Cholesterol

Vivici achieves self-affirmed GRAS[1] status and launches nature-equivalent whey protein from fermentation less than a year after starting up

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 19, 2024

DELFT, Netherlands, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivici's whey protein from fermentation (beta-lactoglobulin) is commercially available for customers now, with self-affirmed GRAS in the USA.

Key Points: 
  • DELFT, Netherlands, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivici's whey protein from fermentation (beta-lactoglobulin) is commercially available for customers now, with self-affirmed GRAS in the USA.
  • Vivici's beta-lactoglobulin is a highly pure dairy whey protein equivalent to nature's version.
  • Vivici's nature-equivalent whey protein from fermentation provides brands with a more sustainable protein which doesn't compromise on taste, performance, or nutrition.
  • The protein is clean in color, neutral in flavor, and ready for use across a wide range of products, including ready-to-mix protein powders, ready-to-drink protein beverages and protein bars.

New clinical trial shows that algae-based omega-3 lecithin AlmegaPL® provides better cardiovascular health support compared to traditional omega-3 fish oils

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024

HOUSTON, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualitas Health, LLC (dba iwi life) The results of a new clinical trial show evidence that the microalgae-derived AlmegaPL®, the foundational ingredient produced by iwi life™, delivers clinically relevant results decreasing triglycerides by 14% and remnant cholesterol such as very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) by up to 25%.1,2  "This marks the second clinical trial endorsing the use of AlmegaPL® algal lecithin to support cardiovascular health in a generally healthy population," says Dr. Eneko Ganuza, a principal investigator who led the research.

Key Points: 
  • The new clinical trial led by Dr. Ganuza and sponsored by Qualitas Health was initiated to uncover just how effective an over-the-counter supplement can be in supporting cardiovascular health in the real-world population.
  • The findings support existing beliefs that EPA-only omega-3s like AlmegaPL® could provide greater cardiovascular benefits when compared to traditional sources of omega-3s like fish and krill oil that contain both EPA and DHA.
  • This highlights the use of naturally sourced AlmegaPL® algal oil as an over-the-counter supplement to help support cardiovascular health in the general healthy population."
  • There is something about the unique polar form in which this algal lecithin yields the omega-3s that prove highly beneficial to our heart health."

Embrace Heart Health and the Power of Walnuts During American Heart Month

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024

FOLSOM, Calif., Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey1 from California Walnuts just revealed that only one-fifth of Americans (19%) say they eat enough walnuts to support a diet for heart health. With their exceptional nutritional profile, Americans are missing out on a delicious and easy way to support a healthy heart.

Key Points: 
  • Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.,2 but research has shown that simple dietary changes can have a significant impact on heart health.
  • In recognition of American Heart Month, California Walnuts encourages Americans to embrace heart health by including walnuts in their daily diet.
  • Over the past three decades, studies have demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of walnuts, exploring how eating walnuts affects various factors related to heart health such as cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and blood vessel function.
  • Visit walnuts.org/american-heart-month for heart-healthy recipe ideas, tips for maintaining freshness and more information about walnuts and heart health.

Associations Between Mango Eaters and Moms-to-Be: Better Diets and Improved Nutrient Intakes

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Women trying to conceive, currently pregnant or lactating have unique nutritional needs often unmet by current dietary choices. A recent study, published in Nutrients, shows a significant finding: when mangos are incorporated into the diets of women of childbearing age (WCA), both overall diet quality and the intake of vital nutrients crucial for a healthy pregnancy markedly improve. These nutrients, often under consumed by 10 – 30% in the diets of pregnant women, see a significant boost in intake when mangos are consumed.

