The third NutraIngredients-Asia Awards held last Tuesday (Sep 22) saw 39 finalists vying for 13 award categories. Take a look at what the judges have to say about the winners of the Ingredient of the Year award.
HydroCurc® from Pharmako Biotechnologies uses the patented, award winning LipiSperse technology to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. A study conducted at the University of Westminster found that the supplementation of low dose iron and HydroCurc® has increased the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - a key protein for the maintenance of normal neuronal function and energy homeostasis.
This in turn improves cognitive functions, including learning and memory.
Our judges were impressed by the extensive scientific evidence, significant commercial use and the bioavailability gains offered by the ingredient.
Reducose® is a water extract of white mulberry leaves. It can be added in small quantities to foods and drinks or taken as a supplement and reduces the impact of sugars and high-glycaemic carbohydrates on the body. It does this by reducing the breakdown of sugars and carbohydrates, resulting in 40% lower blood sugar levels after eating.
Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is important for healthy ageing, including better metabolic health, cardiovascular health, cognitive functioning, and improved body composition.
The judges highlighted strong evidence of the ingredient’s impact on postprandial glucose as well as its commercial success and potential.
Livaux®'s prebiotic effect is provided by the presence of kiwifruit pectin which helps to support the growth of F.prau.
Being a whole fruit powder, it also provides the benefits of other nutrients from the whole gold kiwifruit, including vitamin C and E, polyphenols, potassium and folate.
Our judges were impressed by the clinical evidence, commercial strategy, and the backstory of the product.
Wellmune® is a natural yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan clinically proven to help support the immune system. Using a proprietary process, Wellmune is extracted from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast. It has shown to help strengthen general immune health across all ages.
Product examples include MyWhey Protein, which provides a sports nutrition product in indulgent flavors such as Thai tea and cappuccino coffee.
The judges were impressed with the science, scope for application and the business success.
OleaVita is a nutraceutical ingredient made based on olive leaf. It combines potent fat burning properties that are linked to an innovative biochemical pathway.
The most unique point of OleaVita is that it manages body weight based on the increasing number and activity of mitochondria. The active compounds of OleaVita work as agonists toward cell surface receptor called TGR5, subsequently promotes mitochondrial proliferation and activation.
The judges were swayed by the scientific evidence and the strong market showing in Japan.
