Simple ways to boost your cardiovascular health
Simple ways to boost your cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular health refers to the health of the cardiovascular system. Its definition is based on all the behaviors and health factors that, when optimal, are associated with better cardiovascular disease-free survival and quality of life. Choosing a healthy diet, being more active, and maintaining normal blood lipid and glucose levels are some of the strategies that help to maintain great cardiovascular health throughout our lives.
How to define cardiovascular health?
The American Heart Association has provided a number of metric definitions that can be used to classify poor, intermediate, or ideal cardiovascular health. These include diet, physical activity, smoking, sleep, weight, blood and glucose levels, and blood pressure.
Pursuing a healthier lifestyle from a young age is a great strategy for maintaining ideal cardiovascular health throughout our lives. This will result in a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, strokes, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and vein diseases (1).
In this article, we will dive into the 7 ways to improve your cardiovascular health!
Healthy eating behaviors
Creating a healthy eating pattern represents an easy way to improve your cardiovascular health. This means preferring certain foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, plant-based proteins, fish and limiting sweetened drinks, alcohol, full-fat dairy products, and highly processed foods.
Avoiding trans-fat and partially hydrogenated oils that are contained in many commercial baked goods represents another good and easy strategy to improve your eating habits (1).
Poly-phenols derived from olives also have many beneficial effects and represent a promising, natural ingredient for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (2).
Quit smoking
Smoking is deleterious for your circulatory system as it increases your risk of stroke in both men and women. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products contain many toxic chemicals, as do their smoke, and liquids. Several beneficial changes occur after quitting smoking and within 1 year after quitting, your risk of heart disease goes down by half (1).
Increase your physical activity levels
Regular exercise and physical activity are associated with remarkable health benefits. Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of both, throughout the week. Parking farther away from your work or taking the stairs instead of the elevator contributes to your physical activity levels and improves your health benefits (1).
Improve your sleep quality
Sleep plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. Short sleep duration or poor sleep quality is associated with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and atherosclerosis. These conditions can be prevented by aiming for an average of 7-9 hours of good sleep a day (1).
Control your body weight
Maintaining a healthy weight, defined as a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 for adults, can help reduce the risk of many heart problems such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
A few strategies that can help control your body weight include choosing a healthy diet, increasing your physical activity levels, limiting alcohol, avoiding stress, and improving your sleep quality (1).
Maintain normal blood lipid and glucose levels
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs, in the right amounts, for good health. Unhealthy levels of cholesterol can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke. Checking your cholesterol levels regularly can help you understand whether you have normal blood lipid levels.
Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage your health too. Blood glucose levels rise because of the glucose that enters the bloodstream and insulin, a hormone that helps the cells take up the glucose they can use for energy production.
A healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, and lean animal proteins, may help you control cholesterol and glucose levels. Other strategies that are good for your cholesterol and glucose levels include being more active, quitting smoke, and maintaining a healthy weight (3).
Control your blood pressure
Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of your blood on the walls of the arteries as your heart pumps it throughout your body. When your blood pressure is permanently higher than normal, the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases.
There are no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, which means it is crucial to have regular check-ups to measure it. Simple changes to your lifestyle, such as eating healthy and being more active can help manage your blood pressure over time (4).
How to improve your cardiovascular health?
To summarize, choosing a healthy diet, quitting smoking, being more active, improving sleep health, maintaining normal blood lipid, and glucose levels, and managing your blood pressure are great strategies to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease thus, improving your cardiovascular health.
Exploring the ways blood sugar impacts your health
Exploring the ways blood sugar impacts your health
Are you aware that your blood sugar levels can change frequently, and it is important to maintain a stable level in order to improve your overall health? In this article, you will get acquainted with the reason your blood sugar levels might fluctuate, the effects of these changes on your health, and tips to help you on maintaining a stable blood sugar level.
Sugar and blood sugar levels
Sugars and carbohydrates are widely consumed substances across the world. They play a vital role in providing energy to the body and in regulating the blood sugar levels, or blood glucose levels, throughout the day (1).
