Late last year, the staff of Nutrition Industry Executive was looking for a way to highlight the most cutting-edge and advanced natural branded nutritional ingredients backed by science, and thus, the 2019 NIE Awards were born.

In order to be considered, the ingredients needed to be launched since Jan. 1, 2018, for the purpose of being utilized in supplements, functional foods and beverages; the competition was open to manufacturers of ingredients from all over the globe who are supplying natural finished product companies in the United States.

The five award categories consisted of Condition Specific, Sports Nutrition, Healthy Aging, Excipients and Weight Maintenance, and after careful consideration, NIE’s editorial staff, along with an expert panel of judges, chose a total of 10 winners (one 1st place and one 2nd place winner per category).

The expert judges are:

• Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG), Senior Director of Product Innovation, Twinlab Consolidation Corporation (TCC), Boca Raton, FL

• Cheryl Myers, Chief of Scientific Affairs and Education, EuroPharma Inc., Green Bay, WI

• Michael Bengivenga, Assistant Vice President, Powder Product Development, Vitaquest International, West Caldwell, NJ

• Jacqueline Jacques, ND, FTOS, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, Thorne Research, New York, NY (corporate location)

Criteria was based on:

• Product Research/Evidence/Bioavailability

• Sustainability/Traceability/Certifications (if applicable)

• Consumer Need

• The “Impressiveness Factor”

Without further ado, we present to you … the inaugural NIE Award winners!

Condition Specific Category

1st Place: Urox

Seipel Group, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia, (855) 950-4567

The proprietary herbal blend Urox—Lindera (Lindera aggregata) extract (root), Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) extract (aerial parts), Cratevox Three-leaf caper (Crateva nurvala) extract (stem bark)—is designed to effectively assist bladder control symptoms that affect both men and women. The patented formula works to strengthen and tone muscles of the bladder wall, pelvic floor and sphincter, as well as calm bladder nerves and support healthy connective tissue in the surrounding area that allow the bladder to fill and empty appropriately.

In clinical studies, Urox has proven to reduce urinary frequency to normal range, reduce urgency by 60 percent, decrease nocturia in almost half and is the only herbal product shown in clinical research to be effective for urinary incontinence.

Urox demonstrated a quick turnaround in terms of subjects seeing improvements—and bladder control is an issue that is highly relatable to many. In fact, urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB) affect up to 400 million people globally (including more than 60 million Americans). UI affects 25 percent of reproductive age women (especially after childbirth), 50 percent of post-menopausal women, and 50-75 percent of women in nursing homes. Men and women have a similar prevalence of overactive bladder, with urgency incontinence occurring more often in males over 50. The problem is widespread impacting people of all ages including children and young adults.

What some found impressive was the speed in which it took Urox to take effect. Bladder control is a relatable issue for many consumers, so they are certainly looking for results sooner rather than later.

“This product impressed me from a condition specific area because the large study group of 150 individuals and the speed at which it started working to improving urinary incontinence,” Bengivenga said. “At only two weeks, subjects started seeing improvements and 23 percent of them had a full return to normal continence at eight weeks time. This is the only herbal product directed at incontinence that has been shown clinically to work on this condition and improve quality of life.

“One thing I liked about Urox was that this is a real-life struggle for many individuals and affects both men and women, typically later in life,” he continued. “Sleep improved as well, since the feelings of having to always get up and urinate were significantly lowered or completely brought back to normal in some cases.”

2nd Place: Eriomin

Ingredients by Nature, Montclair, CA, (909) 230-6200

Eriomin is a patent-pending blend of lemon-based flavonoids for prediabetes management. Made up of eriocitrin and other flavonoids, Eriomin is unique in its ability to provide a multi-functional approach to managing prediabetic conditions. Through clinical testing, Eriomin has shown to help support glycemic control, and reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.

One in three U.S. adults currently have prediabetes—influenced by sedentary lifestyles, obesity, abdominal fat and unhealthy eating patterns—putting them at increased risk for type-2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Consumers at risk for or currently experiencing prediabetes need additional solutions to help them as they work toward reversing or avoiding a diagnosis.

