Japan focus: House Wellness research, new launches from Meiji and Megmilk Snow Brand

Curcuma longa reduces fasting blood glucose in people with chronic low-grade inflammation – House Wellness research​​

The supplementation of a hot water extract of Curcuma longa L. has been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose in individuals with chronic low-grade inflammation, according to an analysis of two clinical trials by House Wellness.

Writing in Nutrients,​ researchers from House Wellness analysed two clinical trials findings that were published in 2019​ and 2021.​

The researchers hypothesised that the C. longa ​extract worked by suppressing the activation of the NF-kB signaling pathway and the production of inflammatory cytokines.

‘Double approach’: Skin care brands launching oral supplements for anti-hyperpigmentation as awareness grows​

Skin care firms are increasingly launching supplements that claim to reduce skin hyperpigmentation, giving consumers an alternative to traditional topical creams.

This is according to Geneva-based Horphag Research, the company behind skin health ingredient French maritime pine bark extract trademarked Pycnogenol.

Within Asia, China, Japan, and South Korea are the biggest markets for anti-pigmentation, but the firm is also seeing fast growth in India, Thailand, as well as newer markets such as Vietnam and Philippines.

Heat-killed L. plantarum for belly fat: Meiji launching two new FFCs containing novel strain​

Meiji has launched two new Foods with Function Claims (FFC) designed for reducing belly fat in Japan on October 11.

The two products, which are a yogurt and a yogurt drink, contain heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum ​OLL2712, also known as MI-2 lactic acid bacteria. 

Citing the findings of Health Needs Basic Survey 2020 by Japan Management Association Research Institute​, the Japanese dairy firm said more consumers were prioritising weight management.

‘Memory care’: Megmilk Snow Brand, Kirin co-develop functional drink for Japan’s ageing market​  ​

Japan dairy company Megmilk Snow Brand has launched a ‘memory care’ Foods with Function Claims (FFC) in Japan that was jointly developed with Kirin.

The 100ml yogurt-flavoured drink contains β-lactolin, a proprietary ingredient from Kirin Brain Research.

β-lactolin is a whey protein-derived peptide which Kirin claims could support the maintenance of memory and the ability to recall based on clues or prompts – an ability that declines with age.

COVID-19 concern: Academic unease at almost one in 10 Japanese taking supplements as preventive measure​

A Japanese government-backed study has questioned the use of dietary supplements as a preventive measure against COVID-19.

Popular choices were vitamin C at 61 per cent, vitamin D at 34.9 per cent and non-nutrient ingredients like probiotics at 33.4 per cent. Other popular ingredients include zinc, catechin and cannabidiol (CBD).

Most of the respondents who have taken the supplements had been previously diagnosed with COVID-19.