pycnogenol ® is a powerful antioxidant
Pycnogenol ® has been investigated in various clinical studies
and shown to possess potent antioxidant properties (3, 4, 11-16).
Pycnogenol ® , when taken orally has been shown to both increase
plasma antioxidant capacity, expressed as oxygen radical absorbance
capacity (13), and decrease plasma oxidative stress measured
as plasma free radicals (50). Pycnogenol ® has further been shown to
protect lipids from peroxidation by free radicals in elderly people and
people with coronary artery disease (3, 4). The protective effect of
Pycnogenol ® on DNA oxidation was shown in a randomized, doubleblind,
placebo-controlled study of children with ADHD, by measuring
the level of oxidized purines (11).
Pycnogenol ® controls inflammation
In several studies, it was shown that
Pycnogenol ® has inflammation reducing
properties (17-19). Consumption of
Pycnogenol ® was shown to significantly
limit the activation of the pro-inflammatory
«master switch» NF-kB by 15.5 % and
matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) release
by 25 %. These are two important regulators
in the inflammation process. This positive
effect thus helps prevent the mobilization
of proinflammatory molecules, which
play a destructive role in arthritis. In another
study, Pycnogenol ® significantly prevented
the up-regulation of the pro-inflammatory
enzymes 5-LOX and COX-2 after only five
days of daily intake (17). (18). In addition,
the consumption of a single dose of 300 mg
Pycnogenol ® was found to naturally inhibit
generation of COX-2 enzymes during inflammation
in humans, thus providing a significant
contribution for lowering pain (19).
These beneficial effects of Pycnogenol ®
were also observed in clinical studies with
patients, suffering from different chronic
Pycnogenol ® strengthens the extracellular matrix in skin,
joints and other tissues
The extracellular matrix consists of a complex mixture of proteins,
glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and other molecules. It plays a vital role
in various connective tissues, functioning as a supportive framework.
It provides mechanical support to tissues, regulates cell behavior,
and influences tissue development and repair. Collagen and elastin
are crucial components of the skin’s extracellular matrix. Collagen
provides structural support and firmness to the skin, while elastin
ensures its elasticity. Hyaluronic acid contributes to skin hydration
by retaining moisture. These molecules collectively promote youthful,

Natural plant extracts
healthy skin and can help address issues related to aging and skin
aging processes. In addition, collagen is a significant component
of cartilage, which covers and protects the ends of bones in joints.
It contributes to joint stability and flexibility. Hyaluronic acid is also
found in joint fluid and lubricates and cushions the joints, allowing
for smooth movement.
Pycnogenol ® improves skin hydration and elasticity
Pycnogenol ® was shown to increase skin elasticity and reduce skin
fatigue by stimulation of the synthesis of new collagen and hyaluronic
acid in the skin and inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break down
collagen and elastin (8, 18, 20, 21). Pycnogenol ® further protects
skin proteins against enzymatic degradation by selectively binding to
elastin and collagen (21).
Clinical investigations of Pycnogenol ® supplementation for 12 weeks
with female volunteers, aged 55 to 68 years revealed increased hyaluronic
acid synthase levels within the skin by 44 %, leading to improved
skin hydration (20). Hyaluronic acid synthase is the natural source of
water-binding hyaluronic acid in the dermis, which moisturizes the
skin and keeps it taut and smooth.
Consequently, an average skin-hydration increase by 21 % in the
group of Pycnogenol ® supplementation was found, particularly in
women presenting with dry skin prior to Pycnogenol ® intake. In this
study, Pycnogenol ® was also shown to improve skin elasticity by
25 % and decrease skin fatigue by 30 %. Interestingly, the results
were paralleled by Pycnogenol ® ’s ability to generate skin’s connective
tissue collagen in average by 40 %. In addition to stimulating the
synthesis of new collagen, Pycnogenol ® metabolites can inhibit the
release and activity of destructive enzymes (metalloproteinases 1,2
and 9), which break down dermal tissue proteins, like collagen or
elastin (18, 21). The reduced activity of these lytic enzymes saves the
connective tissues from degradation, representing the basis for maintaining
an elastic, smooth and youthful looking skin. The beneficial
effects of Pycnogenol ® on the skin have been confirmed in several
clinical studies.
Pycnogenol ® has beneficial effects on joint function
Pycnogenol ® has been shown to act beneficially in patients presenting
with joint problems (45, 51-53). In a study with 33 patients suffering
from severe osteoarthritis, a joint cartilage damaging condition, the
level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) enzymes, that are responsible
for destroying cartilage in joints was significantly downregulated
in the fluid around the knee joints after taking Pycnogenol ®
(46). These results confirm previous findings that regular intake of
Pycnogenol ® leads to a potent decrease of pro-inflammatory markers
like NF-κB and COX-enzymes and MMPs (17-19, 21).
In most cases, joint pain is due to damage to the articular cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid contributes to the shock-absorbing abilities of cartilage.
As Pycnogenol ® significantly increased
gene expression of hyaluronic acid synthase,
this is helpful not only for skin but also for
articular cartilage (20). Additionally, the abilities
of Pycnogenol ® to increase the synthesis
of collagen and to protect collagen from
degradation are crucial for joint health as
collagen is an important component of articular
cartilage. These results are backed up
by the finding of a strong increase of the
concentration of Pycnogenol ® ’s metabolites
in the synovial fluid, surrounding articular
cartilage in the joints in osteoarthritis patients
(46, 54). In this way, the active ingredients of
Pycnogenol ® can act directly where they are
needed. This comprehensively explains how
Pycnogenol ® contributes to restoring health
in damaged joints.
Pycnogenol ® French pine bark extract is
one of the most widely investigated natural
supplements worldwide with convincing data
for various fields of application, including
heart health, skin care, cognitive function
and allergy control. Pycnogenol ® is a standardized
complex mixture of many molecules
and has shown beneficial efficacy on blood
circulation, strong anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant effects and impressive action on
the integrity of tissues.
References
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Flammer AJ, et al. Effects of Pycnogenol on endothelial
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study. Eur Heart J. 2012;33(13):1589-97.
30 No. 3 November/December 2023