After a meal, our metabolism works to keep our blood sugar levels steady. It does this by reducing the production of sugar (glucose) and promoting its storage as both short-term and long-term energy reserves (2).
The way your body metabolism responds after eating depends on the type of sugar you consume – simple sugars or complex sugars (1). Foods such as sugar-sweetened foods, beverages, and refined grains are a source of simple sugars, which are associated with higher increases on blood sugar levels.
Sources of complex sugars include minimally processed grains, legumes, and whole fruits. These are considered as a better option to maintain a steady blood sugar level.
When simple sugars and complex sugars are consumed in excess, or under consumed from processed food sources, acute and/or chronic conditions might arise as consequences.
What happens if your blood sugar levels are too high?
We already know that high blood sugar levels might have negative impacts on our health. Stress, some sort of medications, insulin resistance and an unhealthy lifestyle are the core of the increasing of the blood sugar levels (2,3).
Usually, people with higher blood sugar levels tend to experience an increase in feeling thirsty and they have a higher urinating frequency. Experiencing blurred vision, headaches, and fatigue are also symptoms.
On the long term, high blood sugar levels are associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other organ damages, like nerves, eyes, kidneys, and brain (3).
What happens if your blood sugar levels are too low?
On the other hand, the low blood sugar levels might also have negative impact on your health, occurring when you don’t eat enough carbohydrates according to your nutritional requirements or when the physical exercise is inappropriate in contrast to your food intake (2).
If your body is deprived of having enough fuel to sustain life, the central nervous system won’t be able to synthesize glucose, store, or concentrate glucose from the body circulation (4). As consequence, a brief decrease on the blood sugar levels might cause severe central nervous system dysfunction, and a prolonged decrease might cause cell death and coma.
Commonly, but depending on the severity and duration of the low blood sugar level, people tend to experience shakiness, confusion, irritability, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
Strategies to maintain a stable blood sugar level
To begin with, it is important to understand what the normal blood sugar levels are. A fasting blood glucose level between 70 and 99 mg/dL is considered normal regardless of some variations caused by diet, physical exercise or medication as mentioned before (1–2).
When the blood sugar levels are higher or lower than this level some strategies need to be considered:
1. Implementing a healthy diet according to your nutritional needs is one of the strategies to maintain a stable blood sugar levels (5).
Specifically, consuming high in fibre foods such as foods rich in whole grains as source of arabinoxylans seems to be a good adding to a healthy diet along with fruits and vegetables (6). Curious about arabinoxylans? Read our article here.
What’s more? Lean proteins, and healthy fats and limited added sugars consuming are as well associated with better blood sugar control.
2. Physical exercise is an essential part of a comprehensive lifestyle changing (5). Studies have shown that both aerobic and resistance training have positive effects, and that combining the two types of exercise has even more positive effects. This way, combining a healthy eating with physical exercise is crucial on stabilising the blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight balance.
Why is it important to keep blood sugar stable?
Summarising, having high blood sugar levels increase the chances of developing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. On the other hand, having low blood sugar levels can cause problems with cognitive function and other complications. This way, adopting a healthy diet, being physically active, and controlling your weight might helping you on maintaining a stable blood sugar levels and lower the risk of experiencing these adverse health effects.
New in vitro co-culture model study published with citrus flavonoid extract MicrobiomeX®
New in vitro co-culture model study published with citrus flavonoid extract MicrobiomeX®
Press release
British Journal of Nutrition has recently published a new in vitro co-culture model study with a citrus flavonoid extract MicrobiomeX® and its metabolites, hesperetin and naringenin. The novel publication suggests that these citrus flavonoids, as well as their metabolites, may reduce intestinal inflammation.
New in vitro co-culture model study published with citrus flavonoid extract MicrobiomeX®
MicrobiomeX® is a first-in-class Flavobiotic® developed by BioActor, that combines active ingredients from Citrus sinensis and Citrus paradisi. MicrobiomeX® has already been studied and reported to have various beneficial effects on the gut and immunity. MicrobiomeX® consists of standardised citrus flavonoids, that form active metabolites, hesperetin and naringenin, in the gut after being deglycosylated by the gut microbiota.
