GALLERY: Meet the winners of NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2021 and their innovations

GALLERY-Meet-the-winners-of-NutraIngredients-Asia-Awards-2021-and-their-innovations.png

The fourth NutraIngredients-Asia Awards held on September 8 saw 44 finalists vying for 15 award categories. Take a look at what the judges have to say about the winners!

The fourth NutraIngredients-Asia Awards held on September 8 saw 44 finalists vying for 15 award categories. Take a look at what the judges have to say about the winners!

GALLERY: Meet the winners of NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2021 and their innovations
GALLERY: Meet the winners of NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2021 and their innovations

GALLERY: Meet the winners of NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2021 and their innovations 

Botanical Product of the Year: Visdon Rebrain Cognition Support by Visdon
Botanical Product of the Year: Visdon Rebrain Cognition Support by Visdon

Launched in 2020, Visdon Rebrain Cognition Support is 100% Australian made and manufacturer strictly following GMP standard during production. It has been listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia.

The formula of Rebrain has been carefully studied and selected. Sufficient supplies of phosphatidylserine and DHA can help maintain healthy neurons and signalling functions of the brain, with additional benefits from ginkgo and green tea. Rebrain is designed to help enhance brain health and promote cognitive performance in adults.

“The judges liked the evidence-backed ingredients behind its patent-pending and exclusive formula.”

Immune Support Product of the Year: iMUSE by Kirin
Immune Support Product of the Year: iMUSE by Kirin

Kirin discovered that L. lactis strain Plasma, the key ingredient in iMUSE, is the world’s first lactic acid bacterium that can activate immune system cells entirely through activating plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Backed by published research, iMUSE offers an easily accessible way to maintain immune health. iMUSE is Japan’s first-ever Food with Functional Claims product for immunity.

“The judges admired the scientific endeavour underpinning the products, its health claims success and commercial growth.”

Omega-3 Product of the Year: GO Hemp Seed Oil 1,100mg by GO Healthy
Omega-3 Product of the Year: GO Hemp Seed Oil 1,100mg by GO Healthy

GO HEMP SEED OIL 1,100mg is an extra virgin, cold-pressed oil, extracted from Hemp Seeds that provides one of nature’s most balanced sources of Omegas 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, to support everyday health and vitality.

“The judges liked its plant-based credentials and the commercial success it has enjoyed with a novel omega-3 product.”

Probiotic Product of the Year: Pure Happiness by Bened Biomedical
Probiotic Product of the Year: Pure Happiness by Bened Biomedical

Pure Happiness with PS128™ is formulated with Lactobacillus plantarum PS128, a stress-busting, happy-hormone-boosting psychobiotic; GABA, a “calm and collect” molecule that helps neurons relax, and prebiotic fibre inulin that protects and nourishes PS128 and other gut probiotics, boosting their benefits to our mind and body.

“The judges praised a deep commitment to research that was furthering understanding of the gut-brain axis through an innovative and market-leading product.”

Sports Nutrition Product of the Year: MuscleBlaze BIOZYME WHEY by Bright Lifecare (Blife)
Sports Nutrition Product of the Year: MuscleBlaze BIOZYME WHEY by Bright Lifecare (Blife)

MuscleBlaze BIOZYME WHEY is India’s first brand ever to have been rigorously tested and certified by Labdoor USA for accuracy of claims and purity. Its Enhanced Absorption Formula EAF is clinically proven to give 50% higher protein absorption than other whey products.

“The judges were impressed with the product’s commitment to high standards and achieving accreditation, along with delivering clear benefits to consumers.”

Beauty from Within Ingredient of the Year: ExceptionHYAL Star by ROELMI HPC
Beauty from Within Ingredient of the Year: ExceptionHYAL Star by ROELMI HPC

Based on HATech 2.0® - Full Spectrum Technology, ExceptionHYAL® Star is a biotechnological ingredient belonging to the next generation of hyaluronans and based on a specific spectrum of molecular weights. 

It provides a comprehensive and effective physiological-like stimulation of skin biology, thus providing quick, long-term, and reliable anti-ageing results. 

The judges were impressed with the technology behind the ingredient, the understanding of its mechanism of action, and its multiple documented benefits for Beauty-from-Within. 

Cognitive Function Ingredient of the Year: CurQfen® by Akay Natural Ingredients
Cognitive Function Ingredient of the Year: CurQfen® by Akay Natural Ingredients

CurQfen® is the natural, excipients free, bioavailable curcumin clinically validated for brain health with strong scientific data.

Brain pharmacokinetics can be considered as the 'litmus test' for free curcuminoids bioavailability of a formulation and its cognitive efficacy which includes improved blood brain barrier permeability; brain regional pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution; distribution of curcuminoids in the hippocampus region; reduction of occupational stress naturally and positive effects on brain waves, audio visual reaction time, and working memory. 

The judges liked the wealth of science and innovation behind the ingredient, as well as evidence of its commercial success. 

Healthy Ageing Ingredient of the Year: myHMB® + vitamin D by TSI Group
Healthy Ageing Ingredient of the Year: myHMB® + vitamin D by TSI Group

myHMB® + vitamin D supports muscle function and strength. HMB works by stimulating muscle protein synthesis and attenuating muscle protein breakdown, while adequate vitamin D status has been shown to be critical for the full realisation of the benefits of HMB in older adults. 

