Stratum Nutrition says IQF buy-out gives it strong EU platform

03-Dec-2010 - Last updated on 11-Feb-2011 at 16:17 GMT

Related tags Nutrition Atherosclerosis

Stratum Nutrition says that the takeover of Spanish carotenoid producer IQF Group will help raise the European profile of functional food ingredients like its novel fibre Artinia.

Speaking to NutraIngredients.com at HIE Madrid, marketing specialist Heather Thompson said that one advantage of Stratum’s parent Novus International acquiring IQF was to provide a “recognised EU brand profile” .

She said that this was important given that HIE marked the EU launch of Missouri-based Stratum Nutrition’s chitin-glucan novel vegetarian food ingredient Artinia, which is marketed as promoting clean arteries and overall cardiovascular health.

Study results in offing

Thompson said that Stratum Nutrition was expecting preliminary results from it’s a six-week human and animal randomised intervention study into Artinia in the first quarter of 2011, where the firm is examining oxidisation of LDL cholesterol that creates fatty tissues and cardiovascular issues, prior to pursuing proprietary science (article 13.5) health claims through EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority).

Stratum Nutrition said the trial, undertaken with its Belgian commercial partner Kitozyme, will also assess Artinia’s effects on “other established biomarkers of glycemic control, inflammation and human safety”, and follows previous 12-week animal and 30-day human pilot studies that concluded benefits for arterial and overall heart health.

“We’re looking into better identifying the mechanism of action, dosage levels and the precise product combination,” said Thompson, adding that Stratum Nutrition considers 2g per day of Artinia – developed as a fine, free-flowing powder – as a full dose.

Balanced interest in Madrid

Stratum presented Artinia concept products at the show ranging from nutrition bars and smoothies to gummy sweets, and Thompson said there had been “significant interest” in Madrid, “with many looking at dietary supplements, as well as baked goods, confectionery, yoghurt and some dairy.”

She added that, at the mid-show point, Stratum were “pleasantly surprised” at the balance in interest between the food and beverage and supplement sectors.

IQF Group's current food ingredient portfolio includes the beta-carotene Betacol, Canthacol canthaxanthin and the natural lutein Lutecol. Stratum Nutrition is expected to bring these known brands into its own functional portfolio.