Euglena acquires microalgae business to strengthen immune health range
Japanese company Euglena is acquiring the microalgae business of Kobelco Eco-Solutions, which it says will beef up its immune health offerings.
The acquisition, which is expected to be completed in early May, will see Euglena take over Kobelco Eco-Solutions’ Euglena gracilis EOD-1 microalgae cultivation and ingredient business, as well as its supplement brand Micarea.
In Japan, paramylon derived from the Euglena gracilis EOD-1 strain is approved for use in Foods with Function Claim (FFC) for maintaining immune function.
Calbee, AMILI bring personalized nutrition to Singapore
Japanese food, snacks and nutrition company Calbee is working with Singapore microbiome firm AMILI to introduce its personalized nutrition service to the market.
Known as Body Granola, the service consists of a microbiome gut health test and a personalized granola subscription.
Singapore is Body Granola’s first overseas market. The service, first introduced in Japan in April 2023, is used by more than 50,000 people so far.
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Bel Group, Calbee spotlight Protein and Healthier Innovation
With demand for protein and healthier product innovation rapidly on the rise in Asia, top brands will discuss these topics in detail at this year’s Growth Asia Summit, taking place from July 8 to 10 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
Calbee’s Chief Technology Officer and Managing Executive Officer for New Business Advancement Division will be speaking about granola in its presentation, focusing on “Advancing Wellbeing Through Food: Calbee’s Body Granola Service”.
Register now for the three-day summit, and see the advance agenda here.
Acute citrulline malate shows promise for male sprinters going for gold
A single dose of citrulline malate (CM) taken during recovery may slightly improve repeated sprint performance and reduce perceived effort in trained sprinters, according to research published in Sports.
Researchers in Japan investigated whether a single 8g dose of CM taken between runs improves performance in a second 100m sprint, as well as blood lactate levels and perceived effort.
“Even small differences may be meaningful in competitive sprinting, particularly among higher-level athletes for whom outcomes are often separated by small margins,” the researchers wrote.
Plant extract for muscles? Taiwan RCT shows improved hand grip with napiergrass
A 12-week RCT from Taiwan reported that the supplementation of the plant extract Pennisetum purpureum Schumach could improve hand grip strength in adults showing signs of early-stage sarcopenia, such as low muscle mass and reduced muscle strength.
Commonly known as elephant grass or napiergrass, Pennisetum purpureum Schumachis primarily used as livestock feed, but in recent years has been applied in health beverages for its antioxidative benefits.
The study was conducted by researchers from Taipei Medical University, Tungnan University, and Japan’s Hosei University.