In the recently published in-vitro study, a validated co-culture system of Caco-2/THP-1 cells as model for intestinal inflammation and cytokine-induced barrier disruption was used to determine the effects of citrus flavonoids and their metabolites on intestinal inflammation.
During the research, cells were treated with citrus flavonoids, their metabolites, or a vehicle control. Additionally, cells were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is known to induce inflammation and deterioration in epithelial integrity.
The conclusion highlights that hesperetin and naringenin significantly reduced NF-kB activity, leading to a reduction in intestinal inflammation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, TNF-α and IL-6 were also significantly reduced after hesperetin and naringenin administration.
The mechanism behind this reduction in inflammation can be ascribed to partial inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway.
“We are very happy with the results of this study, as we were able to show that both the citrus flavonoids themselves and their metabolites are able to reduce inflammation in the intestine”, says Yala Stevens, CSO of BioActor. “These new scientific insights on MicrobiomeX® will allow us to consolidate its applications to products targeting gut health and immune function”.
About BioActor
BioActor, based at the Maastricht Health Campus, Netherlands, is a life science company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & consumer health industries. The company focuses on the development of plant-based health ingredients for active living and healthy ageing. The goal is to provide the nutrition & consumer health industries with clinically tested innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact BioActor via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities MicrobiomeX® has to offer.
Further information can be found on: www.microbiomex.com and www.bioactor.com
What is the TIM-2 system? An in-vitro model of the colon
What is the TIM-2 system? An in-vitro model of the colon
The TIM-2 model is a dynamic gastrointestinal model, which is used for in-vitro research. The TIM-2 model can be used to study changes in the microbiota composition and the production of beneficial molecules in the gut. It resembles the human large intestine, including peristalsis, dialysis, and microorganisms. It is a good model that provides short experiment durations and the studies done with it are highly reproducible.
What is the TIM-2 model?
The TIM-2 (TNO in-vitro) model is a computer-controlled dynamic in-vitro gastrointestinal model of the colon used in research to study changes in the microbiota composition.
This model closely mimics part of the human large intestine, including its microorganisms, peristaltic movements, temperature (37ºC) and acidic pH (5.8).
What is the TIM-2 model used for in research?
The TIM-2 model has a wide range of applications in research. It can be used to study changes in the microbiota composition and production of beneficial molecules such as short-chain fatty acids associated with specific dietary patterns or ingredients and, consequently, to increase human health through the understanding of microbiota.
Due to the health benefits of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), many studies have focused on carbohydrate fermentation and the subsequent production of SCFA.
However, it has also been used to study the effects of probiotics after antibiotic treatment, fermentation of prebiotic fibres, metabolization of molecules such as flavonoids and even to investigate the differences in microbiota from lean and obese individuals.
Watch the interview with prof. Koen Venema
Difference between TIM-2 model and other in-vitro models
Compared to other in-vitro models, TIM-2 holds some unique features, which allow predicting what would happen in an actual clinical trial.
The way the peristaltic movements are produced in the TIM-2 model gives a better mixing of the components than what would be accomplished by stirring or shaking. Thanks to this, in TIM-2 there is no phase-separation of solids and liquids, which is what occurs in other models.
On the other hand, in vivo microbial metabolites are normally taken up by the gut epithelium. This is, of course, not possible in an in-vitro model, but the TIM-2 model features a unique dialysis system that removes these metabolites produced by microorganisms.
The accumulation of these microbial metabolites would otherwise result in the inhibition or death of the microorganisms present in the model. Therefore, the dialysis system allows maintaining a highly active microbiota, with a similar density to that found in the human intestine.
In other systems, metabolites tend to accumulate. In fact, with the TIM-2 model, since all the microbial metabolites are collected, they can be measured, which is something not possible in a real-life setting.
What are the advantages and limitations of the TIM-2 model?
Advantages of the TIM-2 model include:
• Short experiment duration. Compared to other models, experiments are quick, usually taking three test days or even less.
• Presence of peristaltic movements and dialysis system. These two unique features allow predicting what would happen in an actual clinical trial.
• Single parameter study. If a single parameter in the system is changed, the effect of that parameter on the microbiota can be studied.