Natural plant extracts
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Schonlau F, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled
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7. Steigerwalt R, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Di Renzo A, Grossi
MG, Ricci A, et al. Pycnogenol improves microcirculation,
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J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2009;25(6):537-40.
8. Zhao H, Wu J, Wang N, Grether-Beck S, Krutmann J,
Wei L. Oral Pycnogenol(R) Intake Benefits the Skin in
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9. Maia H, Jr., Haddad C, Casoy J. The effect of pycnogenol
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11. Chovanova Z, Muchova J, Sivonova M, Dvorakova M, Zitnanova I, Waczulikova I, et al.
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13. Devaraj S, Vega-Lopez S, Kaul N, Schonlau F, Rohdewald P, Jialal I. Supplementation
with a pine bark extract rich in polyphenols increases plasma antioxidant capacity and
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14. Kolacek M, Muchova J, Dvorakova M, Paduchova Z, Zitnanova I, Cierna I, et al. Effect
of natural polyphenols (Pycnogenol) on oxidative stress markers in children suffering from
Crohn's disease--a pilot study. Free Radic Res. 2013;47(8):624-34.
15. Yang HM, Liao MF, Zhu SY, Liao MN, Rohdewald P. A randomised, double-blind, placebocontrolled
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women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2007;86(8):978-85.
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18. Grimm T, Chovanova Z, Muchova J, Sumegova K, Liptakova A, Duracková Z, et al. Inhibition
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maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol). Biomed Pharmacother. 2005;60(1):5-9.
20. Marini A, Grether-Beck S, Jaenicke T, Weber M, Burki C, Formann P, et al. Pycnogenol(R)
effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen
type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(2):86-92.
21. Grimm T, Schäfer A, Högger P. Antioxidant activity and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases
by metabolites of maritime pine bark extract (pycnogenol). Free Radic Biol Med.
2004;36(6):811-22.
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Natural plant extracts
22. Fitzpatrick DF, Bing B, Rohdewald P. Endothelium-dependent vascular effects of
Pycnogenol. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1998;32(4):509-15.
23. Nishioka K, Hidaka T, Nakamura S, Umemura T, Jitsuiki D, Soga J, et al. Pycnogenol,
French maritime pine bark extract, augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation in
humans. Hypertens Res. 2007;30(9):775-80.
24. Uhlenhut K, Högger P. Facilitated cellular uptake and suppression of inducible nitric
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26. Zibadi S, Rohdewald PJ, Park D, Watson RR. Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in
subjects with type 2 diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation. Nutr Res. 2008;28(5):315-20.
27. Hu S BG, Cornelli U, et al Effects of Pycnogenol ® on endothelial dysfunction in borderline
hypertensive, hyperlipidemic, and hyperglycemic individuals: the borderline study. Int
Angiol 2015;34(1):43-52.
28. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Errichi BM, Ledda A, Di Renzo A, Stuard S, et al. Diabetic
ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with pycnogenol. Clin Appl Thromb
Hemost. 2006;12(3):318-23.
29. Belcaro G. LR, Dugall M., Ippolito E., Saggino A. Venous ulcers: Microcirculatory improvement
and faster healing with local use of Pycnogenol ® . Angiology. 2005;56(6):699-705.
30. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, Pellegrini L, Ledda A, Vinciguerra G, et al.
Improvement of diabetic microangiopathy with pycnogenol: A prospective, controlled study.
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31. Wang S, Tan D, Zhao Y, Gao G, Gao X, Hu L. The effect of Pycnogenol ® on the microcirculation,
platelet function and ischaemic myocardium in patients with coronary artery
diseases. European Bulletin of Drug Research. 1999;7(2):19-25.
32. Araghi-Niknam M, Hosseini, S, Larson, D, Rohdewald, P and watson, RR. Pine bark
extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integrative Medicine. 1999;2(2/3).
33. Pütter M GK, Würthwein G, Araghi-Niknam M, Watson RR, Hosseini S, Rohdewald P. .
Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet aggregation by Aspirin and Pycnogenol. Thrombosis
Research 1999;55:155–61.
34. Cai C, Zeng B, Lin L, Zheng M, Burki C, Grether-Beck S, et al. An oral French maritime
pine bark extract improves hair density in menopausal women: A randomized, placebocontrolled,
double blind intervention study. Health Science Reports. 2023;6(1).
35. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Agus GB, Ippolito E, Dugall M, Hosoi M, et al. Chronic
venous insufficiency and venous microangiopathy: management with compression and
Pycnogenol(R). Minerva Cardioangiol. 2019;67(4):280-7.
36. Luzzi R, Belcaro G, Hu S, Dugall M, Hosoi M, Cacchio M, et al. Improvement in symptoms
and cochlear flow with Pycnogenol in patients with Meniere’s disease and tinnitus.
Minerva Med 2014;105:245-54.
37. Grossi MG, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Duggall M, Hosoi M. Improvement in cochlear
flow with Pycnogenol ® in patients with tinnitus: a pilot evaluation. Panminerva Med.
2010;52(2):63-7.
38. Hosseini S LJ, Sepulveda RT, Rohdewald P, Watson RR. A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled, prospective, 16 week crossover study to determine the role of Pycnogenol
in modifying blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients. Nutr Res. 2001;21(9):1251-60.
39. Stuard SBG, Cesarone, M.R., Ricci, A., Dugall, M., Cornelli, U., Gizzi, G. Pellegrini L,
Rohdewald, P.J. Kidney function in metabolic syndrome may be improved with Pycnogenol.
Panminerva Med. 2010;52(2):27-32.
40. Schäfer A, Högger P. Oligomeric procyanidins of French maritime pine bark
extract (Pycnogenol) effectively inhibit alpha-glucosidase. Diabetes Res Clin Pract.
2007;77(1):41-6.
41. Koch R. Comparative study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency.
Phytother Res. 2002;16 Suppl 1:S1-5.
42. Trebaticky B, Muchova J, Ziaran S, Bujdak P, Breza J, Durackova Z. Natural polyphenols
improve erectile function and lipid profile in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Bratisl Med J. 2019;120(12):941 – 4.
43. Belcaro G, Cornelli U, Luzzi R, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Feragalli B, et al. Pycnogenol(R)
supplementation improves health risk factors in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Phytother
Res. 2013;27(10):1572-8.
44. Zuo L, Prather EL, Stetskiv M, Garrison DE, Meade
JR, Peace TI, et al. Inflammaging and Oxidative Stress in
Human Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Novel
Treatments. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
2019;20(18):4472.
45. Cisar P, Jany R, Waczulikova I, Sumegova K, Muchova
J, Vojtassak J, et al. Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol)
on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Phytother Res.
2008;22(8):1087-92.
46. Jessberger S, Högger P, Genest F, Salter DM, Seefried
L. Cellular pharmacodynamic effects of Pycnogenol(R) in
patients with severe osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled
pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017;17(1):537.
47. Kohama T, Herai, K., Inoue, M Effect of French Maritime
Pine Bark Extract on endometriosis as compared with
leuprorelin acetate. J Reprod Med. 2007;52(8):703-8.
48. Maia H, Jr., Haddad C, Casoy J. Combining oral contraceptives
with a natural nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor for
the treatment of endometriosis-related pain. Int J Womens
Health. 2013;6:35-9.
49. Belcaro G LR, Cesinaro di Rocco P, Cesarone MR,
Dugall M, Feragalli B, Errichi BM, Ippolito E, Grossi MG,
Hosoi M, Errichi S, Cornelli U, Ledda A, Gizzi G. Pycnogenol
improvements in asthma management. Panminerva Med.
2011;53(3):57-64.
50. Belcaro H, Cesarone, Dugall. A controlled study shows
daily intake of 50 mg of French Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol
® ) lowers plasma reactive oxygen metabolites in
healthy smokers. Minerva medica. 2013;104(4):439-46.
51. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Errichi S, Zulli C, Errichi
BM, Vinciguerra G, et al. Variations in C-reactive protein,
plasma free radicals and fibrinogen values in patients
with osteoarthritis treated with Pycnogenol. Redox Rep.
2008;13(6):271-6.
52. Farid R, Mirfeizi Z, Mirheidari M, Rezaieyazdi Z,
Mansouri H, Esmaelli H, et al. Pycnogenol supplementation
reduces pain and stiffness and improves physical function
in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Nutrition Research.
2007;27(11):692-7.
53. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Errichi S, Zulli C, Errichi BM,
Vinciguerra G, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with Pycnogenol.
The SVOS (San Valentino Osteo-arthrosis Study).
Evaluation of signs, symptoms, physical performance and
vascular aspects. Phytother Res. 2008;22(4):518-23.
54. Mülek M, Seefried L, Genest F, Högger P. Distribution of
Constituents and Metabolites of Maritime Pine Bark Extract
(Pycnogenol((R))) into Serum, Blood Cells, and Synovial
Fluid of Patients with Severe Osteoarthritis: A Randomized
Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2017;9(5).
For more information, please contact
Dr. Franziska Weichmann,
Manager of Scientific Communications and
Product Development at
Horphag Research
www.pycnogenol.com
32 No. 3 November/December 2023

