Japan Focus: Fermented food intake during pregnancy, guar gum supplements, Suntory’s mist supplement, GMP for FFC supplement firms, new eye supplement
Fermented food intake during pregnancy could reduce the risk of neurodevelopment disorders in children – Japanese study
Researchers analysed data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) and found that that fermented food intake during pregnancy may have beneficial associations with several areas of neurodevelopment in children.
Additionally, accumulating evidence suggests that changes in the composition of intestinal bacterial flora play an important role in the gut-brain axis.
“Therefore, we speculated that the composition of intestinal bacterial flora may be associated with not only neurological diseases but also with neurodevelopment in children,” said the researchers.
Partially-hydrolysed guar gum supplementation shown to improve visual memory in elderly – 12-week RCT
Taking five grams of partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG) daily for 12 weeks has been shown to improve visual memory among healthy elderly, a new study from Japan has shown.
“It can be inferred that the consumption of PHGG resulted in an improvement in sleepiness on rising characterised by enhanced mental clarity, reduced stress levels, decreased irritability, and improved ability to concentrate,” said the researchers.
Spray sensation: Suntory’s in-house venture program creates supplements in aerosol spray format
Suntory’s in-house venture program has developed what it calls the “next-generation mist supplement” for better absorption and convenience. Marketed as “IN MIST”, the range currently consists of three SKUs that support beauty-from-within, general health, and sleep.
Packed in an 80ml aerosol spray dispenser using the Bag-on-Valve (BOV) aerosol technology, IN MIST’s products are sold in Ohlala Ashiya (ウララ芦屋) spa, ikon gym, and Do-Clinic which specialises in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation since February. The brand also came under the spotlight for winning the health tech category at Startup Japan Expo held at Tokyo Big Sight on May 15 to 16. IN MIST will now advance to the finals set to take place in November.
FFC supplement firms mandatory to follow GMP and report adverse cases – Japan’s CAA
Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) has made it mandatory for companies making Food with Function Claims (FFC) in the supplement format, such as tablets and capsules, to follow the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). They are also required to report cases of adverse effects linked to the consumption of their products to the authorities.
Prior to this, FFC manufacturers were only strongly recommended to follow GMP, but there has been growing interest in securing the status. Contract manufacturers, for instance, believe that getting GMP will help acquire more customers, while brand owners believe that doing so will help boost exports.
Bringing into focus: Japan’s natural tech releases new eye supplement amid ‘skyrocketing demand’
Japanese wellness firm natural tech Co Ltd says that lifestyle changes of modern consumers and the country’s ageing population have led to increasing eye-related problems, which it aims to address with its new supplement. The firm recently launched a new product called Eyepa, which claims to be an “all-in-one” supplement targeting multiple eye problems, including dry eye, eye strain, and accommodation (adjustment of the eye to keep an object in focus) issues.
“One thing that stood out was of eye-related concerns. We received many comments on blurry vision due to ageing and how people’s eyes get dry easily. As we sought to help solve these problems, our customers had high expectations for the product that we would develop. Following repeated prototype production with R&D institutions, we were able to create Eyepa,” said the firm’s development manager.