• Highly reproducible. Since the model is computer-controlled, it is highly reproducible.
Like other in-vitro models, the TIM-2 model has some limitations, which include:
• Absence of gut epithelial cells, immune cells and neurons. However, samples can be taken and incubated with these kinds of cells to investigate interactions.
• Based mostly on healthy individuals. The model has been developed based on data coming from mostly healthy individuals. For this reason, it is unclear exactly which parameters to adjust when simulating patient populations.
• Absence of feedback mechanisms. Due to this, as with similar in-vitro models, the results will always be an indication of what may occur in real life and, therefore, they should be interpreted carefully.
What are postbiotics? Let's find out!
What are postbiotics? Let’s find out!
Probiotics and prebiotics are very popular nowadays for their positive effects on gut health. Most recently, postbiotics, which are products or metabolites released from microbial fermentation, have also gained attention due to their health benefits. However, they are still unknown to the majority of consumers.
What are postbiotics?
Postbiotics are defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. In other words, they are the bacterial products or metabolites released from microbial fermentation.
For this reason, postbiotics include several types of compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids (that have several health benefits), microbial cell fragments, functional proteins, extracellular polysaccharides, cell lysates or teichoic acid.
Unlike probiotics, postbiotics do not need to be alive to be beneficial, so they are more stable than the living bacteria they are derived from. [1]
Why postbiotics?
Why postbiotics when I can already take probiotics and prebiotics? This may be a question that comes up.
It is important to understand that gut microbiota composition varies between individuals. This means that the degree to which different components are metabolized may be different among persons.
As a result, probiotics and prebiotics may have different health effects between individuals. Moreover, temporal changes in our gut microbiota composition could also influence the effects of these compounds.
On the other hand, many positive health effects of probiotics and prebiotics are due to the production of components such as short-chain fatty acids, microbial fragments, functional proteins or teichoic acid.
As mentioned before, these components are postbiotics, which means that when postbiotics are taken, these components are directly ingested.
If you want to know more about prebiotics, check this article. Or if you are familiar with prebiotics, this article about synbiotics might be for you!
What are the health benefits of postbiotics?
Research suggests that postbiotics may have several health benefits. These include the following:
• Modulation of the microbiota. Postbiotics components such as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, are beneficial for gut health. [2]
• Modulation of the immune system. Butyrate can stimulate the production of T cells in the intestine, which helps control immune responses. Other components such as microbial cell wall fragments can increase the production of cytokines, which are chemical messengers that help reduce inflammation and boost immune responses. [2,3]
• Modulation of the metabolism. Propionate, a short-chain fatty acid, can help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. On the other hand, butyrate can stimulate the production of an antioxidant called glutathione. [1,2]
• Weight loss aid. Short-chain fatty acids may help weight loss through the modification of eating behaviours. This is due to the release of hormones that increase satiety. [1]
• Reduction of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. A study in 443 individuals with IBS involving orally administered, heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum, found that the postbiotic substantially alleviated symptoms associated with IBS, such as abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating and abnormal bowel habits. [4]
• Other potential benefits. Orally administered, inactivated lactic acid bacteria may help eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic unexplained diarrhoea and the abrogation of the negative effects of stress. [1]
How can I add postbiotics to my diet?
Postbiotics are not as easy to find as probiotics and prebiotics, but they can be purchased in health food stores and online. They are generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
As postbiotics are generated from fermentation by the bacteria in your gut, you can increase postbiotics production by eating foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods and drinks, such as yoghurt, kefir, tempeh or kombucha. Prebiotics can be found in high fibre foods, such as vegetables and whole-grain products.
The health benefits of Aronia Berry: why should you consume this superfruit?
The health benefits of Aronia Berry: why should you consume this superfruit?
Aronia berries are small dark fruits that are becoming increasingly popular amongst health-conscious consumers. Current research suggests that due to their excellent content in micronutrients and antioxidant properties, these berries may provide important health benefits on immune health, cardiovascular function, brain health as well as exhibiting anti-diabetic function.
What is Aronia berry?