Energy drinks
Photo © : Stocksy_txp142854ebI5o300_OriginalDelivery_837852k
“Caffeine alone is not enough”: Reinventing
the ‘energy drink’ for a modern lens
Fredrik Hjelmqvist
Modern life is demanding as many know.
Work, education, childcare, commuting, exercise
and even – occasionally – just having fun,
for consumers today it can feel like they need
an endless reservoir of energy, just to make
it through the day. It’s unsurprising then,
that energy drink sales are on the rise. The
global energy drinks market is projected to
grow at a CAGR of 8 % over the next decade,
reaching a value of $108 billion by 2031. 1
Energy boosting beverages are as popular as
ever, but is caffeine content alone enough to
excite consumers? The holistic wellness trend
sweeping the food and beverage sector has
made an indelible impact on shoppers’ priorities,
blurring the lines between health, indulgence
and functional nutrition. The consequence
of this attitude shift for the beverage
segment is that shoppers don’t just want
‘energy’ drinks, but solutions to give them
an all-round boost with cognitive and mood
support, as well as improved alertness and
endurance.
Read on as we discuss the latest nutraceutical trends and ingredients
designed to promote a healthy mood and energize the body,
and how producers can level up their energy drink offering for the
modern market.
A new view on ‘energy’
Despite their enduring popularity, energy drinks have had somewhat
of a bad reputation in the popular consciousness – thought of as
‘quick fixes’ full of sugar, excessive amounts of caffeine and artificial
ingredients. Even among university-aged young adults – the demographic
group most likely to consume energy drinks – the potential
side effects of these beverages are well known. 2 According to one
study, after consuming a traditional energy drink, 42 % of students
reported experiencing an increased heartbeat, 36 % cited jitteriness
and 29 % spoke of anxiety or irritability. 3 Results like this have played
a major role in shifting attitudes towards energy drinks in recent
years, and the subsequent rise of a more natural, healthy approach
to energy enhancement.
Perhaps the biggest change here relates to sugar content. Excessively
sweet foods and beverages are an increasing concern for
consumers, and regulators alike, with the European Soft Drinks asso-
No. 3 November/December 2023
33

Energy drinks
It’s been said a thousand times; taste is king. No matter how revolutionary
a beverage’s proclaimed benefits are, if it cannot deliver
a delicious flavour and attractive sensory experience, consumers
simply won’t come back for more. The challenge for today’s energy
drink formulators is balancing taste against consumer expectations
for a natural and low-sugar positioning. Here we’ve seen plantbased
prebiotic fibres and, more recently,
fermented sweetening options come to the
fore as a natural solution to creating a great
taste, without excess added sugar.
Photo © : GettyImages-1129493647
ciation, UNESDA, extending its 2025 sugar reduction targets by a
further 10 % 4 , mirroring similar initiatives from food standards agencies
around the world. In tandem with increased regulatory scrutiny,
consumers are driving progress through their purchasing decisions.
Close to a quarter of recent energy drink launches featured a ‘sugar
free’ positioning 5 , while 15 % combined the claims ‘no added sugar’
and ‘natural energy drink’. 6 This second point brings up the equally
crucial factor of ‘naturalness’. Research from dsm-firmenich found
that around 80 % of beverage consumers wanted to know whether
a product contained natural or artificial colorants, with the former
achieving a significantly higher purchase intent. 7 When it comes to
the look, feel and taste of energy drinks designed for a contemporary
audience, brands clearly need to focus on blending naturalness with
that all important low-sugar positioning.
Attitudes are also in flux regarding the functional side of energy
drinks. Consumers still want their caffeine fix, but a simple, shortterm
energy boost is no longer enough for some. Digestive health
and immune support, for example, were cited as the most appealing
functional beverage benefits by more than 70 % of consumers in a
recent Global Data survey 8 , while Mintel found that almost a third of
energy drink consumers would be motivated to buy a product proven
to promote brain health. 9 Vitamin and mineral content too is a central
purchase driver in the energy drink segment, both in terms of classic
inclusions like fatigue-fighting B vitamins, and familiar favourites like
vitamin C. The energy drink market is entering a whole new era of
dynamism, creating exciting opportunities for beverage manufacturers.
What brands need now is the right, high-quality ingredients
to address evolving consumer priorities around taste, colour, sugar
content and functionality.
The fundamentals: Taste, texture and colour
Nature is similarly a key inspiration in
the realm of colorants. Ingredients like
β-Carotene – a family of carotenoid pigments
– for instance, have been used to great
success to bring vibrant red, orange and
yellow hues to beverages, the natural way.
There are even plant-derived solutions for
improving product texture – an aspect too
often overlooked in energy drink formulation.
Hydrocolloids such as pectin are an invaluable
tool for enhancing the appearance
and mouthfeel of ready-to-drink beverages,
imbuing drinks with a smooth texture that
lets star flavours shine and ensures all active
ingredients are thoroughly suspended.
The main event: Energy boosting
ingredients
The clue is in the name – ‘energy’ drinks,
even naturally positioned, multifunctional
ones, still need to provide consumers with a
much-needed boost. Caffeine and, to a lesser
extent, B vitamins remain the front runners
in this space, but producers have begun
exploring the potential of alternative energy
enhancers. Proteins (including collagen
peptides) and amino-acids have been shown
to contribute to increased satiety 10 , as well as
sports recovery benefits like reduced muscle
soreness 11 , while vitamin-like substances
like Coenzyme Q-10 help support a healthy
cardiovascular system. 12
Building out the nutrition profile:
Additional functional ingredients
As mentioned above, consumers are looking
for more than ‘empty energy’ from their
beverage choices. From CBD to yerba mate
extract, adaptogens to vitamins, the wide
array of functional ingredients we’ve seen
added to energy drinks has gone a long way
towards shifting the segment’s ‘unhealthy’
reputation. The crucial point to remember
here for drinks manufacturers is not just
what ingredients to include, but how they are
34 No. 3 November/December 2023

Energy drinks
incorporated. Not all trending ingredients
are easy to blend into a beverage format,
requiring careful management of sweetening
solutions, texturizers, energy-boosting
inclusions and functional extras to create the
ideal end product. It’s here where the help of
an experienced ingredients partner can add
real value.
Single supplier, multiple benefits
To stand out in the increasingly competitive
energy drinks space, brands need more
than just a supplier – they need a strategic
partner. The most experienced players operating
in food and beverage ingredients today
offer concept development support, formulation
expertise, regulatory and marketing
advice and efficiency improvements, as well
as a comprehensive portfolio of sciencebacked
solutions. Just as caffeine alone isn’t
enough for today’s consumers, single-ingredient
suppliers should not be the first choice
for beverage brands looking to cement their
position in the energy drink market. At dsmfirmenich,
we strive to be this ‘one-stopshop’
for our customers, helping them work
smarter at speed to create the next energy
drink sensation.
References
1
Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-
2031, Allied Market Research
2
Ghozayel M, Ghaddar A, Farhat G, Nasreddine L, Kara J,
Jomaa L. Energy drinks consumption and perceptions
among University Students in Beirut, Lebanon: A mixed
methods approach. PLoS One. 2020 Apr 30;15(4):e0232199.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232199. PMID: 32353017;
PMCID: PMC7192412.
3
Ibid, Ghozayel et al, Energy drinks consumption and
perceptions among University Students in Beirut, Lebanon
4
UNESDA, Soft drinks industry’s sugar reduction commitments
across Europe, https://www.unesda.eu/sugarand-calorie-reduction/#:~:text=UNESDA%20has%20
committed%20to%20reduce,milk%20based%20and%20
hot%20beverages
5
Mintel GNDP database, accessed March 2022
6
Future Market Insights, Soft drinks industry’s sugar reduction
commitments across Europe, September 2022, https://
www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/energy-drinksmarket?utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&utm_
source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&id=5&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLtCoM9MUCAY62vk0dM
8OqDcBzECHy7n9Ks5SeLddNCs0fZgGigbr5BoCKDwQAvD_
BwE
7
Global coloration study, dsm-firmenich 2021
8
GlobalData, 2021 Q2 global consumer survey
9
A year of innovation in sports and energy drinks, Mintel 2020
10
Moon J, Koh G. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-
Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndr.
2020 Sep 30;29(3):166-173. doi: 10.7570/jomes20028.
PMID: 32699189; PMCID: PMC7539343
11
Kuwaba K, Kusubata M, Taga Y, Igarashi H, Nakazato
K, Mizuno K. Dietary collagen peptides alleviate exercise-induced
muscle soreness in healthy middle-aged
males: a randomized double-blinded crossover clini cal
trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2023 Dec;20(1):2206392. doi:
10.1080/15502783.2023.2206392. PMID: 37133292;
PMCID: PMC10158542.
12
Saini R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. J Pharm
Bioallied Sci. 2011 Jul;3(3):466-7. doi: 10.4103/0975-
7406.84471. PMID: 21966175; PMCID: PMC3178961.
Faster.
Farther.
Longer.
For more information, please visit
https://www.dsm.com/food-beverage/
en_US/insights/insights/beverage/
a-total-solution-for-energy-drinks--nowthat-s-worth-getting-energized-about.
html#
Fredrik Hjelmqvist,
Senior Vice President Beverages & More,
dsm-firmenich
PeptENDURE ® – Advanced
Performance Nutrition
• First protein proven to enhance
endurance performance
• > 14 % higher speed
• Improves energy metabolism
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GELITA AG · Uferstr. 7 · 69412 Eberbach · Germany · www.gelita.com

