Akkermansia muciniphila for metabolic health
Vidya shared news of clinical research on its ingredient NūGensia, published in EC Nutrition. The peer-reviewed, human clinical trial included 60 adults aged 31–60 with prediabetes, randomized to receive either Vidya’s proprietary Akkermansia muciniphila strain (VHAKM) at 10 billion CFU or placebo once daily for 60 days. The finding: Participants in the NūGensia group showed statistically significant reductions in fasting and postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, and triglycerides compared to placebo. Significant improvements were also observed in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and diastolic blood pressure. The ingredient was shown to be safe and well tolerated, with no treatment-related adverse events.
“These findings establish Akkermansia muciniphila as a clinically validated, next-generation probiotic for metabolic health, offering a natural and effective strategy to support glucose balance, weight management, and overall metabolic wellbeing,” said Subhendu Nayak, Director of R&D – Probiotics at Vidya. The company explained that NūGensia is built on Vidya’s proprietary, patent-pending delivery system, which uses a starch-based protective shell to shield the live Akkermansia muciniphila strain from oxygen exposure during production and storage, this addressing a stability challenge that has historically limited Akkermansia’s commercial viability as an ingredient.
Black seed oil to support oral health
TriNutra announced the publication of a human clinical study evaluating its patented ThymoQuin-OCare ingredient for oral health support. The 28-day study assessed the safety and effectiveness of ThymoQuin-OCare delivered as an oral health lozenge, tracking dental health, gingival health, and changes in the oral microbiome. Researchers reported improvements in dental plaque accumulation and gingival bleeding, with the Gingival Index decreasing by 14% and 67% of participants showigng measurable reductions in gingival inflammation. All participants demonstrated at least one measurable positive outcome during the study period, and the product was well tolerated.
Analysis of the oral microbiota found that 89% of participants experienced an increase in the Shannon Diversity Index, with growth of beneficial commensal microflora and no pathogenic microflora growth observed before or after use. Subjective assessments showed that 67-78% of participants reported fresher, longer-lasting breath, while 89% noted improvements in gum appearance, tooth cleanliness, and overall oral wellness.
“The oral microbiome plays a central role in maintaining gum health, immune function, and barrier integrity,” said Morris Zelkha, CEO of TriNutra. “We are thrilled that the research findings suggest ThymoQuin-OCare supports optimal oral hygiene and a healthier mouth.”
Krill oil to support pain management
A12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida, in collaboration with Aker BioMarine’s Open Innovation Center, evaluated the effects of krill oil supplementation on chronic musculoskeletal pain and physical function in 40 adults aged 60 and older. Participants receiving 4 g/day of krill oil (Superba Boost) showed a substantial increase in blood omega-3 levels, rising from 4.3% to 7.4% over the study period.
Researchers reported that krill oil was safe and well tolerated and observed trends toward lower pain intensity and a lower rate of painful body sites compared with placebo. The study also tracked changes in key blood fatty acids to assess the biological effects of supplementation.
Citicoline for brain activity and cognitive performance
Kyowa Hakko USA announced new proof-of-concept research on Cognizin Citicoline that will be presented at the 2026 International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Annual Conference in June. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study evaluated the acute effects of a single 500 mg dose of Cognizin compared with placebo in healthy male adults. Researchers assessed electroencephalogram (EEG) brain wave activity, validated cognitive performance tasks, and subjective mood and affect measures at 60 and 240 minutes after ingestion. The study was designed to determine whether meaningful changes in cognitive function and neuroelectric activity could be observed following a single dose of Cognizin.
“This study is an exciting step forward for the Cognizin research portfolio,” said Katie Emerson, Ph.D.(c), R.D., CISSN, Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs at Kyowa Hakko USA. “By exploring the acute effects of a single dose, we’re gaining new insight into how quickly Cognizin may begin to support brain function—which has meaningful implications for product development across cognitive health, sports nutrition, and functional food and beverage applications.”
