Health ingredients for better performance and wellbeing
Vitafoods 2015: Kaneka unveiled latest study results and concepts for products with Ubiquinol or Glavonoid™
Brussels (Belgium), May 2015 – At Vitafoods, Kaneka Pharma Europe showcased nutraceutical ingredients that improve performance and contribute to a healthy body. These included Ubiquinol, the active form of coenzyme Q10, which is crucial to the body’s energy production. Recent scientific findings show how Ubiquinol supplementation can be of further benefit to sportspeople and those who are under pressure at work. Besides Ubiquinol, the company also presented its Novel Food-approved licorice root extract Glavonoid™, which helps to reduce visceral fat.
Due to its higher bioavailability, Ubiquinol can be taken up by the body more quickly and efficiently than conventional coenzyme Q10. A recent study has shown that the vitamin-like nutrient also prevents a decrease in red blood cell volume and haemoglobin levels during strenuous exercise. This could have an ergogenic effect, as haemoglobin carries oxygen to body tissues in order to provide energy. As a dietary supplement, Ubiquinol may therefore help athletes to achieve top performance.
For more than a year now, Germany’s national weightlifting team has been using Ubiquinol in preparation for tournaments, with promising results: Performance and general wellbeing among the athletes has significantly improved. Many have also observed a noticeable enhancement in power and less exhaustion.
Beside its role in energy production, Ubiquinol is the only endogenously synthesised lipid-soluble antioxidant, and it protects cell membranes from free radical damage. Another study has shown that regular intake of Ubiquinol reduces physical symptoms caused by stress in the workplace. Thus, Ubiquinol can enhance employee engagement, indicating its usefulness in stress management.
At Vitafoods, Kaneka also presented Glavonoid™, a natural extract derived from licorice root, which offers support in fighting visceral fat. Its Novel Food status paves the way for use in a variety of new slimming and weight management products. The extract comes in oil form and can be used in nutritional supplements, as well as in functional food applications such as milk, yoghurt and fruit- or vegetable-based beverages. In Japan, Konami Sports & Life, a nationwide network of sports clubs, has successfully launched a Glavonoid™ supplement as part of its exercise and health programme. First products have also already entered the European market. These include Lipophedrine® from the French brand 3C Pharma, and xli.m Aktiv 130 capsules from the German company Biomo Pharma.
