Pharmactive launches 'high potency' kiwi extract to boost protein digestion
The kiwi fruit as an exceptional source of nutrients, especially vitamin C, as well as antioxidants and has a positive impact on digestion thanks to the natural presence of actinidin, an enzyme that helps break down proteins and enhances their absorption.
Sourced from traditionally cultured kiwi fruits in New Zealand and manufactured within its GMP-approved facility in Spain, KWD+ is standardised to at least 0.15% actinidin, and 0.1% Aktinnamics. These kiwi antioxidants are chiefly phenolic compounds that have shown anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo.
Jean-Marie Raymond, CEO for Pharmactive, says the company has developed this new ingredient using proprietary technology which concentrates the proteolytic enzymes five-fold more than fresh kiwi fruit.
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He says that both animal models and bench studies have supported actinidin’s ability to improve digestion of proteins in the stomach and small intestine, converting them into more digestible protein fractions called peptides.
“KWD+ can be beneficial for several classes of populations,” asserts Raymond, “In the sports nutrition arena, KWD+ could be instrumental in promoting a better harnessing of proteins among sport professionals and highly active adults. This could help reduce the excessive protein intake, especially among those involved in high-powered physical disciplines, such as powerlifting and bodybuilding. Excess intake of dietary protein has been associated with a number of health risks. KWD+ serves as a perfect complement to high-protein diets and can be added to post workout protein bars and shakes.”
The firm is also targeting ageing populations as a means of helping support the maintenance of muscle mass.
“People in their forties and older, especially women, can lose up to 1-2% muscular mass each year due to the gradual decline in protein absorption that unfortunately comes with ageing,” adds Raymond.
What's more, KWD+ may also appeal to vegans who commonly find it difficult to achieve recommended protein intakes largely due to the lower bioavailability of many plant proteins.
Alberto Espinel, Director of IP & Open Innovation for Pharmactive, adds: “The standardization of the actives in KWD+ allows us to establish a precise dosage to improve the digestion of some proteins difficult to digest, for example, gluten, soy protein, or beef muscle.
“Vegetarians and vegans can use the benefits of KWD+ to increase the biologic value of vegetable proteins and get more out of less.”
Kiwi fruit also is believed to help gut function, gently improving motility while preventing discomforts during digestion, such as bloating or even pain. This is due to the inhibitory action of Aktinnamics on pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α.
KWD+ is recommended at a dose of 300mg a day for daily maintenance and 600mg before a heavy meal. The ingredient merges into the full range of galenic formulations including soft gels, syrups, and powders and can be integrated into food and beverage applications.
