Supply Center

Originally Published NO July/August 2010

Probiotics Meet Fruit

Ganeden Biotech Inc. has partnered with Tropical Nut & Fruit Inc. to develop a line of confectionary fruit products that incorporate Ganeden's GanedenBC30 Bacillus coagulans probiotic strain. At the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo, the companies debuted raisins covered in probiotic yogurt. Ganeden Biotech (Mayfield Heights, OH), 440/229-5200, www.ganedenlabs.com.

Water-Soluble Astaxanthin

Fuji Health Science has introduced its first water-soluble astaxanthin, AstaReal Clear 75. Having received Generally Recognized as Safe status earlier this year, AstaReal's progression into a clear, water-soluble format now has the ingredient positioned for entry into the functional beverage market. Astaxanthin is currently being investigated for benefits to eye health (by reducing common eye fatigue) and skin health (improving skin hydration and skin elasticity). Fuji Health Science Inc. (Burlington, NJ), 609/386-3030, www.fujihealthscience.com.

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Organic Pomegranate Powder

NP Nutra is now offering a certified-organic pomegranate juice powder as part of its organic range of ingredients. With a high ORAC score, pomegranate is a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins, and its high antioxidant levels help support the immune system and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, the company says. Applications include functional beverages. NP Nutra (Gardena, CA), 310/694-3031, www.npnutra.com.

Fighting Digestive Fatigue

National Enzyme has introduced ZIP eX2—a "three-tiered" supplement solution that combines enzymes, herbs, and vitamins to help consumers both increase nutrient absorption and fight the feelings of fatigue that can come from "energy-zapping digestive stress." Four digestive enzymes and one lipolytic blend help facilitate the digestive process naturally, reducing the energy drain that can otherwise occur. These ingredients help the body break down macronutrients found in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into their simplest components and absorb them. An added boost of B vitamins provides a stimulant-free energy boost and also supports the immune system, brain function, and metabolism. Finally, herbal ingredients work to sustain physical stamina and enhance mental alertness. The company says that these positive results last throughout the day. National Enzyme Co. (Forsyth, MO), 417/546-4796, www.nationalenzyme.com.

Oil Draws Omega-3 from Flax, Canola Seed At the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo, Cargill introduced Clear Valley Omega-3 Oil, a patent-pending blend of oil from canola seed and flaxseed. The oil, which provides a minimum of 160 mg of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) per serving from flaxseed and canola seed in most applications, is designed to be a "drop-in replacement" for oils in most shelf-stable food products that require a nine- to 12-month shelf life, such as cookies, cereal bars, crackers, snacks, and spreads. The oil also features a clean, neutral flavor, allowing companies to add an omega-3 source to their products, without affecting taste. The company also recently completed a Generally Recognized as Safe self-determination for the oil. Food manufacturers can now make a "good source of ALA omega-3" or "excellent source of ALA omega-3" claim. Cargill (Minneapolis), 866/456-8872, www.cargill.com.

Natural Colorant

Cognis has introduced BetaGlow, a colorant derived from beta-carotene naturally sourced from marine algae grown in saltwater lakes in Australia. The company says this natural colorant provides the additional benefit of allowing companies to label products as a natural source of vitamin A, depending on inclusion level. BetaGlow is available as a water-dispersible powder for beverages or as a suspension in vegetable oils for food. Cognis Nutrition and Health (La Grange, IL), 800/328-6199, www.cognis.com.

Purified L-Theanine

AlphaWave by Ethical Naturals is a purified L-theanine that is Generally Recognized as Safe for use in beverages to promote relaxation and mental clarity and focus. The company says that L-theanine has become a key ingredient in calming beverages and shots. AlphaWave is manufactured using a proprietary process during which it is derived from another naturally occurring amino acid and then standardized to 98% L-theanine. (The company explains that because L-theanine is generally found in tea leaves at levels less than 2%, its method of deriving L-theanine is more "practical.") Ethical Naturals (San Anselmo, CA), 415/459-4454, www.ethicalnaturals.com.

Beta-Glucan for Bone Health

Polycan black yeast beta-glucan is a new ingredient geared toward the bone health category and developed by Glucan Corp. and Anderson Global Group. The patented, water-soluble compound is fermented from a novel strain of black yeast clinically proven to support bone health as well as a healthy immune system. The ingredient comprises multiple polysaccharides, including beta-glucan 1,3/1,6. Polycan is available as a free-flowing powder, with a recommended 150-mg daily dose. Anderson Global Group LLC (Irvine, CA), 949/502-4773, www.andersongg.com.

For Powder Processing

A snap-in, flexible connector for powder-processing equipment helps reduce dust and leaks. An improvement over flexible sleeves fastened with hose clamps, the BFM connector is ideal for offset, vibrating, and oscillating equipment. Installation is designed to be easy, and unlike conventional sleeves, BFM sleeves are not oversized, eliminating pinched material, leaks, and premature wear, says the company. Powder Solutions Inc. (Chanhassen, MN), 877/236-3539, www.powder-solutions.com.

New for Eye Health

Valensa International has introduced a new eye health formulation that combines leading eye health ingredients in a single product. Called Eye Pro MD, the formula combines the carotenoids astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin with a proprietary omega-3/phospholipid delivery system. Other ingredients include vitamin D₃. The company says that it selected these ingredients based on the results from the CARMIS clinical trial (Carotenoids and Antioxidants in Age-Related Maculopathy Italian Study). Valensa (Eustis, FL), 352/357-2004, www.valensa.com.

Clean-Label Ingredients

In response to consumer demand for simpler ingredient declarations, Caravan Ingredients has introduced the Pristine ingredient line, which encompasses a variety of bases and functional ingredients designed for "cleaner" labels. The company says that ingredients in the Pristine line are suited for most yeast-raised bread products, as well as tortillas. Caravan Ingredients (Lenexa, KS), 800/669-4092, www.caravaningredients.com.