24 Nov 2023 — With a focus on innovation and efficacy, the recently launched partnership between Italian botanical extract manufacturer Indena and dsm-firmenich is set to develop new products that combine phytonutrients with essential nutrients backed by science. 

Nutrition Insight sits down with Martin Dos Ramos, VP of dietary supplements at dsm-firmenich, to discuss the role of science and innovation in health solutions that the partners aim to develop. 

“Our strategic partnership with Indena will deliver next-generation botanical solutions for dietary supplements. Together, we intend to create science-backed product formulations to be delivered in nutritional premixes and market-ready solutions, helping our customers innovate with botanicals faster and streamline their operations.”  

“In addition to bringing together both companies’ scientific expertise, this new partnership will fully leverage dsm-firmenich’s flavor, taste masking and product formulation capabilities to make nutritional science taste better.” 

According to Dos Ramos, the partnership plans to launch new products immediately, having presented the first examples of co-developed botanical solutions at this year’s SupplySide West trade show in the US.

Future supplement solutions will combine essential nutrients backed by science with phytonutrients with a strong consumer appeal into new product formats that offer an enjoyable consumer experience. 

R&D in supplements  
The partnership is deeply rooted in science and innovation, says Dos Ramos. 

“Indena has a rich history of pioneering research and development in the botanical space. Dsm-firmenich is a science-based company with a broad portfolio of essential nutrients (vitamins, nutritional lipids, biotics, carotenoids and nutraceuticals), best-in-class flavor and masking capabilities and expertise in premix and market-ready solutions.” 

New supplement solutions will combine essential nutrients backed by science with phytonutrients.The Italian botanical extracts manufacturer brings its extracts, expertise in extraction technologies and phytonutrient science to dsm-firmenich’s Solutions business, underscores Dos Ramos. 

He adds that the two companies will also be collaborating on research programs. 

“Together, we will drive science and advancements to take dietary supplement solutions to the next level. For our customers, this will open up new avenues for innovation and the opportunity to design nutritional solutions in previously challenging formats to create a superior user experience with even stronger science-backed health benefits.” 

Mixing botanicals for health 
Dos Ramos highlights that combining botanical extracts with essential nutrients — such as omega-3s, vitamins, carotenoids and pre, pro and postbiotics — is challenging. 

“Introducing ingredients at the levels required to deliver health benefits usually compromises sensorial experience, limiting applications to traditional capsules and tablets. This new strategic partnership positions us to challenge this and offer effective solutions in various enjoyable formats that consumers love.”  

“Our understanding of botanical ingredients continues to expand, with promising research demonstrating their benefits for immunity, digestive health, mental well-being, heart health and more.” 

He adds that the partnership aims to create “human health solutions supported by rigorous science, clinical testing and groundbreaking delivery technologies. We’re exploring novel avenues by investigating combinations of essential nutrients and botanicals.” 

Co-developed solutions  
The prototypes presented at SupplySide West included solutions for health benefits, such as brain health, women’s health, gut health, healthy aging, immunity and eye health, shares Dos Ramos. 

He adds that all prototypes contained high concentrations of active ingredients and were offered in delicious product formats, including gummies, ready-to-mix powder stick packs and squeezable gels. 

“We intend to work closely with our customers to develop customized botanical-powered dietary supplements in all parts of the world to support our customers’ innovation efforts and elevate consumer experience globally.”

“For example, we designed a dietary supplement solution for brain health — available in a gummy format — that provides fast-acting brain support to help optimize cognitive performance.” 

Dos Ramos explains that the solution contains a combination of Virtiva Plus — a trademark of Indena — with life’sDHA and vitamin Quali B12, both brands of dsm-firmenich. 

Indena and dsm-firmenich will also be cooperating on research programs.“Another example is our new dietary supplement solution for immunity, containing ampli-D, Quercefit and zinc in a convenient, on-the-go powder stick format. ampli-D [from dsm-firmenich] is an innovative and more bioavailable form of vitamin D that is demonstrated to raise vitamin D levels in weeks rather than months.” 

“Quercefit is a unique formulation of quercetin providing improved bioavailability (up to 20 times more) thanks to Indena’s cutting-edge Phytosome technology.” 

He adds that the ingredient, trademarked by Indena, has antioxidant properties, provides immune support and may reduce the body’s response to allergens. 

“Age of Nature”  
Today’s consumers are interested in effective ingredients backed by science, natural solutions and enjoyable formats beyond tablets and capsules, asserts Dos Ramos. 

He adds that dsm-firmenich and Indena joined forces to lead innovation in the global nutritional, botanical market to deliver solutions that resonate with these consumer needs.  

“The initiative marks the emergence of a new era — one we’ve termed the new ‘Age of Nature,’” says Dos Ramos. 

The co-developed solutions will focus on specific health areas, such as brain, gut, eye and women’s health, as well as healthy aging and immunity support. 

“We’re excited about the scientific possibilities this partnership will unlock, particularly within the dietary supplement realm,” concludes Dos Ramos. 

By Jolanda van Hal

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