“The Revive product contains only botanical supplements with proven bioavailability,” Dr. Gerry McNally, vice president of R&D at NextEvo Naturals told NutraIngredients-USA.
“There are many combination products in the market, but few go to the effort to ensure that all components are optimally formulated for maximum absorption and hence maximum consumer benefit.”
SmartSorb technology
At the core of NextEvo’s products is its proprietary SmartSorb delivery technology that turns the less bioavailable oil-based CBD into a water-dispersible emulsion that the science says is four times more absorbable.
“While many products contain simple CBD isolate or CBD dissolved in oil, the amount of CBD that the body actually absorbs into the bloodstream is significantly lower than if water-soluble CBD is present,” the company claims.
The proprietary delivery technology – developed by medical professionals and scientists formerly from companies including Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline and Schiff Nutrition – launched earlier this year, accompanied by an inaugural line of “optimized” CBD supplements.
What the science says
NextEvo’s claims are backed by several clinical studies including recent pharmacokinetics research from Colorado State University’s Department of Health and Exercise Science that compared the effects of three water-soluble variations of the Smartsorb technology, a coconut oil-based tincture and a CBD isolate. The study was funded by NextEvo and partner Caliper Foods, which provided all the test products.
“The most significant find was the superior speed and extent of absorption of the water-soluble CBD formulations compared with the slow and poor absorption of the oil-based formula,” McNally said.
“It also shows variability in water-soluble formulations which means unless it is studied you don’t really know how well it will perform.”
The study also found that water-soluble or non-oil-based formulations can be better absorbed into the bloodstream when consumed with food, and that CBD positively impacted early insulin and triglyceride responses for potentially healthier digestion. The researchers evaluated the influence of CBD on most circulating markers of liver and kidney function but found no relevant changes.
CBD + curcumin
Infusing CBD formulations with curcumin (and other enhancers) is on trend, with the reasoning that two may be more powerful or appealing than one.
“The rationale was to create a superior combination product that would support a healthy inflammation response,” McNally said, noting the anti-inflammatory properties of both compounds.
“Consumers are aware of the benefits of many natural supplements but are less aware of the properties of CBD, so adding it where it makes sense seems to have added appeal for consumers.”
Because curcumin, like CBD, is lipophilic and thus poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, Revive includes the piperine alkaloid found in black pepper, which NextEvo says allows for 20 times more absorption.
“I believe there will continue to be more CBD combination products entering the marketplace especially in areas such as healthy inflammatory response, sleep and stress support,” McNally added.
Free Webinar
NutraIngredients-USA has assembled a panel of experts who will discuss the latest developments in the science, the market and the regulation of CBD and hemp-derived ingredients in a FREE WEBINAR to be broadcast on Oct. 20, 2022.