Sweetening alternatives
Photo © : AdobeStock_MUS_GRAPHIC
Made from dates in Tunisia
Date derivatives as a
special sweetening alternative
Who doesn't know – especially at Christmas time – the
wonderful taste of dates?! This aromatic sweetness and a
hint of oriental delight. Very popular are Deglet Nour dates.
What is special about this date variety is its small fruit
and firm flesh. Almost one third of the world’s Deglet Nour
production comes from Tunisia. Overall, Tunisia is one of the
largest date exporters in the world. More than 200 different
date varieties grow in Tunisia, the most widespread being the
Deglet Nour variety. Although the focus of Tunisian agriculture
is on the export of fresh dates, the offer of processed
dates is also growing. Dates can be processed into a variety
of pro ducts: Syrup, powder, paste, juice from the fruits. The
kernels can also be used to produce oil and coffee substitutes.
The sugar alternatives such as date paste, powder and
syrup impress with their taste and nutritional profile. The
PAMPAT Tunisia project, implemented by the UN Industrial
Develop ment Organization (UNIDO) and financed by the Swiss
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), supports the
marketing of date products. At this year’s Anuga in Cologne,
PAMPAT Tunisia organised a cooking show together with the
Tunisian export promotion agency CEPEX to demonstrate the
taste and uses of processed dates.
Full of nutrients
2 nd choice dates that cannot be sold as a
fresh product are processed into natural
sweeteners. Date syrup, for example, also
contains minerals and vitamins from the date
fruit compared to ordinary sugar (sucrose).
Deglet Nour dates are rich in potassium,
but also contain calcium, magnesium and B
vitamins. Another advantage: date syrup has
significantly fewer calories than sucrose. The
date products consist mainly of fructose and
retain the typical date flavour.
“We like to use alternative sweeteners in our
recipes,” says star chef Julia Komp from
Cologne (“Sahila”) at Anuga. “Especially if
they contain valuable nutritional values in
addition to the sweetness. Date syrup is also
vegan and thus a good honey alternative. We
appreciate date sweetness, also because it
gives dishes an oriental touch.”
36 No. 3 November/December 2023

Date syrup, paste and powder
Date syrup is a good alternative to honey, maple syrup, agave syrup,
sugar beet syrup etc. Date syrup tastes less sweet than sugar and
is good for sweetening mueslis and desserts, for example. In the
production process, dates are cooked and the date juice is extracted.
The juice is then boiled down to syrup.
The main product in Tunisia with a production volume of around
10,000 tons is date paste. It is rich in dietary fibre and you can use
it in baking. Date powder is also used as substitute for refined sugar,
especially in baking. Date powder is made from 100 percent dates by
cleaning, pitting, drying at 70° C, grinding and final sieving the dates.
Healthy and vegan sweetener
Date products are still little known, but there is great potential
because alternative natural and healthy sweeteners are in demand.
In addition, unlike honey, date products are also suitable for vegan
diets. “Almost one in three dates is not suitable for marketing as
fresh dates”, explains Nuria Ackermann, Chief Technical Advisor
of the PAMPAT Project (UNIDO). “And this proportion of 2 nd choice
dates will increase as global warming will reduce date quality. But
with processed dates and the wide range of products, Tunisia has
an opportunity to develop a new segment and add value. Through
processing, 2 nd choice dates can increase in value by five times.”
NFOBOX
About PAMPAT Tunisia
PAMPAT (Project for Market Access of Typical Agrofood
Products) promotes the marketing of regionally produced
Tunisian food products both in Tunisia itself and on international
markets. The approach includes the development of
value chains, the promotion of origin-based quality labels and
the promotion of products, including at international trade fairs
such as Anuga.
PAMPAT is a project of the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO) and is financed by the
Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It is being
implemented in close cooperation with the Tunisian Ministry
of Economy, Finance and Investment Promotion, the Ministry
of Industry, Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Agriculture,
Water Resources and Fisheries.
For more information, please visit
www.pampat.tn/en/
Create excitement with
plant-based ingredients.
Awaken your customers’
senses, naturally.
With 70 % of consumers being convinced their food choices impact
their mood, it comes as no surprise that they indulge in ‘good mood food’.
With plant-based recipes becoming increasingly popular in the dessert aisle,
BENEO’s egg-free meringue is the perfect go-to option. The recipe offers
a delicious treat without having to compromise on taste or texture. Develop
with BENEO and let people enjoy, experience and fulfil all senses, not just
their taste buds.
Healthier living through tasty food that
tickles all senses. Move towards a more
sustainable plant-based ingredients era.
Come and visit us at
booth #3.1G160
Food ingredients
Europe
November 28 –30, 2023
Frankfurt, Germany
Want to know more
about BENEO?
Scan here!
No. 3 November/December 2023
www.beneo.com

Sweetening alternatives
When it comes to baked goods it is crucial that alternative sweetening solutions provide a similar bulk than sugar.
Photo © : shutterstock/4 PM production
Ticking the boxes for sweetness and
improved nutritional properties
Klaudia Volmer
Products using alternative sugars or sweeteners, and their
effects on health, are under constant re-evaluation. Recent
criticism of artificial sweeteners brought new attention to the
topic, and calls for a closer look at existing solutions. Here,
BENEO’s low-glycaemic ingredients from sugar beet offer
indulgence while aligning with a healthy diet.
Alternatives to traditional sugar is a topic that has recently hit the
headlines following WHO’s publication of new guidelines on nonsugar
sweeteners. The organisation advises against the use of noncaloric
sweeteners for weight management, seeing them as a false
friend when it comes to losing weight. Moreover, WHO says there
may be other potential harmful effects from long-term use, such
as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,
and mortality in adults. 1 The widespread notion that high-intensity
sweeteners do not influence the human body has been challenged
before. Data from human and animal studies indicate that nonnutritive
sweeteners seem to impair glucose tolerance which might
be mediated by changes in the gut microbiome.
Though further research is needed
for a better understanding, these results
give reason to be cautious about the use of
certain sweeteners. Luckily, the takeaway
message is not to abandon anything sweet
from the recipe or opt for industrial sugar,
but take an informed decision on sweetening
ingredients.
Low-glycaemic carbohydrates
gain traction
Industrial sugar, but also natural sugars such
as honey, for example, lead to a sharp rise
of blood sugar levels quickly followed by a
sudden fall. This so-called “boost and crash
effect” usually causes strong cravings, which
38 No. 3 November/December 2023

