Like every year, we were invited to take part in VitaFoods Europe by our partners Abyss Ingredients. As well as meeting and chatting with you, we also took the opportunity to wander the aisles in search of the latest trends in nutraceuticals. And here, just for you, is our first newsletter on the subject…
Drum roll…🥁🥁
A major trend has emerged: the development of “animal-free” ingredients thanks to innovative technologies. What are these technologies? Let’s take a closer look!
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Functional ingredients produced without animals
What are these ingredients?! Here a few examples of ingredients we’ve seen:
– Dairy proteins produced by fermentation.
– The famous “plant collagen” extracts include plant glycoprotein extracts, and even plant precursors that stimulate endogenous collagen production.
– The first chondroitin produced by microbial fermentation without any animal source.
– and much more…
🌍 A
response to consumer expectations
The rise of “animal-free” ingredients meets a growing demand for ethical, sustainable and transparent products. These innovations help reduce dependence on animal resources, while offering functional and effective alternative.
But it does raise a question: will consumers trade four quarters for a dollar? Because achieving the same functionality with animal-free products may require a more open-minded approach to chemical synthesis, the use of GMOs or other biotechnological approaches.
Will consumers follow suit?
📖 Regulatory aspects of “Animal Free” claims
In the United States, the regulatory status of “animal-free” or “no animal ingredients” claim is governed primarily by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and, in some cases, by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), but there are currently no specific federal regulations that define or standardize the term “animal-free”.
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) neither defines the terms “vegan” or “animal-free”. Consequently, these claims fall under the more general rule that labeling must not be false or misleading.
To use the terms “animal-free” or “free of animal ingredients” in the United States, companies must… : – Ensure that every component, including excipients and processing aids, is animal-free. – Be prepared to document the production process, especially for ingredients such as recombinant proteins or fermentation-derived compounds. – Consider third-party certification to build confidence.
In the absence of a federal standard, companies often rely on third-party certifications, such as: Certified Vegan (Vegan Awareness Foundation) ; The Vegan Society (based in the UK, but recognized in the USA); Plant-Based Certified (Plant Based Foods Association). These organizations have their own criteria and audit procedures.
🤝 innoVactiv's commitment to plant extracts and much more!
At innoVactiv we’ve opted for ingredients derived from natural, sustainable biomasses.
We are proud to offer a range of ingredients sourced from plants, algae, and sustainable marine biomasses. The majority of our extracts are of non-animal origin, but we care for both vegan and non-vegan by focusing on efficacy!
The proof is right here:
– InSea2® : Crafted for glycemic🩸 and metabolic health❤️, InSea2® is a polyphenol-rich aqueous extract sourced from two hand-harvested wild brown seaweeds. Supported by eight human clinical studies and manufactured entirely in Canada, InSea2® is self-affirmed GRAS, non-GMO and organic certified.
– iodAIDTM, offers a natural and organic solution for iodine supplementation🌊. Derived from brown seaweed by-products using an upcycling process, iodAID is not only 100% natural and non-GMO but also available in power and liquid forms for versatile usage.
– Our CARTIDYSS® ingredi ent, derived from the upcycling of fish by-products🐟, stands out from other collagens on the market thanks to its low dosage. Naturally composed of collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid) derived from marine co-products, CARTIDYSS® helps support the skin’s structure 🦰 and optimal properties by promoting densification of the dermis and its extracellular matrix, with a dose of just 500mg per day. Another human clinical study was conducted to demonstrate the benefits of CARTIDYSS® on joint health 🦴 with a daily dose of 1,000mg.
– MYOCERAM® is a rice-derived 🌾 beauty-from-within ingredient that promotes the endogenous production of ceramides in the skin, supporting optimal skin barrier function. Supported by human clinical data demonstrating significant improvements in skin hydration 🦰, MYOCERAM® is gluten-free, allergen-free, and non-GMO.
– PalX: Sourced from wild Atlantic dulse (Palmaria palmata) and transformed locally in Canada, PalX is a concentrated 6:1 liquid extract delivering over 1,000 mg of dulse per serving 🌊. This certified organic, alcohol-free, and non-GMO extract is rich in antioxidants, sea minerals, and amino acids to support cellular health ⚡, natural detox 🌿, and overall vitality 🧠. Sustainably harvested and eco-consciously processed, PalX is a clean and powerful marine superfood for modern wellness.