Clinical testing showed that patients who were given doses of Eriomin successfully managed their prediabetic condition. Twenty-four percent of the subjects showed markers of increased glucose tolerance and returned to normal fasting blood sugar levels.

Eriomin is able to be formulated into multiple delivery formats to meet consumer demand including capsules, tablets and food and beverage applications (with a “bitter-masking” application option).

Sports Nutrition Category

1st Place: S7

FutureCeuticals, Momence, IL, (888) 452-6853

S7 is an exciting new ingredient in the sports nutrition category developed and clinically researched by FutureCeuticals, Inc. It is a 100 percent plant-based botanical complex of seven phytonutrient-rich botanicals (green coffee bean extract, green tea extract, colorless turmeric extract, tart cherry, blueberry, broccoli and kale) standardized to 60 percent polyphenols, 30 percent catechins and 3 percent curcumin to ensure consistency, quality and efficacy of material from lot to lot.

This plant-based complex has been shown to trigger the body’s own nitric oxide (NO) production system. In a recent peer-reviewed published study, human subjects consuming only 50 mg of S7 demonstrated increased bioavailable NO concentration versus baseline by an impressive 230 percent, along with reduced ROS (reactive oxygen species), and improved mitochondrial efficiency.

Pre-workout/performance nutrition products with nitric oxide (NO) claims continue to be in high demand. Also, “plant-based” is on-trend, with one in five consumers being influenced when making sports nutrition purchases (Innova Market Insights). These consumers want plant-based products that are scientifically supported, produce results, but are not loaded with stimulants.

“This ingredient is impressive,” Bengivenga stated, “and with my long background in sports nutrition, falls right into my wheelhouse. “One of the things about S7 that struck me was that it isn’t trying to increase nitric oxide by adding nitrates through outside sources but actually increases the body’s own nitric oxide without trying to use exogenous nitrates. The plant complex works to increase nitric oxide by 230 percent through antioxidants, lowered reactive oxygen species and improving mitochondrial efficiency at a low dose. Furthermore, these results were done on a single dose of S7 and not over months of taking it to build it up in the body. Very few ingredients have this type of result off a single acute dose.”

Myers agreed. “Nitric oxide production is crucially important for sports performance, and reducing the free radicals generated by intense physical activity is key to long term health,” she noted. “This group did a great job illustrating the use of S7 to increasing nitric oxide levels, while dramatically lowering oxidative stress.”

2nd Place: Levagen

Gencor, Irvine, CA, (949) 502-5760

Levagen, also known as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), has been clinically studied for its ability to manage pain and discomfort as well as support joint function. PEA helps repair the body from stressors and inflammation and contributes to relaxation, which can lead to quicker recovery and better quality of sleep. PEA is able to modulate a key receptor in the development of inflammatory pain, and these effects were substantiated by a recent clinical study of Levagen in joint pain. Levagen not only showed to be highly effective in reducing osteoarthritis discomforts of the knee but also demonstrated a significant up-regulation of the m-TORC pathway. This indicates a muscle-building effect, highly relevant to sports and athletic performance.

Worldwide, 1.5 billion people suffer from moderate to severe pain. This includes 50 million Americans, who despite being only 5 percent of the world’s population, consume over half of all prescribed analgesics. The global market for pharmaceuticals reached $1.2 trillion in 2018, up $100 billion from 2017. And as research continues to show that chronic inflammation is a common cause of pain, the need for safe and effective analgesics is urgent.

Healthy Aging Category

1st Place: Cerebelle

Diana Food, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, (551) 795-4770

Cerebelle was championed by a French-Canadian consortium of leading experts from industry and academia. The consortium fostered the team’s combined knowledge in the fields of agronomy, formulation, extraction and the science of polyphenols to develop and market an innovative natural product that supports neurocognitive health.

Cerebelle is a blend of extracts from two potent polyphenol-rich fruits: grape and wild blueberry, clinically proven to prevent age-related cognitive decline in healthy older adults. Each extract contributes specific polyphenols with neuroprotective properties and flavonoid bioavailability. Preclinical studies demonstrated that grape polyphenols, as well as blueberry polyphenols, can cross the brain blood barrier after oral ingestion improving cognitive health. A six-month supplementation with Cerebelle at 600 mg per day demonstrated improved episodic memory in healthy seniors.