Complete findings, including details on the methodology, neurophysiological outcomes, and cognitive performance results, are scheduled to be presented during an oral session titled “Fueling Focus: Acute Cognizin® Effects on Brain Activity and Cognitive Performance” at the 2026 ISSN Annual Conference.
Probiotic strain for weight management and mood
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Medicinal Food evaluated AB-BIOTICS and Kaneka Probiotics’ probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP-051 in 60 healthy overweight adults (BMI 25–35) with moderate stress levels. Participants received either 1 billion CFU/day of the probiotic or placebo for 12 weeks while attending weekly lifestyle education sessions without a prescribed diet or exercise program.
Findings: The probiotic group experienced greater improvements in body composition than the placebo group, including an average body weight reduction of nearly 2 kg (2.4%), a 2.15 cm reduction in waist circumference, and a significant decrease in body fat percentage (-0.91% vs. +0.35% for placebo). Researchers also reported greater reductions in fatigue and confusion, measured by the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, and a significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus species in the probiotic group.
“Body weight and mental wellbeing are deeply interconnected, and both are strongly influenced by the gut microbiome,” said Miquel Angel Bonachera, Executive Director and Co-Founder, AB-BIOTICS. “This research demonstrates how these connections can be harnessed to deliver meaningful improvements in both body composition and mood with a single intervention like L. plantarum KABP-051. For many consumers, weight management is as much about feeling more energized and mentally well as it is about the physical outcomes. These effects are also linked, and by improving mood and energy levels through the gut–brain axis, L. plantarum KABP -051 may have enabled better self-regulation, supporting long-term adherence to healthier habits. These are exciting results that point toward next generation probiotic solutions with the potential to transform how we support consumers on their weight management and healthy lifestyle journeys.”
The researchers also noted that unpublished in vitro work suggests the strain may stimulate production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism, although this mechanism was not evaluated directly in the clinical trial.
Electrolyte blend for superior hydration
Trace Minerals announced results from a clinical study conducted by the Hydration Science Lab at Arizona State University and presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting in May. The randomized crossover study evaluated the company’s ZeroLyte electrolyte drink against plain water following an exercise-induced dehydration protocol. Participants completed the dehydration protocol before rehydrating with either ZeroLyte or water, with researchers measuring body weight restoration, urine output, skin hydration, blood markers, and perceptual responses over four hours.
The findings: ZeroLyte hydrated participants two times faster than water and outperformed water at every post-rehydration time point. Participants consuming ZeroLyte also produced approximately half the urine volume observed in the water condition, indicating improved fluid retention.
“In this study, we observed that electrolyte composition plays a critical role in post-exercise rehydration,” said Stavros Kavouras, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the Hydration Science Lab at Arizona State University. “The ZeroLyte formulation demonstrated improved fluid retention compared to water alone, which is an important factor in effective hydration.”
Darrin Starkey, ND, Manager of Education and Training at Trace Minerals, added: “This research confirms that the right electrolyte blend is the key to superior hydration. ZeroLyte was designed to replenish what the body loses during exercise, and now we have evidence that the first clinically studied, truly sugar-free electrolyte drink can restore body fluids two times faster than water.”
Botanical as a next-generation, prebiotic-like microbiome modulator
NXT USA announced the completion of an independent microbiome study on Digexin, its proprietary botanical ingredient for digestive comfort and stress-sensitive gut function. Conducted by ProDigest using the SHIME upper gastrointestinal model and Kinetic Colon-on-a-Plate human colon simulation system, the ex vivo study evaluated Digexin’s interaction with the gut microbiome following simulated digestion. NXT USA reported that Digexin engaged the existing microbiome by promoting microbial fermentation patterns associated with digestive health without stimulating undesirable metabolic byproducts. Key findings included butyrate-forward microbial fermentation, evidence of coordinated microbial cross-feeding, a favorable metabolic safety profile characterized by carbohydrate-driven rather than proteolytic fermentation, and microbial activity patterns aligned with short-chain fatty acid production.