Sweetening alternatives
can lead to increased calorie intake. In the
long run, these extreme changes in blood
sugar levels, and thus also in insulin levels,
can put a strain on the human body and also
increase the risk of insulin resistance.
Benefits for seniors and athletes alike
The mentioned health benefits that Palatinose offers are interesting
for various consumer groups. The potential for blood glucose
management is, for example, particularly evident for the silver generation.
As we age, biological processes slow down and metabolic
responses become less effective. As a consequence, insulin resistance
and impaired glucose tolerance is more likely.
Moreover, as people get older, they tend to gain weight, which can
lead to further health problems. Overweight or obese people show
an increased risk for conditions such as higher blood pressure,
cholesterol, triglycerides and thrombosis. Impaired glucose tolerance
increases with age, as does the development of Diabetes mellitus. 2
These can all increase the chances of non-communicable diseases
such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension or type-2 diabetes.
Fig. 1: Palatinose TM has a more moderate effect
on blood sugar levels than conventional sugar.
Photo © : BENEO
This is where low-glycaemic carbohydrates
act differently. They release their glucose
more slowly and help to keep blood sugar
levels more balanced. Beet sugar-derived
Palatinose belongs to this group of lowglycaemic
carbs. It provides energy over
longer periods of time compared to conventional
sugar. As the only fully available and
slowly digestible carbohydrate with a low
glycaemic index of 32, it delivers the same
amount of energy to the body as sucrose
(4 kcal/g). In comparison, conventional
sugar is metabolised quickly, and blood
glucose levels rise sharply before dropping
to the basal level about one hour after intake.
Palatinose, however, takes up to two hours
to become fully digested and causes no boost
and crash effect. This can be explained by
the different structure of Palatinose and
sucrose: Although, they resemble each
other in their molecular structure, the fructose-glucose
connection of Palatinose
is more stable than that of sucrose. The
enzymes in the small intestine take about
four to five times as long to fully break down
Palatinose. Thus, the contained glucose
is gradually released into the bloodstream,
keeping insulin secretion low, which, in turn,
promotes fat burning.
In order to counteract such “side effects” of ageing and avoid or
reduce weight gain in seniors – and also in younger generations –
a low release of the hormone insulin is key. Therefore, successful
weight management must take blood sugar levels into account.
In practice, this means choosing foods and beverages with only
moderate glycaemic effects.
The higher fat-burning rate combined with a slower, more balanced
glucose supply, makes the low-glycaemic carb Palatinose appealing
in the field of sports nutrition too. As endurance athletes aim for higher
fat-burning rates as a means to improve endurance and conserve
limited glycogen stores, Palatinose can be a true asset.
Fig. 2: Naturalness meets functionality: BENEO’s Palatinose TM and Isomalt
are derived from sugar beet. Photo © : BENEO
No. 3 November/December 2023

Sweetening alternatives
INFOBOX
Chicory root fibres:
Inulin and oligofructose are further low-glycaemic ingredients.
As prebiotic fibres, they come with a special focus on digestive
health. While their main purpose is to support the gut, they also
show a beneficial side effect by helping to replace sugar in end
products. Inulin is a non-digestible fibre that occurs naturally
in many fruits and vegetables, with chicory root as an abundant
source. As it is not broken down in the small intestine,
it reaches the large intestine intact and serves as “food” for
the beneficial intestinal bacteria. The subsequent fermenting
process in the gut produces short-chain fatty acids which have
a positive effect on the intestinal tract, helping to maintain the
intestinal mucosa while inhibiting the presence of undesirable
bacteria. An EU health claim confirms that inulin promotes
digestive health.
BENEO’s chicory root fibres Orafti ® Inulin and Oligofructose
have texturising properties, a mild taste, well-balanced,
round flavour and deliver half as many calories as sugar. Due
to their good solubility, the prebiotic fibres are suitable for a
range of solid and liquid applications. Since they do not have an
e-number, they allow for clean label recipes too.
By raising the fibre content, while reducing sugar, prebiotic
fibres make products healthier. Therefore, they support nutritional
claims as well as a better Nutri-Score rating. In beverages,
inulin and oligofructose benefit from the latest Nutri-Score
updates. In April 2023, the classification for drinks underwent
a few changes in order to be more informative for consumers.
These changes will also be valid for milk, milk-based and plantbased
drinks that will be included in the drinks category. One
of the major adaptations concerns the sugar content, which will
have a greater impact on the score once the changes are implemented
in 2024, with a transition period of two years. Here,
reformulation of drinks with prebiotic fibres from chicory root
will clearly be advantageous.
Moreover, the advantages of this alternative sugar extend beyond
actual physi cal activity, as it also supports recovery and replenishes
glycogen levels. To provide their body with sufficient energy,
many athletes include a bedtime drink in their diet, especially after
demanding hours of training or competition. Even at rest, their body
tends to burn more calories compared to the average individual. This
need for energy can interfere with the athlete’s recovery at night-time,
too, when there is no food intake over many hours. Palatinose and
its balanced glucose supply help to bridge this gap.
Furthermore, there is scientific evidence that Palatinose can
help maintain thermoregulation during exercise 3 – an interesting
benefit considering that athletes have to cope with ever-increasing
Fig. 3: Palatinose is suitable for a wide range of food and drink
applications, including sports beverages. Photo © : shutterstock/Ukrolenochka
temperatures in summertime. Tests with an
isomaltulose-electrolyte-drink during exercise
demonstrated that it was just as good as
an electrolyte drink with sucrose in regulating
the body temperature and even showed a
beneficial effect on hydration as more fluid
was stored in the body and less urine was
excreted. 4,5
Isomalt as a tooth-friendly sugar
replacer
Isomalt is another low-glycaemic carb which
BENEO derives from sugar beet. It is the only
sugar replacer made from this plant, but
with half as many calories as sucrose and
an almost negligible effect on blood sugar
and insulin levels. Isomalt is well-suited for
the confectionery segment, as it has a sugarlike,
mild taste that enhances subtle flavours
but has no aftertaste or cooling effect associated
with some sweeteners. The mild
sweetness leads to a more intense aroma.
Isomalt provides bulk and texture, too, and
can replace conventional sugar in the same
proportion in numerous applications within
the confectionery and bakery segments. In
products such as cookies, cakes, chews and
jellies, Isomalt contributes to a good texture.
It also supports the whiteness in coatings.
40 No. 3 November/December 2023

Sweetening alternatives
In the field of sugar replacers, Isomalt offers
another important feature: It is tooth-friendly,
as demonstrated by an official EU health
claim. Studies have shown that the sugar
substitute does not nourish caries bacteria
and reduces the development of plaque.
These properties qualify Isomalt for use in
tooth-friendly versions of chewing gums,
candies and other confectionery – and
contribute to their popularity: Isomalt is the
most widely used sugar replacer in sugarfree
hard candies worldwide.
Putting it into practice
While a healthier product is appealing to
many consumers, it will only succeed on
the market if it delivers the right indulgence.
Reducing or replacing conventional sugar
should therefore involve sensorial and technological
considerations. By removing sugar,
product qualities such as bulk, mouthfeel
and texture can be negatively impacted.
Ingredients must therefore be added back in
to create a pleasing product for consumers.
To ensure that the end product tastes as good as usual, but is healthier
than before, specialists at the BENEO-Technology Center conduct
regular recipe trials that also undergo stringent sensorial evaluation,
to guarantee that they will deliver in terms of taste and texture. Reformulating
products in order to lower their sugar content or focus on
a low-glycaemic effect, requires the close collaboration of manufacturers
and functional ingredients experts.
References
1
https://www.who.int/news/item/15-05-2023-who-advises-not-to-use-non-sugar-sweeteners-for-weight-control-in-newly-released-guideline
2
International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Atlas 9th Edition (2019)
3
Otsuka et al. (2021) Int J Environ Res Public Health 18(11). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
gov/34072006/
4
Takada et al (2022) Eur J Appl Physiol 22(12):2615-2626. doi: 10.1007/s00421-022-
05044-9
5
Amano et al. (2022) Physiol Behav. 249:113770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113770
For more information, please contact
Klaudia Volmer, Product Manager
Functional Carbohydrates
BENEO GmbH
Phone: +49 621 421-150
contact@beneo.com
www.beneo.com

