China focus: Danone’s new infant formula, Arla Foods Ingredients and Zhongbai Xingye’s distribution deal, and more

China-focus-Danone-s-new-infant-formula-Arla-Foods-Ingredients-and-Zhongbai-Xingye-s-distribution-deal-and-more.png

This round-up looks at Danone’s infant formula containing milk droplets that closely mimic mothers’ milk, Arla Foods Ingredients and Zhongbai Xingye’s focus segments in China, new function claims for health foods, and latest research findings.

Human milk inspired: Danone to launch new infant formula containing novel milk droplet in China – Growth Asia exclusive

Danone will be launching a new infant formula containing milk phospholipid-coated lipid droplets trademarked Nuturis, which closely mimic the structure found in breast milk, in China this year.

This was shared by Gregg Ward, VP and head of Danone Early Life Nutrition, at Growth Asia Summit 2023 in September.

From bacteria composition to milk droplet structure, human milk has been the key inspiration for Danone’s product development process. This is because human milk offers a plethora of benefits, including optimal growth, brain and eye development, lower incidence of infections and illnesses, and lower risk of allergies. 

Combination of calcium supplementation and low-dose aspirin could prevent preeclampsia in high-risk women

Low-dose aspirin taken with calcium was more effective in preventing the onset of preeclampsia, compared to aspirin alone, according to Chinese researchers.

It was also found that the combination of low-dose aspirin and calcium supplementation decreases the risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes, such as gestational hypertension and premature birth.

Seven randomised controlled trials, involving a total of 1,136 pregnant women, were included in the meta-analysis published in Medicine.

Research hints at crucial link between the gut microbiome and adult dermatitis – Chinese study

New research on adult atopic dermatitis (AD) suggests that relationship between the gut microbiome and AD is key to developing beneficial treatments.

The findings were based on a clinical study conducted with 234 participants between the ages of 18 to 68 in Hong Kong.

“The composition, structure, and functional metabolic pathways of the gut bacterial community of AD patients were distinct from those of healthy people, but severe and mild AD patients had a similar overall structure of gut microbiome. Metabolic abnormalities and gut microbiome dysbiosis may have essential implications for the pathogenesis of the gut-skin axis in AD patients,” the researchers said.

Business boost: Optimising nutritional profiles offer scope for China infant and performance growth

Arla Foods Ingredients and Zhongbai Xingye, a Brenntag Group company, recently signed a new distribution deal that aims to strengthen their position in the Chinese nutrition market. 

The agreement covers the full range of Arla Foods Ingredients’ business units, with a focus on three key segments — infant nutrition, performance nutrition, and F&B.

“These segments still offer massive opportunities in China. It’s well known that Chinese parents are particularly keen to know what’s in the formula they choose for their children. One key market demand is organic ingredients, which Chinese consumers see as premium, safe, healthy, and natural,” said Shu Chen, Regional Marketing Manager for Asia at Arla Foods Ingredients.

Major opportunity: China set to approve new function claims for health foods, BYHEALTH first to submit application

China’s health foods regulator State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) is set to approve new function claims, after introducing a list of technical guidelines known as “保健食品新功能及产品技术评价实施细则”.

The pilot programme, effective from August 28, allows companies to make new function claims outside of the existing list of 24 approved claims, but their applications must first be approved by the SAMR.