Aronia berries, are little dark fruits, belonging to the Rosaceae Family. Aronia is native to easter and North America but it is also commonly found in the Baltic region of Europe where it was introduced in the first half of the 20th century.
The reason why these berries are also called “Chokeberries” is that when consumed fresh off the shrub, they make your mouth tickle due to their incredibly strong tart taste and mouth-drying effect.
Though many people have never heard about them, Aronia berries are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers and are considered a real superfruit.
What are the health benefits of Aronia berries?
To answer this question we need to first take a step back in the past where, traditionally, Aronia was used by the North American Forest Potawatomi tribe as a cold remedy.
They called these fruits “nîki’mînûn” and used them to make a traditional tea. The reason why Aronia berry was found to be so effective in treating common cold symptoms is probably linked to their extremely powerful antioxidant capacity.
Nowadays, it is well-known that antioxidants in Aronia outperform any other fruits, even elderberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Aronia berries contain high levels of vitamin C, but the real claim to fame is their high level of polyphenols, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins [1]. These are types of antioxidants that help to fight the damages caused by free radicals in the body, and it is these antioxidants where Aronia berries can have their greatest impact on our health and wellbeing.
In fact, Aronia is considered a real superfruit due to its high level of antioxidant phytonutrients that can be beneficial in many ways.
Research around Aronia berries have focused on several health benefit areas, and there is evidence to suggest that these fruits may have the potential to:
- Strengthen the immune system [2].
- Improves cardiovascular function [3].
- Improve brain health [4].
- Help against metabolic syndrome [5].
- Prevent urinary tract infections [6].
Nutritional Facts
Aronia berries are low-calories fruits, full of important micro-nutrients accountable for their numerous health benefits.
100 g of Aronia berries provide the following nutrients [7]:
- Calories: 47.0 (197 Kj)
- Carbs: 9.6 g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.4g
- Fiber: 5.3g
- Vitamin A: 350 IU (7% DV)
- Vitamin C: 21 mg (35% DV)
- Vitamin K: 13.6 mcg (17% DV)
- Manganese: 0.6 mg (32% DV)
Moreover, researchers have identified a total of 7 different anthocyanins in Aronia berries. These include phytocompounds such as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, a key molecule for brain health. It has been reported that cyanidin-3-O-glucoside exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities, while also enhancing spatial memory, cognition and psychomotor control.
How to get more Aronia berries in your diet
Unfortunately, it is not easy to commonly find fresh Aronia berries on the shelf at the grocery store.
However, there are many alternatives. Especially in specialised stores or online it is possible to buy Aronia in form of frozen or dried fruits, tea, jams, juice and wines.
Another effective way to include Aronia in your diet can be through the use of dietary supplements. This can be a great way to ensure you are getting the most out of the health benefits of Aronia berries.
Curious to know more? Here’s everything you need to know about Aronia berries and brain health!
A new study with Olecol® on attenuating sugar digestion and absorption has been published in a peer reviewed scientific journal.
A new study with Olecol® on attenuating sugar digestion and absorption has been published in a peer reviewed scientific journal.
Press release
The European Journal of Nutrition has published the results of the latest in-vitro and human studies with Olecol®. Olecol® attenuates post-prandial glucose spikes in healthy volunteers through the inhibition of sucrose hydrolysis and glucose transport by oleuropein.
Clinical & In-Vitro benefits of Olecol®
Oleuropein is a major constituent of olive leaves, many studies have shown the beneficial effect on various factors related to diabetes and cardiovascular development. Olecol® is standardized in oleuropein content, highly water-soluble and has already shown in two clinical studies to improve blood lipid profiles in subjects with dyslipidaemia.
The latest research on Olecol® conducted by research of Prof. Gary Williamson from University of Leeds in collaboration with BioActor, evaluated the effect of Olecol® on sugar digestion and absorption.
The researchers at Leeds University first conducted in-vitro experiments to study both carbohydrate digestion enzymes and sugar transporters in vitro. This research demonstrated how these mechanisms can positively modulate postprandial glucose in healthy volunteers consuming different types of carbohydrate. Subsequently, another in vitro study showed that Olecol® inhibited intestinal maltase, human sucrase, glucose transport across Caco-2 monolayers cells, and uptake of glucose by GLUT2 in oocyte cells.
