Nov 24, 2023 - With a focus on innovation and efficacy, the recently launched partnership between Italian botanical extract manufacturer Indena and dsm-firmenich will develop new products that combine phytonutrients with essential nutrients, backed by science.
Nutritional insight sits down with Martin Dos Ramos, VP of nutritional supplements at dsm-firmenich, to discuss the role of science and innovation in health solutions the partners want to develop.
"Our strategic partnership with Indena will deliver next-generation botanical solutions for nutritional supplements. Together, we plan to create science-based product formulations that can be delivered in nutritional premixes and market-ready solutions, allowing our customers to innovate with plant-based products faster and streamline their operations."
"In addition to bringing together the scientific expertise of both companies, this new partnership will fully leverage dsm-firmenich's capabilities in flavor, taste masking and product formulation to make food science taste better."
According to Dos Ramos, the partnership plans to launch new products immediately after showcasing the first examples of co-developed botanical solutions at this year's SupplySide West trade show in the US.
Future supplement solutions will combine essential nutrients backed by science with phytonutrients with strong consumer appeal into new product formats that deliver an enjoyable consumer experience.
R&D in the field of supplements
The partnership is deeply rooted in science and innovation, says Dos Ramos.
"Indena has a rich history of groundbreaking botanical research and development. DSM-firmenich is a science-based company with a broad portfolio of essential nutrients (vitamins, nutritional lipids, biotics, carotenoids and nutraceuticals), best-in-class flavoring and masking capabilities and expertise in premixes and market-ready solutions."
The Italian manufacturer of botanical extracts brings its extracts, expertise in extraction technologies and phytonutrient science to dsm-firmenich's Solutions business, Dos Ramos underlines.
He adds that the two companies will also collaborate on research programs.
"Together we will drive science and progress to take nutritional supplement solutions to the next level. For our customers, this will open new avenues for innovation and the ability to design nutritional solutions in previously challenging formats to create a superior user experience with even stronger, science-based health benefits."
Blending botanical ingredients for health
Dos Ramos emphasizes that combining botanical extracts with essential nutrients - such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids and pre-, pro- and post-biotics - is a challenge.
"Introducing ingredients at the levels necessary to provide health benefits usually compromises the sensory experience, limiting applications to traditional capsules and tablets. This new strategic partnership positions us to challenge this and deliver effective solutions in a variety of enjoyable formats that consumers love."
"Our understanding of botanical ingredients continues to expand, with promising research showing their benefits for immunity, digestion, mental well-being, heart health and more."
He adds that the partnership aims to "create human healthcare solutions backed by rigorous science, clinical testing and breakthrough delivery technologies. We explore new avenues by investigating combinations of essential nutrients and plant-based ingredients."
Solutions developed together
The prototypes presented at SupplySide West include solutions for health benefits such as brain health, women's health, gut health, healthy aging, immunity and eye health, Dos Ramos shares.
He adds that all prototypes contained high concentrations of active ingredients and were offered in delicious product formats including gummies, ready-to-use powder sticks and squeezable gels.
"We plan to work closely with our customers to develop customized, botanical nutritional supplements in all parts of the world to support our customers' innovation efforts and enhance the consumer experience globally."
"For example, we have designed a brain health nutritional supplement - available in a gummy format - that provides fast-acting brain support to help optimize cognitive performance."
Dos Ramos explains that the solution contains a combination of Virtiva Plus - a trademark of Indena - with life'sDHA and vitamin Quali B12, both brands of dsm-firmenich.
"Another example is our new nutritional supplement solution for immunity, which contains ampli-D, Quercefit and zinc in a convenient on-the-go powder stick format. amplifier-D [from dsm-firmenich] is an innovative and more bioavailable form of vitamin D that has been shown to increase vitamin D levels in weeks rather than months."
"Quercefit is a unique formulation of quercetin that offers improved bioavailability (up to 20 times more) thanks to Indena's advanced Phytosome technology."
He adds that the ingredient, trademarked by Indena, has antioxidant properties, provides immune support and can reduce the body's response to allergens.
"Age of Nature"
Today's consumers are interested in effective ingredients backed by science, natural solutions and enjoyable formats that go beyond tablets and capsules, claims Dos Ramos.
He adds that dsm-firmenich and Indena have joined forces to lead innovation in the global food and botanical market to deliver solutions that resonate with these consumer needs.
"The initiative marks the emergence of a new era - an era we have called the new 'Age of Nature'," says Dos Ramos.
The jointly developed solutions will target specific health areas, such as brain, gut, eye and women's health, as well as healthy aging and immunity support.
"We are excited about the scientific opportunities this collaboration will bring, especially in the field of nutritional supplements," concludes Dos Ramos.
By Jolanda van HalIf you would like to contact our editorial staff, please send an email to [email protected]
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