Balchem Renews Linus Pauling Institute Partnership to Advance Iron and Epigenetic Health Education

Balchem Corporation has renewed its sponsorship of Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute (LPI), extending a collaboration aimed at supporting the institute's Micronutrient Information Center (MIC) through independent, science-based content focused on iron nutrition and epigenetic health.¹

The renewal responds to rising public interest in biological aging, DNA methylation, and health span, the company states, highlighting a trend reflected in market projections from Statista showing the global epigenetics sector growing from $2.4 billion in 2020 to an estimated $14 billion by 2031.² Balchem added that iron deficiency remains one of the most common nutritional disorders worldwide.

Why Is Balchem Renewing Its Partnership With the Linus Pauling Institute?

Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, Senior Manager of Nutrition Science at Balchem's Human Nutrition & Health division, explained how the partnership paired with the company’s research. “Renewing our partnership with LPI reflects Balchem’s commitment to advancing nutrition science and public knowledge,” he explained. “By combining our research on branded ingredients – such as Albion Minerals’ iron bisglycinate and Optifolin+, a choline-enriched folate supporting cellular health – with MIC’s expertise, we aim to clarify the critical role of iron bioavailability in physiological function and raise awareness of the epigenetic processes that influence gene expression and nutrient utilization. As scientific interest in these areas accelerates, providing clear, evidence-based information is essential to supporting better health outcomes.”

Planned initiatives include educational videos, fact sheets, and infographics, some of which will be translated for Spanish-speaking audiences through the Spanish-language MIC.

Emily Ho, Endowed Chair and Director of LPI, commented on the Institute’s continued efforts in its mission. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Balchem, whose support enables us to advance our mission of promoting optimal health through rigorous research and accessible public education,” she stated. “Together, we will build on our achievements to help people everywhere to add years of health and vitality to their lives.”

How Does Balchem Describe the Link Between Nutrition and Epigenetics?

Balchem's emphasis on epigenetic health builds on commentary the company has previously shared. In an interview with Nutritional Outlook, Lauren Eisen, Senior Marketing and Business Development Manager for Minerals and Nutrients at Balchem Human Nutrition & Health, described epigenetics as changes to the epigenome driven by environmental factors such as stress, sleep, and diet, occurring without alteration of the underlying DNA sequence.³

She explained that DNA methylation is the mechanism through which these environmental effects register on the epigenome, and that Balchem ingredients—including folate delivered via Optifolin+, choline through VitaCholine, and MSM through OptiMSM—function as methyl donors that contribute to the body's methyl pool supporting this process. According to Eisen, this connects nutrition to gene expression, framing epigenetic health as central to consumer interest in healthy aging, longevity, and cellular health, and to how biological age can diverge from chronological age.

What Ingredient Solutions has Balchem Introduced?

Balchem's LPI renewal also comes as the company continues to expand its ingredient and application offerings for food, beverage, and supplement manufacturers. At the IFT FIRST 2026 event in Chicago, Balchem showcased prototypes including a Dubai chocolate-inspired, high-protein snack cluster built with its Milk Protein Z-Crisps.⁴

This finished product was showcased alongside three formulation technologies: MeatShure, a microencapsulation system for meat snacks that eliminates fermentation time and added sugars; INjoy, a customizable system for functional waters, ready-to-drink beverages, and energy drinks; and VitalBlend, lipid-based powders fortified with macro- and micronutrients.

References

1. Balchem. Balchem deepens commitment to epigenetic health and iron nutrition with renewed Linus Pauling Institute partnership. July 20, 2026. Accessed July 23, 2026. Press release provided via email.
2. Minhas A. Global epigenetics market in 2020 and a forecast for 2031. May 4, 2022. Accessed July 23, 2026. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1306445/global-epigenetics-market-size/
3. Krawiec S. Eisen L. Epigenetics and nutrition with Balchem. Nutritional Outlook. November 26, 2025. Accessed July 23, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/epigenetics-and-nutrition-with-balchem
4. McEvoy E. Balchem to showcase functional beverage and high-protein snack prototypes at IFT FIRST 2026. Nutritional Outlook. July 6, 2026. Accessed July 23, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/balchem-functional-beverage-high-protein-snack-prototypes-ift-first