Healthy ageing
Photo © : GoodMills Innovation
Spermidine science: unlocking the secrets
to healthy ageing
Katharina Ursula Haack
A growing body of scientific evidence is driving interest in spermidine
as an active ingredient for inclusion in healthy ageing
products. Max Weber, Category Manager Baking, Snacks &
Special Ingredients at GoodMills Innovation GmbH, summarises
the science behind this remarkable compound and examines
the opportunities for incorporating it into marketable food,
beverage and supplement concepts.
In recent years, healthy ageing has become one of the most dynamic
areas of health science, with researchers working to discover new
insights that can help people to live longer and healthier. For example,
researchers are currently investigating telomere length, DNA damage
and inflammation as biomarkers of ageing in order to better understand
the ageing process and develop healthy ageing interventions.
Cell renewal science
One of the biggest breakthroughs in age related health science in
recent history has been Yoshinori Ohsumi’s research into the mechanisms
behind autophagy.
The word autophagy originates from the
Greek words auto and phagein, (meaning
‘self eating’). This concept emerged during
the 1960s, when researchers first observed
that a cell could recycle its contents.
Difficulties in studying the phenomenon
meant that little was known until Ohsumi, of
the Tokyo Institute of Technology, focused his
efforts on this process. Ohsumi’s research
led to a new paradigm in autophagy science
and in 2016 he was awarded the Nobel Prize
in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries
of mechanisms for autophagy.
Via these mechanisms, damaged organelles
(subcellular structures that perform specific
tasks in the cell) are recycled and used in
the biosynthesis of new cell generation, thus
promoting sustained cell health.
42 No. 3 November/December 2023

Healthy ageing
Thanks to the research carried out by
Ohsumi and others, the scientific community
now has a better understanding of how
autophagy controls important physiological
functions where cellular components need
to be degraded and recycled.
Autophagy and ageing
Scientists also established that autophagy
is an important process for healthy ageing.
Defects in the autophagy process have been
associated with immunity loss, cognitive loss
and ageing. Autophagy is thought to protect
against diseases and slow down the ageing
process.
The next challenge was working out what
interventions could promote autophagy
activity. This is where spermidine - a polyamine
that that occurs naturally in all living
organisms, including plants, foodstuffs,
mammals and men - comes into play.
Through its interactions with cell metabolism,
spermidine has been characterised by scientists as a natural
autophagy inducer, and, in this capacity, has been shown to act as
an ‘anti-ageing agent’.
Spermidine under investigation
Today, there is a robust and ever-expanding body of research
pertaining to spermidine’s role in many of the molecular mechanisms
involved in ageing. To date over 13,000 studies have been carried out
on spermidine, of which approximately 70 are human clinical trials.
Photo © : GoodMills Innovation

Healthy ageing
Photo © : GoodMills Innovation
About 100 scientific laboratories are currently investigating spermidine
and its effects. Having established its anti-ageing functionality,
research is now evolving to explore the mechanisms responsible,
as well as spermidine’s role in specific health areas, such as heart
disease, cancer, immunity, dementia and longevity.
High spermidine levels for a longer life
One of the most interesting findings was the discovery in 2012 that
the endogenous spermidine level decreases with age, especially after
60, but that very old people, over 90, have very high levels 1 . This
might seem paradoxical but actually makes perfect sense - those with
high spermidine levels live longer.
Another more recent study involving 829 participants aged 45-84
found that a spermidine-rich diet can add five years onto a person’s
lifespan 2 . The researchers said the study provided the first evidence
of an association between nutrition rich in spermidine and increased
survival in humans.
“If confirmed in future intervention trials, our study may have implications
for health education at a population level advocating high spermidine
content as a novel feature of a healthy diet,” the researchers
wrote in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Lifespan and healthspan:
protecting cognitive performance
But a long lifespan is just one dimension of healthy ageing - quality of
life is as important as quantity. To this end, spermidine also appears
to have positive effects on age-related neurological disorders and
cognitive impairment.
The Vienna Dementia Study in 2021 3 was a major milestone in
establishing a clear correlation between intake of spermidine and
the improvement of cognitive performance in seniors with no or
mild dementia. 85 seniors from six nursing homes participated in
the multi-centre, double-blind study, which showed improved cognitive
performance after just three months of spermidine supplementation.
This corroborated findings that spermidine supplementation
increases memory performance in a similar
study carried out at Charité in 2018 4 .
Meeting demand for anti-ageing solutions
As global populations grow older, and the
prospect of living into their eighties or nineties
becomes a realistic expectation for many
people, demand for nutritional solutions that
can help support long, healthy, active lifestyles
is poised to surge in the next few years.
A recent market intelligence report predicted
a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of
5.23 % for anti-ageing supplements globally
between 2023 and 2028.
As one of the most researched active
compounds, spermidine is likely to play a
starring role in the healthy ageing revolution.
However, this is dependent on food,
beverage and supplement manufacturers
having an application-ready source of spermidine
at their disposal.
In order to satisfy changing consumer
pre ferences, it is also important that spermidine
is available in plant-based, veganfriendly
formats. The same report highlights
plant-based supplements as a significant
growth opportunity in this space as
consumers seek natural, sustainable and
additive-free products.
Natural extraction
SpermidineEvo ® delivers on both fronts. It
is sourced from wheat germ, which has the
highest spermidine concentration of any
plant-based foodstuff - higher than soybeans,
buckwheat and rice. The wheat germ is
well protected inside the wheat kernel and
accounts for approximately 2.5-3.5 % of
the total kernel. GoodMills has optimised
the milling process to separate the germ,
bran and other grain components. A gentle
thermal treatment improves the stability of
the wheat germ. This is followed by a milling
process to produce a fine powder with an
aromatic, nutty taste. This highly concentrated
form of wheat germ has a tightly
controlled spermidine content - up to five
times as much as conventional wheat germs.
44 No. 3 November/December 2023