And the studies conducted with Cerebelle revealed impactful results.

“There are a great many nutraceuticals for cognitive health, although the research conducted on them is often geared toward populations with dementia, not healthy, aging populations,” Bruno explained. “Cerebelle by Diana Food is an exception. The double-blind, randomized study published on polyphenols derived from grape and blueberry (Cerebelle) in Journals of Gerontology, was conducted with 215 healthy aging subjects (60-70 years old). The results showed significant improvements in verbal episodic and recognition memory. This provides strong evidence that Cerebelle can help improve cognitive function healthy, aging people.”

As many may know, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study is considered the “gold standard,” which can help companies stand out amongst the pack.

“The product is supported by a double-blind, placebo-controlled study looking at improvements in mental functionality in people with measurable cognitive declines. I also liked the name play on words, which sounds like a brain part called the cerebellum,” Myers said.

2nd Place: ThymoQuin

TriNutra, Harrison, NY, (800) 684-2436

ThymoQuin is the first cold-pressed Nigella sativa oil (NSO) to be standardized to 3 percent thymoquinone (TQ), the main active in NSO. ThymoQuin is made from high-concentration thymoquinone varieties of black cumin seed. Due to its ideal growing conditions in Israel, these specific crops yield two to three times more thymoquinone content than other varieties. Cold-pressed NSO products on the market today, also known as black cumin seed oil or black seed oil, do not contain this higher percentage of thymoquinone and are not standardized.

Due to TriNutra’s standardization of 3 percent, low free fatty acid (below 2 percent) and high bioavailability of the TQ, this unique extract has demonstrated superior benefits for a variety of health concerns including a healthy inflammatory response, increased oxygen consumption, and support for blood glucose and blood pressure regulation. A recently published study also revealed that ThymoQuin positively affects metabolic function and fatty liver to aid in obesity-related metabolic conditions.

According to NBJ (Nutrition Business Journal), the herbs and botanicals category continues to accelerate its growth, taking up 19 percent of the supplement market in 2018. Consumers, especially Millennials, continue to embrace herbs and botanicals as a quality health solution.

Excipients Category

1st Place: Nu-BIND

RIBUS, Inc., St. Louis, MO, (314) 727-4287

Nu-BIND is a blend of five ingredients that provides the binding necessary for the production of natural and organic dietary supplements. It is designed to act as an alternative to synthetic binders previously considered vital in making tablets and capsules.

“For companies working hard to have clean label products, excipients are sometimes especially challenging,” mentioned Jacques. “RIBUS continues to innovate in this space and provide valuable solutions such as Nu-BIND to replace ingredients like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG).”

This challenge lies in establishing the proper delivery system.

“The formulation of dietary supplements can be a tricky business when it comes to achieving appropriate characteristics of the dosage form,” Bruno pointed out. “This is especially the case when formulating organic dietary supplements, and trying to avoid synthetic binders for tablets. Nu-BIND is blend of five ingredients that function as a viable binding agent alternative for natural and organic supplements. Nu-BIND allows for harder tablets and a decreased disintegration time—a winning combination in my book.”

Nu-BIND is the newest excipient from RIBUS, Inc., who has been supplying natural and organic rice-based ingredients to companies around the world. It allows for harder tablets, a decreased disintegration time in effervescents and allows for more actives in capsules.

RIBUS produces rice-based ingredients, which provide solutions for conventional, natural and certified organic foods. By utilizing the entire plant (the hull and bran), the company is helping to sustain the earth, as these products were typically seen as unusable by-products. Through patented processes, RIBUS adds natural protease enzymes to rice bran to stabilize the lipase enzymes, creating a natural, gluten-free, hypo-allergenic ingredient that binds oil and water. Rice hulls are a natural source of silica, one of the most effective anti-caking agents in use today. Through its patent-pending processes, RIBUS grinds the hulls so the silica particle size is optimized for use in formulations as a flow aid or flavor carrier.

