SupplySide West News Roundup

At the SupplySide West trade show held earlier this fall, products that provide dietary support for those using GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, postbiotics, and unique beverage flavors all had a strong presence. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

GLP-1 Support

With the increased usage of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, companies are addressing the dietary needs of consumers taking these drugs for weight loss: gastrointestinal (GI) issues, inadequate nutrient (protein, dietary fiber, micronutrients) or calorie intake, and hydration. Some companies are also promoting ingredients/supplements that they tout as offering benefits similar to those of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Tate & Lyle highlighted its portfolio of ingredients that support GLP-1 consumer needs. Its Promitor Soluble Fiber is a good source of prebiotic fiber and may contribute to healthy digestion, weight management, glycemic response, and mineral absorption, the company pointed out.

ADM discussed its unique solutions for GLP-1 users, focusing on muscle health, minimizing GI discomfort, hydration, satiety, and issues around regaining weight. For GI discomfort, ADM offers ES1 Postbiotic, DE111 1Bi Probiotic, Fibersol, and Digestive Support Flour Blend.

Berberine, a plant-derived alkaloid, had a high profile at the show. Gummies containing berberine promoted support of metabolic health and glucose control. Berberine, found in plants like barberry and goldenseal, has been used in traditional medicine and is gaining popularity for possible weight management benefits.

Postbiotics

A postbiotic, as defined by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics, is “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host.” A number of postbiotics were featured by SupplySide West exhibitors, who called out their benefits for gut and immune health.

Cargill’s Epicor was featured in a Triple Berry-Flavored Functional Gummy. EpiCor postbiotic is a whole food, fermented ingredient derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) that contains a beneficial mix of metabolites and health-enhancing bioactive compounds.

dsm-firmenich showcased Humiome postbiotics. Humiome Post LB is a combination of L. fermentum (CNCM I-2998) and L. delbrueckii (CNCM I-4831) and culture medium fermentation including peptides, amino acids, carbohydrates, carbon, and minerals. Clinical studies have shown evidence in supporting digestive health.

Flavored Beverages

Unique flavors were featured in a variety of functional beverages, particularly beverages targeting hydration and cognition. Virginia Dare had a Calamansi Green Tea hydration beverage made with electrolytes, green tea extract, and green tea powder. Blue Pacific Flavors served a yuzu green tea latte with collagen, FocusAde Lemonade + Adaptogens with lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms and ashwagandha, and Mango Berry Rapid Hydration functional sports drink for deep hydration and muscle recovery. MANE refreshed attendees with a Cherry Vanilla Collagen Soda, featuring natural cherry flavor, natural vanilla flavor, and MANE’s C-Capture Natural Colors.

New Products

Ingredion announced the expansion of its plant protein line with VITESSENCE Pea 200 D, which was developed to solve challenges often experienced in nutritional beverages. The new ingredient brings improved dispersibility to applications where higher solubility is essential to building a smooth and creamy mouthfeel.

DHA algal oil from Cargill is produced from microalgae using a controlled fermentation process. This approach provides a reliable, traceable, and consistently high quality product, with less of the “fishy” taste present in DHA sourced from marine animals.

Icon Foods added Organic Soluble Tapioca Fiber Syrup to its ingredient offerings. In January 2025, the company will launch a new fiber blend of chicory root inulin, polydextrose, and tapioca fiber.

Bioenergy introduced RiboVite, a patent-pending synergistic combination of d-ribose and B vitamins that is said to revolutionize the oral bioavailability and cellular activation of B vitamins.

Microphyt unveiled ZenGut, a unique blend of bioactives that function as prebiotics, essential fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3), carotenoids (lutein), essential amino acids (tryptophan, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine), sterols (alpha-spinasterol), and a naturally occurring neuromodulator (phenylethylamine or PEA). The microalgae-based ingredient has been shown to influence the gut-brain axis to improve intestinal function, digestive comfort, and gut microbiota balance.

Euromed extended its range of Mediterranean fruit and vegetable extracts for healthy aging and well-being with perFix, a persimmon extract with benefits for weight management, promoting healthy body composition.

Company News and Research Developments

New research from companies demonstrated the industry’s commitment to giving consumers science-backed ingredients, foods, and beverages.

Brightseed unveiled new research on how its Bio Gut Fiber insoluble fiber supports both physical and mental GI wellness with a gentler touch. In addition, the company announced that its proprietary AI platform, Forager, was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024.

The recognition underscores Forager’s value in accelerating the discovery of bioactive compounds found in nature, and the delivery of a new category of health ingredients and insights for functional food, beverage, supplements, and specialized nutrition. Forager provides molecular insights to accelerate innovation, and fuels the development of Brightseed’s bioactive ingredients.

Kyowa Hakko USA discussed new research further validating its recently patented citicoline, Cognizin. The new research demonstrates the neuroprotective effects of Cognizin, revealing its potential to enhance cognitive function and support healthy brain aging.

Nexira presented an in vivo study conducted in 2024 that substantiated Carolean’s mechanism of action and demonstrated benefits in regulating appetite. Carolean is a natural and synergistic combination of carob and nopal. Carolean has shown the ability to significantly slow down gastric emptying measured both acutely and chronically along with a significant reduction of food intake (up to 47% of decrease after three weeks).ft