Key Points: 
  • Findings among mango eaters versus non-mango eaters show a 13% higher HEI score; higher intakes of fiber and vitamin C; and lower intakes of cholesterol, niacin, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, saturated fat and vitamin B12.
  • "These findings add to a growing body of research showing the positive impacts of adding mangos to diverse diets," says Leonardo Ortega, PhD, Research Director, National Mango Board.
  • Food and nutrient intakes were determined based on two 24-hour dietary recalls using dietary components from NHANES and What We Eat in America surveys.
  • Nutrient intakes were obtained from both interviews, and usual intake was determined by using the National Cancer Institute method.

New Culture Announces Self-GRAS for Animal-free Casein, World's First Cleared for Commercial Sale

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

SAN LEANDRO, Calif., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's first casein protein made without any animal inputs has been determined safe for consumption. New Culture, the animal-free dairy company, has self-affirmed that its animal-free casein is Generally Recognized as Safe ("GRAS") following a recent review by an independent panel of qualified scientific and toxicology experts. The company's self-GRAS determination means its casein can be sold, used, and consumed in the U.S. like any other food ingredient.

Key Points: 
  • New Culture , the animal-free dairy company, has self-affirmed that its animal-free casein is Generally Recognized as Safe ("GRAS") following a recent review by an independent panel of qualified scientific and toxicology experts.
  • The company's self-GRAS determination means its casein can be sold, used, and consumed in the U.S. like any other food ingredient.
  • This proven manufacturing process, precision fermentation, has been used for decades to make food ingredients and pharmaceuticals cost effectively, sustainably and animal-free.
  • New Culture intends to notify FDA of its self-GRAS determination in the near future.

Pacific Dental Services Marks American Heart Month with Expanded Focus on Oral Health Awareness

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Dental Services® (PDS), a leading dental and medical support organization in the U.S., is recognizing American Heart Month throughout February with several initiatives that highlight the growing link between oral health and heart health.

Key Points: 
  • IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Dental Services® (PDS), a leading dental and medical support organization in the U.S., is recognizing American Heart Month throughout February with several initiatives that highlight the growing link between oral health and heart health.
  • "During American Heart Month our focus is on raising awareness about the importance of maintaining optimal oral health — a key contributor to improved heart health," said Stephen E. Thorne, Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services.
  • PDS-supported clinicians regularly educate patients about the link between oral health and overall health — also known as the Mouth-Body Connection® .
  • Throughout American Heart Month, PDS is conducting several initiatives to increase awareness about the connection between oral health and heart health, such as:
    Participating in National Wear Red Day to show support and raise awareness for heart health.

Everly Health and National Kidney Foundation Partnership Aims to Save Lives Through Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

“We are excited to partner with Everly Health to expand education on chronic kidney disease and two of its major risk factors, diabetes and hypertension,” said Joseph Vassalotti, MD, Chief Medical Officer at the National Kidney Foundation.

Key Points: 
  • “We are excited to partner with Everly Health to expand education on chronic kidney disease and two of its major risk factors, diabetes and hypertension,” said Joseph Vassalotti, MD, Chief Medical Officer at the National Kidney Foundation.
  • The new test suite includes Heart and Kidney Health Test, Diabetes Monitoring Test, Kidney Health Test, and Heart Health Test as part of preventive care screening.
  • Everly Health Solutions and a national health plan recently launched a kidney health pilot program to distribute Everly Health’s Kidney Health Tests to over 10,000 members.
  • For more information about the Everly Health Solutions diabetes monitoring and kidney health testing suite, visit https://www.everlyhealthsolutions.com/ .

Remilk Makes History as First Animal-Free Milk Protein Greenlit for Use in Canada

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Remilk, a global leader in the development and production of animal-free dairy, announced today it has received Health Canada's "Letter of No Objection", enabling the use and sale of its animal-free BLG protein in Canada.

Key Points: 
  • In Feb 2023, Remilk received a "No Questions Letter" from the FDA and the Singapore Food Agency's approval.
  • Now, it is the first company producing animal-identical protein to receive Health Canada's No Objection Letter.
  • "This is an important day for us at Remilk, and a historic one for Canada as it opens its doors to the new-dairy revolution.
  • Remilk's animal-free BLG milk protein is equivalent to its cow-derived counterpart, but it is produced without a single cow, via precision fermentation.

