The ingredient supplier has launched adiDAO microencapsulated; DAO surrounded by two food-grade protective layers produced using a combination of coating technologies, designed to protect the DAO.
“We developed protective layers to ensure they remain resistant until they reach the targeted area in the intestine,” explained Jordi Cuñé, R&D Manager, AB Biotek HNH. “These layers dissolve naturally in the body, releasing the DAO enzyme exactly where it's needed.”
The layers also help to prevent against undesirable interactions with other bioactive ingredients.
The DAO issue
Increased levels of unmetabolized histamine in the blood stream can result in gastro-intestinal issues, skin conditions, lower urinary tract (LUTS) symptoms, fibromyalgia, migraine and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Recent research, spotlighted by the firm, has suggested a connection between DAO enzyme deficiency and comorbidities and cognitive dysfunction in children and adolescents with ADHD.
DAO helps the body to break down dietary histamine, yet DAO deficiency is one of the world’s most common enzyme-related metabolic disorders.
There is growing interest in solutions that enhance histamine degradation by increasing levels of DAO in the gut. However, DAO is sensitive to stomach pH, necessitating the use of delivery mechanisms that are gastro-resistant.
In addition, DAO tends to interact with other bioactive ingredients in a way that diminishes its benefits.
Microencapsulation benefits
The technology will offer new opportunities for developing innovative products in both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical spaces. For example, it will enable manufacturers to include DAO in anti-histamine and ADHD treatments, or to combine it with probiotics or prebiotics in supplements.
As it is compatible with various pharmaceutical actives in different concentrations, it can be used to create bespoke, targeted solutions, offering convenience and improve patient compliance.
It also has a simplified production process and reduced manufacturing costs versus traditional gastro-resistance coating methods.
Gerald Dard, managing director at AB Biotek HNH, noted that the rising awareness of DAO deficiency and related health issues is the key driver for the need to design new solutions using DAO.
He stated that the new ingredient means that AB Biotek HNH has been able to ‘break new ground in this growing market, by allowing manufacturers to combine other actives directly with DAO for the first time’.
AdiDAO microencapsulated is suitable for tablets, stick packs, liquid suspension formats, gummies, and capsules.