Japan focus: Kirin and Kellogg’s new functional cereal, BGG World’s patented identification method of fake saw palmetto, King Agaricus 100’s growth driven by science-backed claims
Regional opportunity: Singapore distributor banking on clinical trial evidence to drive growth of Japanese King Agaricus brand
Singapore distributor Inspire Healthcare says extensive clinical trials for immunity support and cancer management will aid the success of Japanese supplement brand King Agaricus 100 across South East Asia and China.
Manufactured by Japanese firm Toei Shinyaku, King Agaricus 100 is a supplement that claims to improve immunity, help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, and aid in liver and heart health.
The product is based on the KA21 strain of the Agaricus blazei mushroom.
Double functionality: Kirin and Kellogg’s join hands for new cereal product with gut health and immunity benefits
Kirin Holdings and Kellogg’s Japan have co-developed a functional food with “double health claims”, which could also serve as a meal substitute, to meet the rising demand for products that improve intestinal environment and provide immune support at the same time.
All-Bran Immune Care, the new addition to Kellogg’s All-Bran series and a registered Food with Function Claims (FFC), comes after two years of development.
The cereal contains Kirin’s proprietary ingredient Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma), and arabinoxylan, a fermentable dietary fibre derived from wheat bran.
Yam-derived bioactive improves muscle quality in middle-aged adults – Japan RCT
A 12-week RCT conducted in Japan has showed that the supplementation of a yam-derived bioactive, diosgenin, could improve muscle quality and reduce glycated haemoglobin among middle-aged adults.
The trial studied the benefits of Dioscorea esculenta, also known as lesser yam, produced in Okinawa.
Writing in Nutrients, the researchers from Ritsumeikan University said that lesser yam has shown to improve glycaemic control in diabetic rats and increase muscle mass in athletes.
Growth Asia Summit 2023: Healthy ageing and personalised nutrition, future food innovation to take centre stage on day three
Senior leaders from the likes of Nestle, Dole, Amway and Suntory are preparing to take the stage in Singapore for Growth Asia Summit 2023, where they will be sharing exclusive insights on day three on healthy ageing, and personised nutrition and future food innovation.
Under the theme of Trends and Innovation Opportunities Across the Life Stages, the summit will explore the latest market opportunities across the region that is driving the growth of the global food, beverage and nutrition industries.
‘Frightening extent’: BGG World develops Japan-patented identification method of saw palmetto to counter rampant adulteration
High prices, “unscrupulous suppliers”, and inadequate identification methods have resulted in adulteration rates of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extracts reaching 33% in Japan and as high as 75% in other Asian markets, according to BGG World.
Saw palmetto is commonly used in supplements to improve prostate health and hair loss.
Led by Dr Takahiro Sekikawa, Chief Scientific Officer of BGG Japan, the ingredients firm has developed a new method for the identification of authentic saw palmetto, which recently received a Japanese patent.
