Butyrate generator for mental well-being

NutriScience Innovations announced the publication of clinical research showing that ButyraGen, its patented direct butyrate generator, supports psychological well-being via the gut–brain axis. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was published in Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. In the six-week trial, adults supplementing with 200 mg/day of ButyraGen experienced statistically significant improvements in measures of anxiety, mood, and functional well-being compared to placebo, with effects observed as early as two weeks.

Findings: the ButyraGen group showed significant improvements in psychological well-being, including reduced feelings of fear and unease, with an 18.16% greater improvement in an at-ease state of mind. Outcomes included improvement in sociability by 12.16% and mental clarity by 17.15%, with men more than twice as likely to achieve a reduction in feelings of anxiety. Subgroups such as adults under 40 saw additional benefits, including improvement in some aspects of depression scores.

“This is the first clinical study to show that directly generating butyrate from tributyrin can deliver gut-brain axis benefits that go beyond digestion,” said NutriScience VP of Science & Innovation and study co-author Edward Dosz, Ph.D. “By engaging the gut–brain axis, the two-way communication network between the gut and brain, ButyraGen highlights a new, more holistic approach to whole-body and mental well-being.”  (Related: ButyraGen®: New Clinical Evidence for Fast-Acting Belly Pain Relief and Enhanced Digestive Support in Women)

Folate for slower epigenetic aging

Balchem highlighted findings from a large cross-sectional study reporting that older adults with higher serum folate levels were more likely to have a lower epigenetic age deviation (EAD), a measure of biological versus chronological aging. The research was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and analyzed data from more than 2,000 adults aged 50–85 using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and multiple epigenetic clock tools based on DNA methylation patterns. Researchers found that increased serum folate was associated with lower EAD across several epigenetic clocks, while higher blood homocysteine levels were associated with higher EAD.

The authors noted that folate plays a role in one-carbon metabolism, which supports DNA methylation, a key epigenetic process that changes with age. “Put simply, our DNA and our cells can ‘look’ older than we actually are,” explained Eric Ciappio, Ph.D., RD, Senior Manager, Nutrition Science, Balchem HNH. “The good news is, a number of lifestyle factors can influence epigenetic age and EAD, including nutrients that help contribute to the body’s methyl pool and support healthy epigenetic function. This recent study was particularly interesting as it tested for associations between EAD and nutritional biomarkers linked to one-carbon metabolism – an interconnected biochemical network with various molecules accepting and donating methyl groups to support balanced methylation where it’s needed most.”

Lauren Eisen, Sr. Marketing & Business Development Manager, Minerals and Nutrients at Balchem, added: “In recent years, terms like 'cellular health' and 'epigenetic health' have started to move from scientific literature into the healthy aging mainstream. This study signals the potential for folate to drive innovation in this space, as a crucial supplier of methyl (CH3) groups for methylation of DNA and throughout the body. The key point here is that every methyl counts. That’s why we developed our first-of-its-kind, choline-enriched folate salt, Optifolin+, which delivers seven times the methyl groups found in standard folate forms. Optifolin+ empowers supplement brands to lead in the healthy aging category, enabling them to create next-generation supplements that support balanced methylation and epigenetic health throughout life.”(Related: The Natural View: Exploring the Expanded Health Benefits of Folate)

Microalgae extract for cognitive health

A clinical study published in Frontiers in Aging reports that BrainPhyt, a natural microalgae extract developed by Microphyt, significantly enhanced memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance while reducing stress in healthy aging adults. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, six-month trial included 66 adults aged 55 to 75 who received either a daily dose of BrainPhyt—a proprietary extract from Phaeodactylum tricornutum Mi136.a containing 4.4 mg of fucoxanthin—or a placebo. The study evaluated cognitive function using the COMPASS Assessment System, along with biomarkers related to stress and inflammation and standardized mental health questionnaires.

The findings: Participants supplemented with BrainPhyt demonstrated a 53% improvement in episodic memory compared to placebo and a 2.5-fold increase in attention and vigilance. The BrainPhyt group also experienced a 45% reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and reported a significant reduction in perceived stress, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale.

