Japan’s Fordays seeks to address consumer needs across lifespan with nucleic acid supplements, eyes global expansion
The company’s decision to prioritise nucleic acids in its research and product development is due to their “recognised status as essential nutrients” throughout the lifespan.
Nucleic acids play a crucial role in synthesising important proteins in the body, with its two main classes being deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the primary repository of genetic information, and ribonucleic acid (RNA), which is responsible for gene replication and amino acid accumulation.
According to Dr Keita Sutoh, Manager of Academic Research at Fordays, long-standing evidence indicate that oral consumption of nucleic acids has a significant effect on immunomodulation.
This can be especially beneficial when fatigue or surgical procedures compromise the immune system, or when it is overly activated due to conditions such as allergies.
“Researchers have documented various effects observed in animal and human trials, including enhanced learning and memory, increased muscle endurance, improved liver function, accelerated fatigue recovery, and reduced oxidative stress.
“This suggests that the consumption of nucleic acids yields systemic effects that stimulate both the body and the mind, potentially serving to counteract the ageing process,” Dr Sutoh told NutraIngredients-Asia.
Additionally, it has been found that nucleic acids are an important constituent of breast milk, and that infant formula lacking in these acids led to a higher incidence of diarrhoea and allergies in babies.
“It has become evident that nucleic acids are essential nutrients in both immunity and growth, and could contribute significantly to the maintenance of good health in individuals.
“The pursuit of this potential has propelled Fordays to innovate and manufacture its core nucleic acid raw materials, specifically focusing on the antioxidant properties and enhanced energy production associated with nucleic acid consumption.”
The company has also been researching on the synergistic benefits of simultaneous DNA and RNA ingestion, leading to the development of products that have seen a high rate of repeat purchases.
An example is Natural DN Collagen, the firm’s hero product that has undergone nine renewals since its introduction in 1999 to address consumers’ evolving health needs.
The supplement drink is formulated with a host of “thoroughly researched nutritional ingredients”, including salmon milt extract (DNA), torula yeast extract (RNA), collagen peptides, arginine, cockscomb extract (hyaluronic acid), and shark cartilage extract (chondroitin).
With sales of more than 70m bottles to date, Natural DN Collagen is said to have maintained its position as Japan’s best-selling nucleic acid supplement for over 10 years.
“It has an 89.1% repeat purchase rate, and a dominant 93.5% market share in Japan for nucleic acid supplements.”
Beyond Japan, Fordays distributes to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Mongolia, and is actively pursuing partnerships to extend the reach of its nucleic acid products in Asia and globally.
As part of its expansion strategy, the company recently participated in Speciality Food & Drinks Asia in Singapore, and will be taking part in Vitafoods Asia in Bangkok next month.
“We recognise that these international exhibitions and industry events are invaluable opportunities to introduce Fordays and our nucleic-acid-based products to new markets.”
Trends in Japan
The increasing elderly population in Japan has led to a notable demand for supplements tailored to their needs. In particular, there is a growing concern regarding cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other causative factors.
Consequently, there has been burgeoning interest in supplements containing ingredients such as ginkgo leaf extract and fish oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are known to enhance mental function, particularly in learning and memory capabilities.
In addition, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have gained attention for their effect on mitigating and preventing age-related muscle and bone density decline, and plant-derived components, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, for alleviating vision problems resulting from eye fatigue.
There has also been a buzz surrounding nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) for its purported anti-ageing properties and influence over cellular energy production.
As for the younger demographic, Fordays has observed a “pronounced demand” for energy beverages incorporating ribose, an RNA constituent, and arginine to bolster vitality.
Ongoing research
Although the effects of nucleic acids have been elucidated, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, underscoring the need for further comprehensive studies.
Fordays actively engages in both internal and collaborative research with different universities to ensure that the process is inclusive and transparent.
Notably, the firm recently established its laboratory at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
“Through research collaborations, there is also potential for discovering previously undocumented effects. The outcomes and findings serve as pivotal contributions to developing our original nucleic acid materials. The latest discoveries are typically patented and published in scholarly papers.
“Our investigations have substantiated the impact of nucleic acid-rich foods, particularly those containing DNA from salmon milt extract, on human physiology. Particularly, our findings indicate an upregulation of the immune response and a concurrent decrease in oxidative stress in individuals who consumed these products,” said Dr Sutoh.
These results are backed by recent studies suggesting that the intake of salmon milt extract containing DNA may initiate the process of cell autophagy.
Autophagy is a crucial cellular process responsible for the breakdown of unnecessary or dysfunctional intracellular components, such as organelles and proteins, for recycling. Defects in autophagy mechanisms may contribute to the ageing process and development of diseases.
“The findings demonstrate that nucleic acids are pivotal in promoting overall health by triggering autophagy, and therefore exhibit significant promise as functional ingredients.”