Healthy ageing
2 g of SpermidineEvo ® provides a 1 mg dose
of spermidine.
The ingredient also contains other valuable
vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E,
which has long been considered a key antiaging
ingredient owing to its proven ability to
protect cells against oxidative damage.
Importantly, SpermidineEvo ® is not classed
as a Novel Food, which means no regulatory
approval is needed to incorporate it
into foods and beverages destined for sale
in the EU.
Psychographic segmentation
Whilst finding the right ingredients is a challenge
for product developers, for marketers,
the challenge is figuring out what kinds
of healthy ageing products will capture
consumer interest and imagination.
Market research shows that healthy ageing
is a very relevant topic for all age groups, not
just seniors. That is why GoodMills Innovation
is advising customers to use a psychographic
segmentation approach when it
comes to finding the right audience for their
products.
Lifestyle consumers, for example, seem
to be a natural target, as maintaining their
physical and cognitive health as they age is
of high importance to them and they have
the spending power to put it into practice.
When targeting a more mature audience,
brands should also take account of the fact
that ‘old’ people don’t want to view themselves
as ‘old’. Therefore, products need
to be geared towards age-neutral audiences
and focus on aspirational values, with
preventative health and positive ageing at
the forefront of communication.
Keeping products age-neutral also means
that brands are likely to attract a broader
audience. In Innova’s 2021 Health & Nutrition
Survey, 66 % of consumers globally
said that healthy ageing was very/extremely
important to them. That represents a large
potential market.
Whilst seniors are the most obvious target for healthy-ageing products,
younger consumers are increasingly switched on to the idea
of taking proactive action to slow the ageing process. According to
the same Innova survey, almost 50 % of Generation Z consumers
reported taking steps to age healthily from the age of 20.
A powerful product development tool
Consumers want to live longer and better, and nutrition is one of the
most promising strategies for promoting healthy ageing. Spermidine’s
role in maintaining physical and cognitive health through its ability to
influence autophagy is well documented, making it a prime candidate
for the job. Providing the crucial link between academic research and
real world product development, SpermidineEvo ® enables manufacturers
to develop powerful products that harness spermidine science
and market demand for healthy ageing solutions.
References
1
Pucciarelli S, Moreschini B, Micozzi D, De Fronzo GS, Carpi FM, Polzonetti V, Vincenzetti S,
Mignini F, Napolioni V. Spermidine and spermine are enriched in whole blood of nona/centenarians.
Rejuvenation Res. 2012 Dec;15(6):590-5. doi: 10.1089/rej.2012.1349. Epub 2012
Nov 16. PMID: 22950434.
2
Kiechl S, Pechlaner R, Willeit P, Notdurfter M, Paulweber B, Willeit K, Werner P, Ruckenstuhl
C, Iglseder B, Weger S, Mairhofer B, Gartner M, Kedenko L, Chmelikova M, Stekovic
S, Stuppner H, Oberhollenzer F, Kroemer G, Mayr M, Eisenberg T, Tilg H, Madeo F, Willeit J.
Higher spermidine intake is linked to lower mortality: a prospective population-based study.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Aug 1;108(2):371-380. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy102. PMID: 29955838.
3
Pekar T, Bruckner K, Pauschenwein-Frantsich S, Gschaider A, Oppliger M, Willesberger J,
Ungersbäck P, Wendzel A, Kremer A, Flak W, Wantke F, Jarisch R. The positive effect of spermidine
in older adults suffering from dementia : First results of a 3-month trial. Wien Klin
Wochenschr. 2021 May;133(9-10):484-491. doi: 10.1007/s00508-020-01758-y. Epub 2020
Nov 19. PMID: 33211152; PMCID: PMC8116233.
4
Wirth M, Benson G, Schwarz C, Köbe T, Grittner U, Schmitz D, Sigrist SJ, Bohlken J, Stekovic
S, Madeo F, Flöel A. The effect of spermidine on memory performance in older adults at risk
for dementia: A randomized controlled trial. Cortex. 2018 Dec;109:181-188. doi: 10.1016/j.
cortex.2018.09.014. Epub 2018 Oct 4. PMID: 30388439.
5
https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/anti-aging-supplements-market.html
For more information, please contact
Katharina Ursula Haack,
Head of Marketing Communications,
GoodMills Innovation GmbH
Trettaustr. 35
21107 Hamburg, Germany
Katharina.Haack@goodmillsinnovation.com
www.goodmillsinnovation.com
No. 3 November/December 2023
45

Energy and endurance
Photo © : GELITA
Equipping the body to push harder for longer
GELITA introduces the first protein ingredient targeted at endurance sports
Oliver Wolf
Whether it’s a marathon, a triathlon, a team event like football
or a high intensity gym-based workout, sports that test
endurance may differ in specifics, but they share a common
denominator: they place extreme demands on the body over
a sustained period of time.
Traditionally, because endurance sports rely heavily on aerobic
metabolism, nutrition products aimed at participants have been rich
in carbohydrate, which is sometimes referred to as ‘the master fuel’.
However, carbohydrates are not the whole story. Endurance performance
also requires protein, and a new product from collagen manufacturer
GELITA aims to fill a gap in the market with a specific type of
protein with particular benefits in this respect.
A growing market
Consumer interest in endurance activities is growing, and online platforms
and Apps encouraging people to come together in events and
track their individual progress are booming.
Strava, said to be the world’s largest sports
community, recently published a review of
data from its 100 million-plus members,
which showed that the number of runners
who completed a marathon in 2022 was
almost twice as high as in 2021 (1). And
when events booking platform Let’s Do This
secured $60 million in new funding last year,
co-founder Sam Brown said: “The global
sports endurance market is worth an estimated
$18 billion… we know this is only set
to grow.”
In terms of sports nutrition products, analysts
at Future Market Insights (FMI), valued the
global market at around USD 30.6 billion in
2022. By 2032, FMI expects it to have more
than doubled in value, to be worth around
USD 64 billion.
46 No. 3 November/December 2023

Energy and endurance
North America leads the way in consumption
of sports nutrition products, with the
UK, Germany and France the next biggest
markets, and Asia-Pacific predicted to be
the fastest growing region over the next 10
years (2).
“Consumers are treating their bodies like
an ecosystem and seeking solutions that
complement their personal health and
evolving needs,” says FMI. “Consumer
needs have become more diverse and
sophisticated and are defining premium
growth categories.”
Products targeting endurance sports look
likely to be one of these premium growth
categories – not only because more people
are taking part, but also because participants
often have high levels of disposable
income. In an article entitled ‘Why
rich people love triathlons’, for instance,
personal trainer Alexander Cortes says:
“Endurance sports are very popular in the
highest income brackets… It’s a mixture
of psychology, social status signaling and
prestige, and environmental luxury.” (3)
Already, the market offers endurance
sports participants an abundance of carbohydrate-rich
foods and drinks that supply
an instant boost of energy. But until now,
there hasn’t been a targeted protein solution
that offers long-lasting, foundational
benefits that can help them to push harder
and perform better in a sustained way.
Protein for endurance
Adequate protein intake is essential for performance. Proteins are
vital building blocks for the structure and metabolism of muscle,
bone and connective tissue. Proteins and amino acids also play a
key role in cellular metabolism, hormone balance, immunity, coagulation
and energy metabolism.
In terms of sports nutrition, proteins are often reported to have
positive effects on muscle protein synthesis, muscle mass, muscle
strength, improvement of body composition, prevention of catabolic
state, immune competence and optimal regeneration in the
post-exercise phase (4).
GELITA’s new product, PeptENDURE ® , harnesses the benefits of
a specific set of Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP ® ) with a unique
ability to provide long-term adaptation benefits for endurance athletes
in particular.
What is PeptENDURE ® ?
PeptENDURE ® is composed of functional short chain amino acids
produced by simple hydrolysis of natural collagen protein. But rather
than simply building muscle like a traditional protein supplement, it
delivers foundational changes.
PeptENDURE ® has been shown in two studies and in practice to
improve energy metabolism, endurance and cardiovascular fitness
so that athletes find it easier to push harder and perform better.
“PeptENDURE ® isn’t just another ‘quick fix’ product – it is something
different that allows athletes to see long-term performance benefits,”
says Martin Walter, Category Manager Healthy Aging & Sports Nutrition
at GELITA. “Our research suggests that PeptENDURE ® promotes
adaptative changes in the mitochondria. This is supported by two
placebo controlled clinical trials, where results were impressive.”
PROBIOTICS
INFANT QUALITY
SAME BENEFITS AS USING
FRESH YOGURT
PRESENCE OF LIVING BACTERIA
CONTRIBUTES TO INNER
WELL-BEING
IMPROVEMENT OF
LACTOSE DIGESTION
INDUSTRIAL TOOL THAT PRODUCES
INFANT FORMULA
HIGHLY CONTROLLED
ENVIRONMENT
SOURCE OF PROTEINS & CALCIUM
Food ingredients
28-30 november 2023
Frankfurt (Germany)
No. 3 November/December 2023
47

