Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1000772
32H July 2018 Tablets & Capsules Invertebrate animals offer new source of omega-3 STIRLING, Scotland—Omega-3 fatty acids can be sourced from cor- als, worms, mollusks, and other marine vertebrates, according to researchers at the University of Stirling. It was previously believed that microalgae, bacteria, and other marine microbes were the primary producers of omega-3. However, many invertebrate animals possess desaturases enzymes that enable them to produce omega-3. This dis- covery could potentially change the understanding of omega-3 long- chain polyunsaturated fatty acids production in the scientific commu- nity and dietary supplement industry. Algatechnologies partners with Sphera on microalgae powder KETURA, Israel—Algatechno- logies, which specializes in commer- cial cultivation of microalgae, and Sphera Encapsulation, an R&D com- pany focused on micro- and nano- encapsulation, Verona, Italy, have partnered to develop a water-soluble powder of AstaPure. This microal- gae-derived astaxanthin product is manufactured using Sphera's propri- etary encapsulation technology, which boosts the active's bioavailability. Probiotics may protect patients from bone loss, study finds LUND, Sweden—Probiotic sup- plements may reduce bone loss in menopausal women, according to research by Probi, a supplier of pro- biotics. The company conducted a randomized, double-blind trial in which 250 post-menopausal women took either a product containing three probiotic strains patented by the company or a placebo. After a year, participants' bone mineral den- sity was measured using a dual-en- ergy x-ray absorptiometry device. Patients in the placebo group experi- enced significant bone loss during the study period while participants in the probiotic group were protected against bone loss. Vitamin K2 producers form association SPRING, TX—Several vitamin K2 manufacturers have banded together to form the Vitamin K2 Association. This group aims to raise awareness of vitamin K2 and the science support- ing it; reach out to associations, aca- demia, and the media; and work with government groups, the healthcare community, and industries world- wide. Kappa Bioscience will serve as the founding executive board mem- ber. Other member companies include Vesta Ingredients, Xsto Solutions, Flora Research Labora- tories, and Nutrasource. All associa- tion members commit to a code of ethics and adhere to the USP mono- graph for vitamin K2. nutra news