Seven cross-over controlled randomized intervention studies, were performed on young healthy volunteers. Five minutes after either placebo or Olecol® intake, participants were given 109g of white bread (containing 50 g of available carbohydrates). It was shown that the combined action of Olecol® on sucrase and on glucose transport can lead to a significant decrease in peak glucose in healthy volunteers.
The multiple benefits of Olecol® are: improvement of blood lipid control in both subjects with hypercholesterolemia and overweight, strong antioxidant proprieties and attenuation of post- prandial sugar peaks in healthy subjects.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands, is a product development company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. The company focuses on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy aging. The goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact us via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Olecol® has to offer.
Further information can be found on: www.olecol.com
Cordiart® and Bonolive®obtained registration by the Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency
Cordiart® and Bonolive®obtained registration by the Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency
Press release
Both Cordiart® and Bonolive® obtained registration by the Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. Both finished capsule products of which one containing Cordiart® and the other Bonolive® are now officially registered and can be sold on the Malaysian market.
The Cordiart® and Bonolive® In Malaysia
Cordiart® and Bonolive® containing finished capsule products, named Smoozflo and Bonee Care, have been officially approved and registered in Malaysia by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. Cordiart® finished capsule products are registered to be used for improving blood circulation under registration number MAL16110075TC. Bonolive® finished capsule products are registered to be used to strengthen bones and joints under registration number MAL16060038TC.
Both Cordiart® and Bonolive® have been clinically evaluated to have significant effects:
Two studies have shown that Cordiart® provides a triple protection of the arteries by improving arterial flexibility, reduces plaque formation, and lower arterial inflammation. The first study targeted patients with metabolic syndrome and impaired endothelial function, whilst the second study was looking at healthy overweight people. In both studies Cordiart® increased flow-mediated dilation compared to placebo. In addition the second study showed a reduction of the levels of adhesion molecules, responsible for plaque formation, and a reduction of the levels of inflammation markers, reflecting the inflammatory status of the arteries.
A 12-month double-blind, placebo-controlled study on a group of osteopenic patients consuming 250 mg/daily of Bonolive® showed a 32% significant increase in serum osteocalcin levels. This validates that Bonolive® prevents bone loss by strengthening bone metabolism and stimulating bone-building cell activity.
If you are interested in these products please feel free to contact our distributor for the Malaysian market, Membra Health, at info@membra.com.my.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands, is a product development company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. The company focuses on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy aging. The goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact us via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Cordiart® and Bonolive® has to offer.
Further information can be found on: www.cordiart.com and www.bonolive.com
Clinical results published in a leading nutrition journal provide novel evidence supporting the beneficial effect of consumption of citrus flavanones on postprandial endothelial function.
Clinical results published in a leading nutrition journal provide novel evidence supporting the beneficial effect of consumption of citrus flavanones on postprandial endothelial function.
Maastricht, Netherlands, April 6, 2017
Press release
The British Journal of Nutrition has published results revealing that an acute, sole dose of citrus flavanones may counteract the transient decline in endothelial function, 7-hours postprandially. However, no effect was found 2-hours postprandially. This study corroborates findings from the latest clinical study on Cordiart®, a sweet orange extract. Moreover, it was shown that a repeated daily dose of standardized citrus flavanones may impart already 2-hours postprandially, a faster recovery in FMD response as compared to a sole dose.
The Clinical Benefits of Cordiart®
A recently published randomized, controlled, double-masked, crossover study (2017) has evaluated the acute impact (0-7 h) of flavanone-containing (mg) 240 ml beverages (orange juice: 128.9 mg; flavanone-rich orange juice: 272.1 mg; homogenized whole orange: 452.8 mg) on postprandial (Western diet/double meal with 81 g of fat) vascular function among middle-aged healthy men (30-65 years, N=28). Subjects had mild cardiometabolic risk factors with a baseline FMD (flow-mediated dilation) of 4.8 units and fasting lipids in the upper half of the normal range (TAG 0.8-3.2 mmol/l, total cholesterol 6.0-8.0 mmol/l) or BMI 25-32 kg/m2.
