The company developed a capsule supplement called Q10-Natto Plus Red Yeast Rice Complex, which is made with a “golden formula” that claims to enhance metabolism, maintain cardiovascular health, and lower blood lipids.
During the process, its research team had reviewed thousands of papers in international journals, and performed multiple safety tests to select and combine the key ingredients.
The formula was granted a patent in Japan last year, following a six- to eight-month review by the Japan Licensing Agency’s Quality Assurance Panel.
“There are other health foods developed for cardiovascular health in the market, but they may be single-formulation products, meaning they contain only one key ingredient. Daiken Biomedical’s mission is to create health foods with benefits that can be felt by consumers.
“Our formula is backed by scientific literature, and our raw materials are carefully sourced from renowned suppliers in Europe, the US, Japan and Taiwan. We conduct experiments to calculate the optimal dosage, and ensure that the product is safe and effective before launching it. Therefore, we are confident in the quality of our products and actively submit them for evaluation of new patents,” Irene Zhang, Marketing Director of Daiken Biomedical, told NutraIngredients-Asia.
In addition, Zhang said that obtaining the Japanese patent is also the “most secure and safe guarantee” to gain consumer trust.
Since its establishment in 2018, Daiken Biomedical has been presented with a total of 22 Gold Medal Awards by Monde Selection, while eight of its products have obtained the internationally recognised Anti-Additive Clean Label Certification.
“Each year, over USD1m are invested into quality assurance. We are completely transparent about our formulas that are compliant with international standards. These recognitions have allowed more people to see Daiken Biomedical’s commitment to quality, helping to solidify our foothold in Taiwan and fuel overseas expansion, which we are actively pursuing.”
Paramount pairing
According to the firm, the dosage, ingredients composition, and the way the supplement is consumed will affect how bodies react.
Each serving of Q10-Natto Plus Red Yeast Rice Complex contains 15mg of Monacolin K, 5000FU of Natto Enzyme Powder, and 30mg of Q10.
Monacolin K is an active ingredient that comes from the fermentation of red yeast rice.
The supplement uses Monacolin K produced by Japan’s Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals, which has been clinically proven to promote metabolism and lower cholesterol through daily supplementation of 13mg to 15mg for eight weeks.
Another key ingredient is the patented NATTOKI nattokinase powder.
Natto is known to help dissolve blood clots and is several times more easily absorbed compared to thrombolytic agents. As natto has an odour that is unappealing to many people, natto-based health products have become a convenient alternative.
Nattokinase is a protease resulting from natto fermentation, and is said to have the functions of lowering blood pressure and reducing incidence of atherosclerosis, subsequently mitigating risks of cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
“The amount of fibrinolytic unit (FU) activity of nattokinase, rather than just the amount of natto extract, is important when selecting natto products. NATTOKI nattokinase has high FU activity that has been quantified and passed various safety tests.
“The Nattokinase Association of Japan recommends a daily intake of 2,000 FU for general nutrition and up to 5,000 FU for cardiovascular health improvement.”
The addition of the patented coenzyme Q10 from KANEKA boosts benefits in the areas of antioxidant activity and energy metabolism.
However, Daiken Biomedical emphasised that it is imperative for natto and red yeast to be paired with Q10.
“The amount of coenzyme Q10 in the body decreases with ageing. Notably, when red yeast containing Monacolin K is consumed, synthesis of CoQ10 in the body will be inhibited. Therefore, the supplementation of Q10 at a recommended dose of 30mg — as included in our formula — is important.”
In addition, the firm advised against eating grapefruit when taking the supplement.
“Because the structure of rhodozoitin in red yeast rice is similar to that of statins (a class of commonly prescribed lipid-lowering drugs), it may have adverse interactions with the ingredients contained in grapefruit, affecting metabolism and increasing the risk of side effects,” Zhang explained.
NPD targeted at common concerns
Furthermore, the firm noted that consumer demand is influenced by broader trends and the climate. For example, the demand for immunity-support health products has risen after the pandemic and during the change of seasons.
In response, the company has launched probiotics with histamine-lowering properties that claim to improve allergies, as well as products with Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi) and elderberry to enhance immunity.
The firm’s product development is focused on addressing common health issues faced by modern consumers who are busy with work and frequently eat out.
“Recently, it has been observed that many people have difficulty sleeping due to the pressures of life. For those with sleep problems, we launched a GABA-infused health food that can help improve sleep quality. Daiken will continue to develop more safe and effective health and nutritional products that can be consumed by all.”
