The Next Big Thing in Cardiovascular Health
The isolation of chitin-glucan molecules obtained from the fungus Aspergillus Niger has led to several important breakthrough studies creating quite a buzz in the nutraceutical market. Making its debut several years ago in the beauty market, chitin-glucan has been successfully launched as a skin rejuvenating and hydration agent in cosmetics. More recently thanks to the collaborative research efforts of the Universities of Liege (Belgium), Louvain (Belgium) and Montpellier (France) chitin-glucan has been introduced to us as a novel approach to supporting cardiovascular health. Artinia is the registered trademark name for chitan-glucan developed by Stratum Nutrition, a Missouri-based company. Derived from natural, non-GMO sources Stratum Nutrition has already gained self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for Artinia and has begun an educational campaign for its awareness as a fiber heart health and weight management ingredient. 1 Flanked by substantial research studies, consumers can expect Artinia to hit the heart health market as early as 2012.
Artinia - a Novel Approach to Supporting Cardiovascular Health
Scientists believe that Artinia works by managing oxidative stress and protecting the system from the damaging effects of modern lifestyles and unhealthy diets. The research team at the Hospital Center of the University of Liege, Department of Diabetology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases conducted a 4-week preclinical human study. The control group, consisting of 30 slightly overweight volunteers, was given a dose of 1.5 grams of Artinia, three times a day without any change in dietary habits. 2 The results showed improvements in various cardiovascular markers when compared to the placebo group. The study showed that the implications of Artinia on cardiovascular health are enormous.
Supporting Cardiovascular Health with Artinia
As a heart healthy fiber that may help keep arteries healthy, Artinia has taken supplement manufacturing of heart health supplements to the next level. Cardiovascular health is already a top priority for consumers but there are more reasons than that to seriously consider introducing this novel ingredient in your product line.
Heart Healthy Ingredients - a Fast Growing Market
Frost & Sullivan valued revenues for the United States heart health ingredients market at $563 million in 2008 and projects a fast growth for this market. It is projected to exceed $1 billion by 2012, and $2 billion by 2015. The projected CAGR exceeds 20 percent (2008-2015). New product launches in the heart or cardiovascular health segment have nearly tripled in the past 5 years and now account for 1.5 percent of the total food and beverage launches. 3 Heart supplements revenue in the combined Natural and Food, Drug and Mass Market Channels exceed $1 billion. The current market targets products that are formulated to support healthy cholesterol levels already within a normal range, blood pressure or protect against oxidative stress. 4 According to a 2008 Natural Marketing Institute Health & Wellness Trends Survey, about 75 percent of the general population said they used heart-healthy foods/beverages in the past year. More than half of these indicate heart-healthy benefits prompt them to buy certain foods/beverages. About 19 percent of consumers reported using heart health supplements. 5
Applications for Artinia
Artinia contains chitan-glucan which is the main component in the cell walls of the fungus, Aspergillus Niger. Derived from a fermentation process, the free-flowing, odorless powder is yellow-brown and can be used in products such as muffins, cereals, breads, cookies, nutrition bars and meal replacements. With the exception of clear beverages, Artinia can be used as a heart-healthy ingredient in the manufacturing of smoothies, drinkable yogurts, fruit juices, energy and sports drinks.
Manufacturing Cardiovascular Health Supplements
One way to start selling well-formulated supplements for heart health is by contacting an experienced supplement manufacturer. NutraScience Labs provides customizable contract manufacturing solutions that optimize high-quality products, cost-efficiency and speed of delivery. Call (855) 492-7388 to speak to one of our Production Specialists or submit your request to receive a free quote from us in 48 hours or less. Help your customers support their cardiovascular health by developing a diverse range of heart healthy products.
References:
1. http://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/news/artinia-heart-health-gets-gras-approval 2. Nutraceutical Business & Technology, Volume 4 Number 6 November/December 2008, pg 22. 3. Frost & Sullivan; NBJ Report 2008. 4. http://www.windrosepartners.com/pdfs/Supply_Side_Emerging_Market_Opportunities_in_Cardiovascular_Health.pdf 5. http://www.windrosepartners.com/pdfs/Supply_Side_Emerging_Market_Opportunities_in_Cardiovascular_Health.pdf.