2nd Place: LipiSperse

Gencor, Irvine, CA, (949) 502-5760

LipiSperse is an innovative, clinically validated delivery system for lipophilic powdered materials such as curcumin, resveratrol, silymarin, PEA and quercetin. As a dispersion system, it is unique and novel to the nutraceutical world. A study conducted at the University of Queensland (Australia) demonstrated the enhanced bioavailability of HydroCurc (curcumin developed with the LipiSperse technology) and is published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

In the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, many people prefer to take natural medicines as “shots” or liquids. Even in Australia and the USA, many people suffer from “pill” fatigue. LipiSperse allows fat-soluble or “water-hating” materials to be added to beverages or be included in ready-to-mix powders, or at reduced doses in capsules.

Weight Maintenance Category

1st Place: Okralin

Nexira, Somerville, NJ, (908) 707-9400

Okralin is a clinically studied and patented synergistic combination of ingredients mainly comprised of a new and unique vegetal source, not commonly used in weight-loss products, okra powder. It contains dietary fiber and proteins, which play an important role in fat binding, thus decreasing absorption of dietary fat and consequently leading to body weight reduction. Okralin binds to fat in the stomach, creating a gel which is naturally eliminated, reducing fat and calorie absorption.

It has been shown to be a strong fat-binding agent in an in-vitro setting simulating in-vivo conditions. Its extraordinary fat-binding capacity was measured against traditional fat binders. Indeed, okra powder is two times more powerful than nopal powder (cactus powder) and three to four times more powerful than vegetal and animal chitosan. The efficacy of okra powder was also assessed in a separate in-vivo study. Fecal fatty acids increased by 30 percent and weight gain was significantly reduced by more than 50 percent compared to the control group. Nexira also confirmed the superior efficacy of okra compared to chitosan and nopal in terms of weight gain reduction. Okralin was clinically studied on both women and men, showing “impressive” benefits as well.

In today’s health awareness environment, research is imperative in demonstrating nutraceuticals’ effectiveness. And depending on the category—such as weight maintenance in this case—one could argue that it is in even more demand.

“So many nutraceuticals go to market without any significant research to support them—and this is especially true of weight loss nutraceuticals,” Bruno stated. “By contrast, the German research submitted for Okralin by Nexira was impressive and included 108 subjects in a randomized, three-armed placebo-controlled trial. The results showed five times greater weight loss compared to placebo, which was statistically significant (P<0.001). I also like the fact the ingredients that made up Okralin were entirely natural, and included Okra powder, Inulin and citric acid. This material was demonstrated to be a safe and effective adjunct to weight loss.”

Jacques noted that Okralin’s benefits are significant. “With Okralin,” she concluded, “Nexira has brought to market a product with the whole package: fully traceability, renewable plant-based source, preclinical and clinical data with meaningful endpoints. This is exactly the kind of ingredient the space needs to continue to build credibility and trust with consumers.”

2nd Place: Livinol

Sabinsa Corporation, East Windsor, NJ, (732) 777-1111

Garcinol is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derivative, isolated from the fruit rind of Garcinia indica, known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Obesity has become a major public health concern. A multi-dimensional approach is required to combat this problem, and nutritional supplements offer a safe alternatives along with diet and physical exercise to reduce this global burden.

Livinol is a natural compound isolated from the fruit rind of Garcinia indica. The fruit has been used traditionally as a garnish to impart an acidic flavor to food, while fruit extract is consumed as a refreshing beverage, and has a proven record for safety. The fat stored in the abdominal cavity surrounding important organs like pancreas, intestines and liver is known as visceral fat, and this influences the hormone function and directly influences the health complications and risk for other debilitating diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Livinol inhibits adipogenesis, and adipocyte-related inflammatory response both in vitro and in vivo. Garcinol reduces visceral adipocyte size by inducing white to brown fat conversion, maintaining energy balance. Livinol also acts on the gut microbiota by increasing the anti-obesity commensal bacteria Akkermansia population. Garcinol maintains a favorable lipid profile and reduces leptin, resistin, while increasing adiponectin levels. Thus, Garcinol is a potent anti-obesity agent which can be used as prebiotic to prevent weight gain, visceral adiposity and chronic inflammation.