How much weight do you actually need to lose? It might be a lot less than you think

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

But type “setting a weight loss goal” into any online search engine and you’ll likely be left with more questions than answers.

Key Points: 
  • But type “setting a weight loss goal” into any online search engine and you’ll likely be left with more questions than answers.
  • They’ll typically use a body mass index (BMI) calculator to confirm a “healthy” weight and provide a goal weight based on this range.
  • Most sales pitches will suggest you need to lose substantial amounts of weight to be healthy – making weight loss seem an impossible task.

Using BMI to define our target weight is flawed

  • So it’s no surprise we use measurements and equations to score our weight.
  • BMI classifies bodies as underweight, normal (healthy) weight, overweight or obese and can be a useful tool for weight and health screening.


fails to consider two critical factors related to body weight and health – body fat percentage and distribution
does not account for significant differences in body composition based on gender, ethnicity and age.

How does losing weight benefit our health?

  • Losing just 5–10% of our body weight – between 6 and 12kg for someone weighing 120kg – can significantly improve our health in four key ways.
  • But research shows improvements in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels are evident with just 5% weight loss.
  • Excess weight is linked to high blood pressure in several ways, including changing how our sympathetic nervous system, blood vessels and hormones regulate our blood pressure.
  • A meta-analysis of 25 trials on the influence of weight reduction on blood pressure also found every kilo of weight loss improved blood pressure by one point.
  • Research shows just 7% weight loss reduces risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.
  • In one study each kilogram of weight loss resulted in a fourfold decrease in the load exerted on the knee in each step taken during daily activities.

Focus on long-term habits

  • An analysis of 29 long-term weight-loss studies found participants regained more than half of the weight lost within two years.
  • When we lose weight, we take our body out of its comfort zone and trigger its survival response.
  • Read more:
    What's the 'weight set point', and why does it make it so hard to keep weight off?


losing weight in small manageable chunks you can sustain, specifically periods of weight loss, followed by periods of weight maintenance, and so on, until you achieve your goal weight
making gradual changes to your lifestyle to ensure you form habits that last a lifetime.
Setting a goal to reach a healthy weight can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to be a pre-defined weight according to a “healthy” BMI range. Losing 5–10% of our body weight will result in immediate health benefits. At the Boden Group, Charles Perkins Centre, we are studying the science of obesity and running clinical trials for weight loss. You can register here to express your interest.
Dr Nick Fuller works for the University of Sydney and has received external funding for projects relating to the treatment of overweight and obesity. He is the author and founder of the Interval Weight Loss program.

RFK, Esperion Therapeutics Announce 2024 Promotional Schedule

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

CONCORD, N.C., Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RFK Racing and Esperion Therapeutics have announced the promotional schedule for the 2024 season, highlighted by a four-race slate, and numerous accompanying campaigns and initiatives, all driving awareness of its two brands – NEXLIZET (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) and NEXLETOL (bempedoic acid) used for adults on a statin to reduce LDL-cholesterol.

Key Points: 
  • CONCORD, N.C., Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RFK Racing and Esperion Therapeutics have announced the promotional schedule for the 2024 season, highlighted by a four-race slate, and numerous accompanying campaigns and initiatives, all driving awareness of its two brands – NEXLIZET (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) and NEXLETOL (bempedoic acid) used for adults on a statin to reduce LDL-cholesterol.
  • Brad Keselowski’s debut with the brand comes at the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro (May 19).
  • In addition, Buescher will attend the annual American College of Cardiology (ACC) session on behalf of Esperion, in April in Atlanta.
  • “Our partnership thus far with RFK has proven to be very successful in many facets, and we’re excited to again embark on a new journey with the team in 2024,” said Sheldon Koenig, CEO, Esperion.