Energy and endurance
In the first trial, young, active women took either a daily dose of
PeptENDURE ® or placebo for 12 weeks, alongside concurrent resistance
and endurance training three times a week. At the end of 12
weeks, both groups completed a one-hour running time trial. The
results showed that the PeptENDURE ® group ran significantly further
than the placebo group (+331 m) and also had a significant increase
Fig. 1: After 12 weeks in the women’s study, the PeptENDURE ® group was
not only faster than baseline, but also ran 331m more than the placebo
group in a one-hour time trial.
in fat-free mass. There were also visible
improvements such as improved aerobic
metabolism, improved heart rate and higher
individual anaerobic thresholds (5).
In the second trial, the same study design
followed young, active men. Participants
took either a daily dose of PeptENDURE ® or
a placebo for 12 weeks, alongside concurrent
resistance and endurance training three
times a week. At the end of the 12 weeks, the
PeptENDURE ® group ran significantly further
(+662 m) in the one-hour time trial than the
placebo group. In addition, the fat mass of
the intervention group decreased and the
lactate threshold improved significantly, indicating
increased fat metabolism (6).
“Overall, the trials showed that participants
who took PeptENDURE ® were able to run 14
percent faster compared to baseline, which
could be the difference between finishing
fifth in a race and finishing first,” says Martin
Walter.
Characteristics and applications
Fig. 2: The men who took PeptENDURE ® for 12 weeks were faster than at
baseline and ran significantly more in one hour (662m) than those who took
placebo.
Like all GELITA BCP ® , PeptENDURE ® is a
pure white, neutral-tasting powder. It comes
in agglomerated form for dust-free handling,
combines well with other micronutrients such
Due to its excellent solubility, PeptENDURE ® is perfectly suited for ready-to-drink products. (Photo © : GELITA)
48 No. 3 November/December 2023

Energy and endurance
as vitamins and minerals and has excellent
bioavailability. Recommended intake is 15 g
daily for at least three months.
GELITA expects powder supplements to be
the core application format for PeptENDURE ®
as it dissolves quickly and easily in water and
other drinks. There’s no need for a blender or
other complicated routine – users simply stir
and go. The powder can also be mixed with
other foods, such as yogurt, for example, for
breakfast in the morning with cereals.
Being 100 percent natural and free from
E-numbers, PeptENDURE ® is ideal for clean
label products, and it can be customised
with different flavors and levels of sweetness.
PeptENDURE ® also works well in ready-todrink
concepts, gels and nutrition bars.
GELITA is a leader in collagen peptide
science and has many years of experience
in sports nutrition. “Safety is always
our top priority with all of our products, and
PeptENDURE ® is no different,” says Martin
Walter. “Its safety has been well documented
in human and animal studies. It is non-allergenic,
non-GMO, gluten-free, GRAS and
accepted by the World Anti-Doping Agency,
so athletes can consume it with confidence.”
Positioning and potential
PeptENDURE ® can be used as an everyday training partner for athletes in all
endurance sports, from long-distance running, cycling and triathlon to team
sports and high-intensity gym-based activities.(Photo © : GELITA)
running and triathlon to team sports and high-intensity gym-based
activities. This makes it appealing for a wide range of consumers and
brings manufacturers many benefits, including the ability to expand
their sports nutrition portfolio with high value products.
GELITA’s technical application service team supports manufacturers
and supplement brands regarding product applications, regulatory
or technical issues. GELITA can also offer support with marketing
advice.
As PeptENDURE ® is different to other sports
nutrition ingredients, it can be seen as an
‘add on’ product for athletes, rather than an
alternative. It could, for instance, be positioned
as a ‘Daily Adaptation’ product that
forms part of an endurance-based training
program.
PeptENDURE ® can also be positioned as part
of a ‘Competition Bundle’, where products
are collated for consumers looking to
embrace a period of training ahead of a
new goal, or as a ‘Training Partner’ offering
holistic support that equips users to take on
any challenge.
Unlike anything else on the market,
PeptENDURE ® has the potential to become
the everyday training partner for participants
in all endurance sports – from long-distance
References
(1) Strava, Year in Sport 2022. https://www.strava.com/yis-community-2022 [Last
accessed 10.10.2023]
(2) Future Market Insights ‘Capitalizing on the trends shaping the sports nutrition market:
2023 and beyond!’ Presented at Vitafoods Europe 2022. https-//www.futuremarketinsights.
com/blogs/sports-nutrition-market-2023.pdf [Last accessed: 11.10.2023].
(3) https://cortes.site/why-rich-people-love-triathlons/ [Last accessed 12.10.23]
(4) Koenig et al. (2020): Proteins in sports nutrition. Position of the working group sports
nutrition of the German Nutrition Society (DGE). Ernahrungs Umschau 2020; 67(7): 132–9.
DOI: 10.4455/eu.2020.039
(5) Jendricke et al. (2020): Influence of Specific Collagen Peptides and Concurrent Training
on Cardiometabolic Parameters and Performance Indices in Women: A Randomized
Controlled Trial. Front Nutr. 2020 Nov 19;7:580918. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.580918.
(6) Jerger et al. (in preparation)
For more information, please contact
Oliver Wolf
Marketing EMEIA,
Business Unit Nutrition & Health Ingredients
GELITA AG
Oliver.Wolf@gelita.com
www.gelita.com
No. 3 November/December 2023
49

Obituary
Au Revoir Edouard
We mourn the loss of our friend and partner - Edouard Costemend
Photo © : Adobe Stock/AlenKadr
For decades Edouard has been the representative of Wellness Foods
& Supplements and other journals of the Dr. Harnisch publishing
house in France.
Born in Lille in 1937, married to Marie-Christine since 1977, he had
two children, Benjamin and Constance. In 2022 he became the
happy grandfather of his first grandchild.
He had been taught the German language and culture by his father, a
medical doctor. His first internship took him to Leica in Wetzlar, where
he developed his passion for Leica and photography.
For 28 years he worked for Gustav Elm, an advertising agency in
Paris, which represented, among others, the magazine DER SPIEGEL
in France. Since 1993 he has been working independently with
his company AD PRESSE International, since 2000 exclusively for
Dr. Harnisch Verlag. His son Benjamin has meanwhile succeeded
him as area representative for France.
In addition to his professional activities, Edouard Costemend was an
umpire at the French Open Tennis Championships at Roland Garros.
Furthermore, he was characterized by lively cultural and political
interests.
Edouard Costemend was a noble, impressive man; he was trusted
and held in high esteem everywhere. His integrity was a benchmark
for all his colleagues. At the same time Edouard could be very funny
and had a warm sense of humor. He was a wonderful host whenever
we met in Paris and he loved showing the team different special
places, away from the more tourist areas.
Edouard Costemend (*1937-2023)
We lose a valued friend and good partner
and will miss him greatly.
Our sympathy goes to his family,
Marie-Christine, Benjamin and Constance.
Benno Keller, Publisher
Silke Watkins, Editor-in-Chief
Impressum
ISSN 2364-8104
Wellness Foods & Supplements | No. 3/2023
Publishing Company
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Publisher Benno Keller
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50 No. 3 November/December 2023

International Magazine September 2022 ISSN 2628-5851
Technology & Marketing
Technology & Marketing 3/22
Ingredients: Plant-Based Food, Black Soldier Flies, Fibers and Cellulose, Grain Acceptability
Processing: Wet Petfood Processing, Quality Control, Heat Exchangers, Mixing
Packaging: Pouches and Alutrays, No Waste, Weighing Investment
Free trial issue at food@harnisch.com
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choice of technology and choice of packaging materials. We
will endeavour to present this in an informative way, through a
reader-friendly style and with a marketing perspective.
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