The study also noted shifts in microbial community structure favoring taxa associated with short-chain fatty acid production, along with enhanced carbohydrate and glycan utilization and reduced activity in certain sulfur-related metabolic pathways.
“We already know Digexin delivers real relief for people dealing with irregular bowel movements, bloating, gas, and especially constipation,” said Eric Anderson, Managing Director, NXT USA. “This study helps explain why—showing that Digexin engages the gut microbiome in a way that promotes butyrate-forward fermentation and balanced microbial metabolism.” According to NXT USA, the findings support Digexin’s prebiotic-like activity through functional engagement of the microbiome without relying on fiber, live bacteria, or postbiotic compounds.
Rhodiola for physical performance and recovery
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition evaluated 26 randomized controlled trials involving 668 healthy participants to assess the effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on physical performance and recovery outcomes. The analysis found that rhodiola significantly improved VO2max, time to exhaustion (TTE), and time trial performance (TTP). Researchers also reported increases in antioxidant capacity markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), along with reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate levels. No adverse effects were reported across the studies, and subgroup analyses suggested that daily intakes above 600 mg may produce greater improvements in aerobic capacity.
“Mechanistically, these benefits are attributed to rhodiola’s bioactive compounds, particularly salidroside, which support mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and cellular protection against exercise-induced stress,” says Dr. Stacey Smith, Senior Medical Affairs Liaison with Gnosis by Lesaffre. Dr. Smith noted that the majority of the 26 randomized controlled trials were of good quality and included participants from Asia, Europe, and the United States, spanning men, women, and mixed groups ages 11 to 45. She also highlighted the inclusion of a LANDKIND Pure Salidroside study in the analysis, stating that targeted salidroside delivery may provide an effective lower-dose alternative to traditional Rhodiola rosea extracts.
“This meta-analysis reinforces that rhodiola’s benefits are dose-dependent, with the strongest effects observed at ≥600 mg/day of extract. Given that salidroside is a key bioactive component of Rhodiola, there is support in the importance of delivering this compound effectively,” Dr. Smith explained. “It is noteworthy that, as a key bioactive, LANDKIND Pure Salidroside is effective at dosages far below what is required for the same effect of Rhodiola rosea – 60mg/day vs. the mean range of 400-700 mg/day.
Capsicum annuum extract for GLP-1 activity + weight wellness
Clinical research published in the Academic Journal of Sports Science & Medicine (AJSSM) evaluated OmniActive Health Technologies’ Capsimax, a branded Capsicum annuum extract delivering capsaicinoids, in resistance-trained males over a seven-day supplementation period. The randomized clinical study assessed exercise performance, resting energy expenditure (REE), and a GLP-1 outcome following supplementation with 100 mg of Capsimax (2% capsaicinoids). Researchers reported an approximately 13% increase in GLP-1 levels after seven days, a significant increase in REE exceeding 120 kcal/day on both Day 1 and Day 7, and improvements in exercise performance measures, including peak force, rate of force development, and peak and average power output.
“These results mark an important evolution for Capsimax as a multi-dimensional ingredient,” said Abhijeet Morde, Divisional VP, In vitro Biology, Animal Studies, and Clinicals at OmniActive. “The study reinforces our ability to support consumers who are focused on sustainable weight wellness, whether they're seeking non-pharmaceutical options, complementing lifestyle changes, or prioritizing energy and performance as part of long-term maintenance.” According to OmniActive, the findings build on six previous human clinical studies of Capsimax and add clinical evidence supporting its activity in natural GLP-1 pathways alongside previously reported benefits related to metabolism support, appetite management, and lipolysis.
Lychee fruit polyphenol for endurance
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Exercise and Nutrition found that Oligonol, a patented low-molecular-weight lychee fruit polyphenol, improved endurance performance and reduced perceived exertion in healthy male and female long-distance runners ages 45–64. Over the 60-day study, participants supplementing with 200 mg/day of Oligonol achieved significantly greater distance during a 12-minute treadmill run test compared with placebo, plus reported significantly lower ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Compared with the placebo group, participants taking Oligonol improved running distance by approximately 70 meters and experienced a two-point reduction in RPE scores. Researchers characterized the findings as both statistically and practically meaningful for endurance performance.
