Q&A: Partnering to deliver a natural solution for healthy blood glucose levels

Collaborating for success

• Elevated blood glucose levels remain one of the major causes leading to diabetes, one of the world’s fastest growing chronic diseases according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The demand for nutritional solutions that can support healthy blood glucose levels has therefore increased dramatically.
  
• dsm-firmenich has recently announced a strategic partnership with Phynova, a life science company that develops proprietary natural healthcare products from active compounds found in plants, for the global distribution of Reducose®, a natural ingredient for healthy blood glucose levels.
  
• As a true solutions provider, dsm-firmenich will support Phynova with product development, clinical research, regulatory approvals and marketing.
  

Keeping blood glucose levels in a healthy range

Elevated blood glucose levels remain one of the major causes leading to diabetes, one of the world’s fastest growing chronic diseases according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). dsm-firmenich has recently announced a strategic partnership with Phynova, a life science company that develops proprietary natural healthcare products from active compounds found in plants, for the global distribution of Reducose®, a natural ingredient for healthy blood glucose levels.

Here, we speak to Ivo Lansbergen VP Global Strategic Marketing, dsm-firmenich Human Nutrition and Health about what the partnership means for customers.

Why are nutritional solutions for managing blood glucose levels so important?

When blood glucose levels are too high, known as hyperglycaemia, there can be serious consequences, not just on the individual – but also on healthcare systems as a whole. It is estimated that hyperglycaemia costs the world more than 800 million dollars each year. If high blood glucose levels occur over a prolonged period of time, this can lead to diabetes, a rapidly growing health issue with an estimated 425 million affected adults globally. The incidence of prediabetes is even higher.

It is important to highlight two key trends that are converging with these increasing numbers and the related healthcare costs: firstly, governments are actively working to increase consumer awareness about nutrition and reduce intake of high-glycaemic foods. Secondly, there is a new generation of non-invasive wearable devices coming onto the market that make people aware of their own blood glucose levels.

The availability of nutritional solutions that can address blood glucose levels will be an important part of tackling this global challenge.

What does the partnership between dsm-firmenich and Phynova involve?

dsm-firmenich and Phynova have signed a global distribution and collaboration agreement for Reducose®, a patented, natural ingredient for healthy blood glucose levels. Reducose® is backed by several clinical studies and it has regulatory approvals in multiple regions across the world.

Phynova developed Reducose® over a period of roughly 10 years and along with the distribution and sales of Reducose®, we will be working closely together to further develop the value proposition including the science and associated health benefits of the ingredient, as well as the technical application in various formats.

As a true solutions provider, dsm-firmenich will support Phynova with product development, clinical research, regulatory approvals and marketing. Ultimately, our partnership will increase the availability of Reducose® and we’re excited to be working together to deliver the naturally powerful capabilities of this science-backed ingredient to consumers.

What is Reducose® and how does it enable healthy blood glucose levels?

Reducose® is a water extract of white mulberry leaves (Morus alba), a plant that has been used for centuries around the world as a food and animal feed. Reducose® can be added in small quantities to foods and drinks or taken as a dietary supplement. It reduces the impact of high-glycaemic sugars, as well as other carbohydrates, on the body. It does this by reducing the absorption of sugars and other carbohydrates by up to 40%. Reducose® is patent protected and has undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing.

Whilst a lot of emphasis is placed on lowering sugar intake, starch-rich staple foods such as rice, maize and wheat, have a bigger negative impact on a person’s blood glucose levels. For example, a 50 gram bowl of rice has a higher impact on blood glucose than two cans of soft drink. Reducose® can form part of the solution by making foods healthier by reducing their glycaemic index and glycaemic load. This is especially important for starch-rich foods, as 80% of the world’s population relies on these staples to make up the bulk of each meal.

What are the benefits for customers as a result of the partnership?

dsm-firmenich is committed to addressing consumer health and lifestyle needs with nutritional solutions. From eye health and mobility to immunity and heart health, our targeted Health Benefit Solutions utilize our strong scientific heritage, diverse portfolio of high-quality ingredients, in-depth consumer insights and expertise in market positioning and marketing.

Our strategic partnership with Phynova strengthens our offering by providing the right nutritional solutions to address the ever-growing health concerns linked to maintaining healthy blood glucose. The combined strengths of dsm-firmenich’s established position in the marketplace and Phynova’s experience in the science behind natural ingredients provide an excellent platform for addressing this major societal challenge.

Reducose is a food ingredient that helps turn fast carbs and sugars into slow ones. Contact us to develop science-backed nutritional products to help manage healthy blood glucose levels.