The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a trade association representing the dietary supplement and functional food industry, announced the topics selected for its first-ever Innovation Exchange, an event slated to take place during its annual gathering, Convergence ’24, from Oct. 9-11.
 
The event was developed to showcase new research discoveries, technologies, and ingredients for attendees focused closely on dietary supplements.
 
Innovation Exchange will kick off on the afternoon of Oct. 9 following Science in Session and WellComms, with seven 25-minute presentations selected by a steering committee of experts from Jamieson Wellness, Nestlé Health Science, Pharmavite, Plexus Worldwide, and USANA, including:
 
“Sugar Reduction with Allulose – The Holy Grail of Sugar Replacement,” presented by Anderson Advanced Ingredients. Richard J. Johnson, MD, physician, researcher, and author, will share evidence supporting allulose as a sugar replacement, while discussing mechanisms of action and key clinical findings. He’ll cover allulose in relation to GLP-1 and as a calorie restriction memetic and exercise and anti-aging mimetic.
 
“Prenatal Nutrition Innovation: How Balchem’s Portfolio Supports Mom and Baby,” presented by Balchem’s Eric Ciappio, PhD, senior manager of nutrition science, and Lauren Eisen, senior strategic marketing manager. This will highlight the latest advancements in prenatal nutrition, featuring cutting-edge, research-backed ingredients including unique forms of iron, choline, and folate. The two will discuss these ingredients’ enhanced bioavailability, tolerability, and health benefits for prenatal nutrition.
 
“Next Gen of Supplementation from Broccoli,” presented by Brassica Protection Products. Nutritional biochemist Jed W. Fahey, ScD, a recently-retired Johns Hopkins Medical School faculty member, will share news about BPP’s latest market entry, a glucoraphanin-rich broccoli seed extract offering enhanced bioavailability. He’ll discuss benefits of the novel, standardized extract, co-delivered with a stable and potent source of myrosinase.
 
“Lactoferrin’s Role in Beauty from Within and Women’s Health,” presented by FrieslandCampina. Urszula Kudla, PhD, global manager of technical sales and applications, will discuss emerging science supporting health benefits of lactoferrin. Kudla will provide an overview of lactoferrin’s role in iron absorption and in skin elasticity,, texture, and moisture, with opportunities for innovation in beauty from within and women’s health product formulation.
 
“CurQ+, a Next-Gen Curcumin Formulation to Support Joint and Bone Health,” presented by Stratum Nutrition. Karen Posey, PhD, will present findings on this novel formulation of curcumin, highlighting how it supports cellular health in cartilage by promoting normal cellular export processes. Posey will discuss the role of curQ+ in maintaining cartilage integrity and supporting bone growth through its effects on cellular function.
 
“Innovative Approaches to Sleep Health: The Science and Benefits of RelaxPLX,” presented by SuanNutra. Marcos López, business development director, will discuss the company’s solutions for sleep health with a focus on RelaxPLX lemon verbena extract. López will share the research backing the ingredient, the product development process, and specific opportunities and challenges within the sleep health sector.
 
“Transforming Mental Wellness: The Future of Biotics with AI/ML and GABA Probiotic, LP815,” presented by Verb Biotics. Diane Alexander, PhD, director of sales, and Camile Delebecque, PhD, head of biotechnology, will discuss advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning driving the impact of biotics on mental wellness. They will focus on GABA Probiotic LP815, which is formulated and backed by clinical studies to support mental health.
 
“CRN’s inaugural Innovation Exchange represents the latest advancements in nutrition science, down to the ingredient/nutrient level,” said Susan Hazels Mitmesser, PhD, chief science officer at Pharmavite, who served on the Innovation Exchange steering committee and will moderate the event. “The selected proposals demonstrate the emerging science that companies are investing in to help develop innovative solutions for products that address consumers’ health needs and wellness goals.”
 
The Innovation Exchange is open to all registered event attendees on site for Science in Session or WellComms, and the main event, Convergence. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with representatives from the presenting companies at on-site tabletop booths.