After 2-hours postprandially, there was no detected improvement in % FMD for all three interventions, despite differing flavanone concentrations. By 7-hours postprandially, all interventions were able to attenuate temporary impairments in FMD to that of baseline levels (7-hours post intake, P<0.05). This was suggested to be due to probable actions of citrus flavanone metabolites on nitric oxide.
Even though these results are promising, it can also be implied that an individual is exposed to endothelial dysfunction for up to 7-hours. By this time, it is common to have already consumed another meal (Western diet), reflecting that the majority of the day is spent in a postprandial state. This absence of a rapid postprandial effect may also be attributed to low flavanone bioavailability.
The article concludes that a daily intake of citrus flavanones may be an effective dietary strategy and ‘such temporary vascular changes repeated on a daily basis can critically impact long-term vascular health and overall chronic disease risk ’
Given the former, it’s important to have a rapid improvement in endothelial function postprandially. This was shown in a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that investigated the effects of a daily repeated intake of 500mg of Cordiart® on endothelial function. Already 2-hours after the consumption of a high-fat meal, 6-weeks of Cordiart® supplementation was shown to significantly increase and recover FMD (mean) by approximately 8.9% when compared to the mean baseline fasting level, in individuals with borderline chronic endothelial impairment (FMD≥3%). Therefore, Cordiart® may provide a faster recovery in FMD response as compared to a sole dose of non-standardized flavanones.
Moreover, orange juice is known to contain a high amount of sugar and is not standardized for active flavonoid content. Overall, Cordiart® provides a standardized dose of flavonoids, serving as an optimal solution for preserving endothelial function and supporting healthy blood flow.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands, is a product development company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. The company focuses on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy aging. The goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact us via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Cordiart® has to offer.
Further information can be found on: www.cordiart.com
Naxus®| Results of a randomized controlled trial on reinforcement of intestinal epithelial barrier by arabinoxylans in overweight and obese subjects published in high impact journal
Naxus®| Results of a randomized controlled trial on reinforcement of intestinal epithelial barrier by arabinoxylans in overweight and obese subjects published in high impact journal
Maastricht, Netherlands, March 8, 2017
Press release
The Clinical Nutrition Journal has published the results of the latest clinical study on the effect of arabinoxylans on gut barrier. Naxus® is a clinically evaluated wheat arabinoxylan concentrate produced by BioActor BV for the support of digestive health. The article concludes that “regular consumption of arabinoxylans results in a more beneficial fermentation profile in overweight and obese individuals.” Such a fermentation profile may lead to improved gut barrier function and immune health.
The Clinical Benefits of Naxus®
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study the effect of 6-weeks daily intake of 7.5g or 15g arabinoxylans, supplied as Naxus® by BioActor BV, on intestinal permeability was evaluated.
Obesity and metabolic diseases are associated with alterations in microbial composition and impaired gut barrier. The aims of the study were to investigate the effect of Naxus® on intestinal permeability, on gene transcription and protein expression of tight junctions, intestinal microbiota composition and activity, immune response and metabolic markers in overweight and obese individuals. Modulating gut microbiota composition, which influences its effect on intestinal homeostasis, appears to be a promising strategy to treat and prevent chronic diseases.
Gut biopsy specimens showed an upregulation of gene transcription of tight junction and associated proteins in both the 7.5g and 15g Naxus® group compared to placebo. Moreover, intake of Naxus® significantly decreased fecal pH and increased fecal concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate, propionate and butyrate, compared to placebo
In conclusion, regular consumption of Naxus® resulted in a more beneficial fermentation, i.e. SCFA, profile in overweight and obese individuals. Such a fermentation profile could translate into improved gut barrier function and immune health. Furthermore, an increased gene transcription of several transmembrane proteins was observed. Finally it was shown that 15g Naxus® might have an anti-inflammatory potential and the intake of Naxus® is well-tolerated.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands, is a product development company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. The company focuses on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy aging. The goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact us via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Naxus® has to offer.
Further information can be found on: www.naxus.nl