"BrainPhyt offers a clinically supported, natural solution for maintaining cognitive function during aging," said Dr. Jonathan Maury, Clinical Research Program Manager at Microphyt and co-author of the study. "These results show real promise for improving memory and attention in healthy seniors, while also helping to balance inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP)." 

HA matrix ingredient for skin health

Bioiberica announced the publication of a peer-reviewed clinical study supporting the skin health benefits of Dermial, its hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix ingredient, at a daily dose of 60 mg. The 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was published in Dermatology and Therapy Journal and evaluated Dermial in 60 healthy female participants aged 35 to 65 with signs of natural skin aging. Dermatological assessments conducted at six and 12 weeks showed significant improvements versus placebo in skin wrinkles and smoothness at six weeks, as well as roughness and pH balance at 12 weeks. Participants supplementing with Dermial also demonstrated increased skin brightness and hydration, along with decreased scaliness and skin temperature at both time points.

The study further identified age-related differences in outcomes. A sub-analysis found that participants over 55 years of age experienced significant improvements across multiple skin barrier parameters, including brightness or glow, hydration, deformability, smoothness, roughness, scaliness, and temperature, with pH balance maintained compared to placebo. Participant satisfaction was also high, with 69% of those in the Dermial group reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied.

“We are so excited to share the full details of this ground-breaking debut clinical trial, demonstrating the incredible potential Dermial holds for nutraceutical innovation,” said Daniel Martínez-Puig, Head of R&D Human and Animal Health at Bioiberica and one of the study’s authors. “While overall improvements were less pronounced in volunteers younger than 55 years, they nevertheless experienced benefits in hydration, brightness, and smoothness. These results point to the versatility of Dermial as a skin health supplement, able to meet consumers where they are in their skin health journey, regardless of age.” (Related: Is your product portfolio ready for a glow-up? Top tips for seizing opportunities in the nutribeauty space)

Krill oil for protecting muscle during weight loss

Research led by the University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing reports that krill oil supplementation during an alternate-day fasting diet can help reduce declines in fat-free mass, primarily muscle mass, and muscle strength associated with weight loss. The randomized, placebo-controlled trial, published in Obesity, is the first to investigate the effects of krill oil on muscle mass and strength during diet-induced weight loss. The study enrolled 52 adults aged 25 to 65 with above-average BMI. Subjects received either 4 g/day of Aker BioMarine Superba Boost krill oil or 4 g/day of vegetable oil as a placebo before and during the weight-loss period.

Results: The 41 participants who completed the trial underwent several tests following the weight loss period, and the findings show:

• The loss in muscle mass was lower in the krill oil group compared to the placebo group
• The resulting loss in handgrip strength was lower in the krill oil group compared to the placebo group.
• The amount of time to rise out of a chair was shorter for participants taking the krill oil supplements.
• The reduction in systolic blood pressure was greater in the krill oil group than in the placebo group.
• The amount of fatty acids (EPA, DHA) and the omega-3 index were higher among participants in the krill oil group.

“While losing weight is often a good thing one of the unintended consequences is that we don’t only lose fat, but we also lose muscle. In this study we have found that krill oil can help to preserve our muscle mass and strength as we lose weight. As maintenance of muscle is very important for our overall health and quality of life, these are extremely exciting findings,” said Dr. Stuart Gray, Professor at the University of Glasgow and co-author of the study.

“We are pleased to continue our work with the University of Glasgow to further explore krill oil and its positive effects on muscle mass and function,” said Line Johnsen, SVP Human Health Ingredients R&D, Aker BioMarine. “We have previously conducted scientific studies with Dr. Gray and his team to show how the important nutrients found in krill impact muscle strength and mass with age, and this follow up study helps strengthen our understanding of this area.”

Black ginger for fat loss

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Frontiers in Nutrition reports that supplementation with Sirtmax, a patented extract of Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger), significantly reduced body fat mass, body weight, and BMI in overweight adults over a 12-week period. The study enrolled 108 participants, with 83 completing the trial and included in the final analysis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 50 mg of Sirtmax or a placebo, with changes assessed from baseline to week 12. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and computed tomography (CT) imaging was used to evaluate regional fat distribution.

The results: Participants receiving Sirtmax experienced statistically significant reductions in total body fat mass, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat compared to placebo, along with improvements in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and the visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio.  