The judges were impressed with the research underpininning this product and its potential to deliver multiple benefits across the Healthy Ageing realm. 

Prebiotic ingredient of the year: Fibersol® by ADM
Prebiotic ingredient of the year: Fibersol® by ADM

Fibersol® is a proven, well-tolerated, and soluble dietary fibre that helps deliver the benefits of fibre without compromising on taste and texture or creating gastric discomfort or digestive intolerance. 

It is based on over 30 years of extensive clinical research, which has shown it reduces blood sugar spikes after a meal, delays hunger, stimulates appetite-regulating hormones, helps maintain intestinal regularity, and provides support for the gut. 

The judges admired the extensive research, evidence of significant commercial uptake, and the range of health benefits that can be delivered. 

Sports Nutrition Ingredient of the Year: HydroCurc® by Pharmako Biotechnologies
Sports Nutrition Ingredient of the Year: HydroCurc® by Pharmako Biotechnologies

HydroCurc® supports both sides of the continuum of boosting performance and improving recovery, with clinically proven relief from joint pain, muscle pain, and DOMS, for all consumers from elite athletes to active mothers or seniors. 

It is a water dispersible curcumin, with more curcuminoids than other bioavailable curcumins, lower excipients (only 10 per cent) and increased functionality. 

The judges were impressed by its bioavailability, the extensive research on its impact and mechanisms of action, as well as its success in the marketplace. 

Weight Management Ingredient of the Year: Metabolaid by Monteloeder
Weight Management Ingredient of the Year: Metabolaid by Monteloeder

Metabolaid is a proprietary formula based on hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts, highly purified in anthocyanins and verbascoside. 

Clinical studies have shown that the ingredient is targeted to manage excess body weight and cardiovascular health. 

The judges admired the evidence behind this product and the deep level of understanding behind its mechanism of action. 

Nutrition Research Project of the Year: The Effect of a Dispersible Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+ ®) Compared to a Placebo for Reducing Joint Pain in an Adult Population - A Randomised, Double-Blind Study
Nutrition Research Project of the Year: The Effect of a Dispersible Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+ ®) Compared to a Placebo for Reducing Joint Pain in an Adult Population - A Randomised, Double-Blind Study

Next to heart disease, chronic joint pain, and inflammation are the most common health issues. The research study reconfirmed and demonstrated how Levagen+® as an ingredient is able to reduce joint pain, confirming its effectiveness in supporting joint discomfort and stiffness. 

The judges commented on the gold-standard quality of the study and were impressed that it showed a continuing commitment to furthering understanding of both the ingredient and its benefits to consumers. 

Personalised Nutrition Project of the Year: Measurement of nutrition biomarkers to facilitate personalised health monitoring by Trajan Scientific and Medical
Personalised Nutrition Project of the Year: Measurement of nutrition biomarkers to facilitate personalised health monitoring by Trajan Scientific and Medical

Trajan Scientific and Medical provides a customer-centric, analytical monitoring service that allows individuals to take a simple fingerprick blood sample from home and deliver it to the laboratory for analysis, providing personalised, data-based evidence of nutritional status to guide health choices. 

The judges liked its consumer-centric approach, coupled with a personalised nutrition approach that is grounded in science. 

Start-up of the Year: Marl Wellness Company
Start-up of the Year: Marl Wellness Company

MARL is a biotechnology company specialising in the science, development, and manufacture of novel, innovative, and synergistically blended Synbiotic products containing pre, pro, and postbiotics. 

MARL's first ingredient, Synbiotica INU R62® remains viable even after commercial manufacturing processes such as the High-Temperature Pasteurisation and has been launched as a 12-month shelf life Clear Synbiotic Spring Water. 

The judges admired the company's dedication to innovation and research, as well as strong evidence of commercialisation opportunities. 

Editors' Award for Infant and Child Nutrition Initiative: >Your< Iron Syrup by PharmaLinea
Editors' Award for Infant and Child Nutrition Initiative: >Your< Iron Syrup by PharmaLinea

>Your< Iron Syrup is a private label food supplement addressing iron deficiency in children. It is the first supplement that is clinically proven to be able to correct iron status in iron-deficient children and enable them to avoid anaemia. 

The judges highly commended the initiative's ability to meet a clearly defined, and so far, an unmet consumer need, as well as its strong scientific grounding. 

NutraChampion: Verleen Goh from Alchemy Foodtech
NutraChampion: Verleen Goh from Alchemy Foodtech

Verleen is the Chief Food Fighter and Co-founder at Alchemy Foodtech, a Singapore government-backed food science company. 

Passionate about food science and its impact on health outcomes, she co-founded Alchemy Foodtech to work on food innovation that "Empowers Healthier Meals" through everyday foods, to help improve the management and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. 

Her work as CTO gave rise to the company's patented flagship product, Alchemy Fibre™. Alchemy Fibre™ has been tested and proven to work with all carb-based foods to confer health attributes, such as increasing fibre and lowering the glycemic index (GI) of foods without compromising on taste. 

Verleen is relentless in her research and is continuously working on new innovations that can make a positive impact on human health. 

The judges were highly impressed with Verleen's commitment to improving health outcomes, her technological and innovation skills, and her dedication to creating commercial products that can have a beneficial impact on consumers, while still enabling them to eat the foods they enjoy.