Researchers also noted that the performance improvements exceeded thresholds commonly considered meaningful in endurance research and suggested that Oligonol may support exercise performance through enhanced energy metabolism efficiency and fatigue resistance.
Oligonol is manufactured by Amino Up Co., Ltd. using a proprietary process that converts lychee fruit polyphenols into low-molecular-weight oligomers with enhanced bioavailability. The ingredient is available from Maypro for use in capsules, powders, functional beverages, and active nutrition formulations.
Capsule technologies for digestive enzyme nutraceutical solutions
Lonza Capsugel shared peer‑reviewed research published in Pharmaceutics showing that its Licaps DUOCAP capsule‑in‑capsule technology can significantly improve the protection and targeted delivery of acid‑sensitive enzymes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The study, conducted in collaboration with ProDigest, highlights the impact of dual-release capsule technologies in unlocking advanced product development opportunities, and reinforces the importance of delivery choice for nutraceutical products.
About the study:
- Researchers used the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) in vitro model to compare multiple capsule polymers and formulations under realistic fed and fasted digestive conditions.
- Capsules contained caffeine as a marker of capsule dissolution, and pancreatin, an acid-sensitive digestive enzyme that is converted from tributyrin to butyrate when it reaches the upper small intestine.
- Two single capsule types and three Licaps DUOCAP capsule-in-capsule configurations were assessed for dissolution timing, ingredient protection and enzyme activity throughout the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Findings:
- When taken with food, the Licaps DUOCAP capsule-in-capsule formulations demonstrated superior protection and targeted release profiles, with caffeine released at the end of the duodenum and/or jejunum and a high butyrate recovery, ranging from 53% to 87%.
- Enzyme activity was up to four‑times higher in the upper small intestine compared to standard immediate‑release capsules.
- The immediate-release single capsule format released a high level of its contents in the stomach, suggesting gastric degradation of the unprotected enzyme, meaning the intended delivery was significantly impaired when compared to the Licaps DUOCAP.
“While this work focused on release in the upper small intestine, it builds on a growing body of evidence demonstrating that Licaps DUOCAP capsules can protect and transport ingredients like live probiotics all the way to the colon, where they are needed to achieve optimal performance," said Dr. Elnaz Karimian Azari, Senior Manager R&D, Lonza Capsugel and lead author of the study. "It also highlights just how important capsule selection is to the success and effectiveness of nutraceutical products, and why delivery really does matter.”
Upcycled whole-fruit prebiotic ingredient for functional products
A peer-reviewed sensory study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry examined the taste chemistry of Chardonnay grape marc, the whole-fruit source material behind Sonomaceuticals WellVine, a whole-fruit prebiotic ingredient derived from upcycled Coastal Chardonnay grape marc sourced from California vineyards. Researchers identified 39 taste-active compounds within the ingredient system and found that a smaller subset of those compounds significantly influenced the overall sensory profile. The resulting profile was characterized by mild natural sweetness, bright acidity, smooth, velvety astringency, and very low bitterness. The study also found that the sensory experience appeared to be driven less by individual compounds and more by the way the compounds interacted within the complete whole-fruit matrix.
“In functional foods, taste is often the difference between first purchase and repeat purchase,” said Scott Forsberg, CEO of WellVine. “This study helps explain why Chardonnay marc behaves differently in formulation systems.” Forsberg added that the whole-fruit matrix appears to moderate harsh sensory characteristics in a way that isolated ingredients often do not. According to the researchers, the findings suggest potential formulation advantages for WellVine Chardonnay marc, including improved sensory acceptance, reduced taste-masking requirements, greater formulation flexibility, cleaner-label positioning, and better alignment between functionality and consumer experience.