Lauren Clardy, Senior Director of Branded Ingredients at Maypro, the North American distributor of Sirtmax, added: “Sirtmax demonstrates clinically significant benefits for metabolic health and body composition management in overweight adults." Prior clinical studies show the ingredient works by activating the SIRT1 and inhibiting glycation. As Maypro explains, this results in a favorable impact on adipogenesis and the secretion of adiponectin, protects against oxidative stress, and supports cardiovascular, cellular, and metabolic health.

Tocotrienols and plant squalene for healthy aging

PhytoGaia announced the approval of a human clinical trial evaluating STGaia, its branded complex of full-spectrum tocotrienols and plant squalene, for its role in healthy aging, telomere preservation, and cellular longevity. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, titled “Plant Squalene and Tocotrienols Complex in Aging: Exploring Their Role in Telomere Preservation and Cellular Longevity,” is being conducted in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia. The six-month trial will enroll healthy participants aged 50 to 75 and is designed to assess the impact of STGaia on telomere length and telomerase activity, recognized biomarkers of biological aging.

Secondary endpoints of the study include the NAD+/NADH ratio, ATP levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, inflammation markers such as CRP and TNF-α, and the expression of genes associated with cellular longevity, including SIRT1, CDKN2A/p16, and IGF-1.

“With the recent publication of a clinical study on full spectrum palm tocotrienols (TocoGaia) in healthy aging, this new trial with STGaia marks an exciting next chapter in our ongoing exploration of palm phytonutrients and their role in cellular health and longevity,” said Bryan See, Vice President of PhytoGaia. “It underscores our continued commitment to human clinical research in aging and longevity. We’re proud to collaborate once again with Monash University – one of the world’s top academic institutions – as we investigate STGaia’s potential in preserving telomere length and supporting genomic integrity at the cellular level.”

Prebiotic for canine gut health

NutriLeads shared news of the publication of a peer-reviewed in vitro study demonstrating that its proprietary precision prebiotic ingredient Benicaros (carrot rhamnogalacturonan-I, or cRG-I) may deliver consistent gut microbiome benefits in dogs. Conducted in collaboration with dsm-firmenich and published in Microorganisms, the study showed that Benicaros significantly increased levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and selectively stimulated Phocaeicola vulgatus, a keystone SCFA-producing species in the canine gut. 

The in vitro study evaluated fecal samples from 18 healthy dogs representing small, medium, and large size categories, comparing Benicaros with inulin and xanthan. Results showed that Benicaros consistently stimulated microbial activity and SCFA production, particularly acetate and propionate, and selectively increased P. vulgatus levels across all dog sizes, while also reducing interindividual variability in microbiome responses.

“This consistent production of SCFAs and the ability to balance the gut microbiota composition, suggests potential health benefits with Benicaros® supplementation in dogs of all sizes,” said Sue McKay, Ph.D., Nutrition & Health Manager at NutriLeads. “These findings highlight Benicaros’ value as a next-generation precision prebiotic for companion animal health.”

Health-promoting phytochemical compounds in almonds

Brightseed and the Almond Board of California announced research identifying 530 health-promoting phytochemical compounds in almonds—four times more than previously documented—using Brightseed’s proprietary AI platform, Forager. The findings were published in Food Chemistry and include the identification of 17 bioactive compounds with biological health effects, six of which were reported in almonds for the first time. Researchers conducted an extensive metabolomic analysis of three California almond varieties—Nonpareil, Independence, and Monterey—confirming the widespread presence of health-promoting compounds across all varieties and expanding scientific understanding of almonds’ molecular composition and nutritional profile.

According to the researchers, the newly identified compounds include metabolites and lipids supported by scientific literature demonstrating benefits for brain, cellular, gut, metabolic, and immune health. The study also examined how processing techniques, such as pasteurization, may influence almond phytochemical content. 

“These findings deepen our understanding of almonds’ nutritional value and health benefits and further validate the inclusion of almonds in healthy dietary patterns,” said Elena Hemler, Associate Director, Nutrition Research, Almond Board of California. “This study underscores the power of leveraging emerging metabolomic and AI tools to uncover new insights across health and nutrition.”

Read more research news here.