Japan round-up: Latest developments from House Wellness, GN Corporation, Yakult and more
Immunity with postbiotics: House Wellness Foods eyes ANZ market with flagship ingredient
House Wellness Foods is eyeing expansion in the Australian and New Zealand markets after its flagship postbiotic has been recognised as a non-novel food by the local authorities.
The ingredient, Lactobacillus plantarum HK L-137, trademarked Immuno-LP20, has been classified as a non-novel food by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
It has been shown to confer immune, upper respiratory tract, oral, and liver health benefits.
So far, it has been commercialised into mini snack stick bread, glutinous rice cake by Sato Foods, and even curry sauce.
Combination of two beta-glucans reduced inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients – India clinical trial
The supplementation of two beta-glucans alongside standard treatment has been shown to reduce inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients, as compared to just the standard treatment alone.
This is according to a clinical trial conducted by Japan firm GN Corporation using its existing beta-glucan supplements known as Nichi Glucan and Nichi Glucan Refix.
The trial involved 40 patients and took place in India.
Findings showed that the intervention group had a greater reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and Interleukin 6 (IL-6).
‘Suboptimal protocols’: Clinical trials used for Japan’s Foods with Function Claims under fire
A new study has claimed that the clinical trials behind Japan’s Foods with Function Claims (FFCs) lacked proper protocols, such as the absence of trial registration and transparent study designs.
The study assessed 136 clinical trials found on the website of Japan Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) – the body overseeing FFCs.
The study also found that some of the clinical trials did not specify the types of intervention used, and that trials funded by the industry might have downplayed unfavourable results.
Sustaining success: How Swisse, Comvita, Yakult and more are driving eco agenda across nutra sector
Sustainability is receiving increasing attention from the nutra industry, with companies across APAC, including Swisse, Comvita, Yakult, Sirio Pharma investing in this area.
Probiotic drink giant Yakult for example, has announced its plans to reduce its use of plastic containers and packaging by 30 per cent by year 2030.
It is also exploring the idea of horizontal recycling, where a used product is turned into a material resource for creating the same product.
Swisse, on the other hand, has come up with Swisse Earth – a range of sustainability sourced vegan powder blends.
Turmeric shown to improve mental health and mood in overweight participants – Japan 12-week RCT
The supplementation of turmeric extract has shown to improve mental health, mood, and reduce inflammatory markers in overweight individuals.
This is according to a study involving 90 overweight adults with body mass index between 23 and 30kg/m2.
Randomised into two groups, the intervention group took two capsules of turmeric extract daily for 12 weeks, while the control group took two placebo capsules.
The study also reported a significantly lower body weight, body mass index, and serum levels of CRP in the intervention group as compared to the placebo.
