Scientific understanding of cellular health has led to notable R&D advancements for ingredient formulation. At the same time, as more consumers invest in their health, the market for clinically proven products continues to expand.
In this Supplier Insights interview, Marianne McDonagh, VP of Sales for Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS) discussed how the company’s mission and values translate to innovation, what healthy aging means today, and what sets RiaGev apart from other ingredients on
the market.
Nutraceuticals World (NW): Bioenergy has a long history centered around D-Ribose. Can you offer some background on the company’s roots and briefly discuss the science behind Ribose?
Marianne McDonagh: Bioenergy is built on innovation. We’re best known for the development of the multi-functional molecule D-Ribose. Bioenergy Ribose is the only patented, clinically proven and FDA GRAS-certified ribose on the market. Started more than 30 years ago, our company’s foundation is based on research by pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, John E. Foker, MD, PhD, who discovered this life-changing D-Ribose molecule while treating pediatric patients.
Bioenergy Ribose is a simple 5-carbon sugar. Unlike other 6-carbon sugars (glucose, dextrose, fructose, etc.), Ribose is metabolized and used at the cellular level. It builds sustained energy in the form of ATP, which is the source of all cellular energy. Additionally, Ribose doesn’t affect the carb load, making it one of very few carbs that can be consumed by someone following a strict keto diet.
NW: What is the company’s principal mission and what are its core values?
McDonagh: Our mission is to use our core technology-based platform and 30-plus years of experience within this space to develop clinically proven health-enhancing ingredients that help people of all ages feel, perform and look better from the inside out. Our core values are research, technology, innovation and honesty.
NW: What’s your assessment of how the dietary supplement industry has evolved since Bioenergy’s founding?
McDonagh: BLS is happy to see the tremendous growth and depth of knowledge in this industry from 30 years ago to today. There is untapped potential for continued growth supported by greater science-based understanding and innovation. BLS looks forward to maintaining our leadership by researching, developing and supplying health-enhancing ingredients well into the next 30 years.
NW: In 2018, Bioenergy launched RiaGev, a combination of Ribose and nicotinamide. Can you explain the R&D process behind that formulation and what the science has shown?
McDonagh: RiaGev, which is a proprietary ingredient formulation of Bioenergy Ribose and Nicotinamide, is a first of its kind, commercially available formulation. The R&D process was inspired by our desire to develop a product that modulates metabolism while enhancing energy.
Our pre-clinical data and human results have confirmed our initial discovery that RiaGev increases NAD more efficiently in the body than other ingredients currently available.
Science has shown that RiaGev improves stress resistance by boosting ATP, NAD and glutathione levels simultaneously. Researchers have also found that RiaGev improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. A human clinical study also found that RiaGev is associated with improved cognitive function and quality of life over baseline, especially with respect to fatigue, concentration and motivation.
NW: How is RiaGev different than other ingredients on the market?
McDonagh: RiaGev works faster than NR. While there are NR products out there said to boost NAD production, RiaGev is simply more efficient. It increases NAD levels faster because it enters the pathway directly, requiring fewer steps to produce NAD. This all makes sense because Ribose is a substrate of ATP and vitamin B3 is a substrate of NAD, both of which are needed in relative concentrations for the cell to survive.
NW: What does healthy aging mean today, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic?
McDonagh: Healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining our functional ability over time. To support our well-being during this pandemic, it is especially important to keep our cells healthy and thriving at optimal levels.
NW: What are your expectations for the future of science and research on nutritional approaches to improving health and wellness?
McDonagh: The future looks bright! We at BLS look forward to helping pioneer and build on the technological advances that will improve the health and wellness for the global population. Our foundation was built with science and research in mind and we are incredibly proud to be among other great companies who share our passion. Together, we can create an even stronger and more trusted health and wellness industry.
In this Supplier Insights interview, Marianne McDonagh, VP of Sales for Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS) discussed how the company’s mission and values translate to innovation, what healthy aging means today, and what sets RiaGev apart from other ingredients on
the market.
Nutraceuticals World (NW): Bioenergy has a long history centered around D-Ribose. Can you offer some background on the company’s roots and briefly discuss the science behind Ribose?
Marianne McDonagh: Bioenergy is built on innovation. We’re best known for the development of the multi-functional molecule D-Ribose. Bioenergy Ribose is the only patented, clinically proven and FDA GRAS-certified ribose on the market. Started more than 30 years ago, our company’s foundation is based on research by pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, John E. Foker, MD, PhD, who discovered this life-changing D-Ribose molecule while treating pediatric patients.
Bioenergy Ribose is a simple 5-carbon sugar. Unlike other 6-carbon sugars (glucose, dextrose, fructose, etc.), Ribose is metabolized and used at the cellular level. It builds sustained energy in the form of ATP, which is the source of all cellular energy. Additionally, Ribose doesn’t affect the carb load, making it one of very few carbs that can be consumed by someone following a strict keto diet.
NW: What is the company’s principal mission and what are its core values?
McDonagh: Our mission is to use our core technology-based platform and 30-plus years of experience within this space to develop clinically proven health-enhancing ingredients that help people of all ages feel, perform and look better from the inside out. Our core values are research, technology, innovation and honesty.
NW: What’s your assessment of how the dietary supplement industry has evolved since Bioenergy’s founding?
McDonagh: BLS is happy to see the tremendous growth and depth of knowledge in this industry from 30 years ago to today. There is untapped potential for continued growth supported by greater science-based understanding and innovation. BLS looks forward to maintaining our leadership by researching, developing and supplying health-enhancing ingredients well into the next 30 years.
NW: In 2018, Bioenergy launched RiaGev, a combination of Ribose and nicotinamide. Can you explain the R&D process behind that formulation and what the science has shown?
McDonagh: RiaGev, which is a proprietary ingredient formulation of Bioenergy Ribose and Nicotinamide, is a first of its kind, commercially available formulation. The R&D process was inspired by our desire to develop a product that modulates metabolism while enhancing energy.
Our pre-clinical data and human results have confirmed our initial discovery that RiaGev increases NAD more efficiently in the body than other ingredients currently available.
Science has shown that RiaGev improves stress resistance by boosting ATP, NAD and glutathione levels simultaneously. Researchers have also found that RiaGev improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. A human clinical study also found that RiaGev is associated with improved cognitive function and quality of life over baseline, especially with respect to fatigue, concentration and motivation.
NW: How is RiaGev different than other ingredients on the market?
McDonagh: RiaGev works faster than NR. While there are NR products out there said to boost NAD production, RiaGev is simply more efficient. It increases NAD levels faster because it enters the pathway directly, requiring fewer steps to produce NAD. This all makes sense because Ribose is a substrate of ATP and vitamin B3 is a substrate of NAD, both of which are needed in relative concentrations for the cell to survive.
NW: What does healthy aging mean today, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic?
McDonagh: Healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining our functional ability over time. To support our well-being during this pandemic, it is especially important to keep our cells healthy and thriving at optimal levels.
NW: What are your expectations for the future of science and research on nutritional approaches to improving health and wellness?
McDonagh: The future looks bright! We at BLS look forward to helping pioneer and build on the technological advances that will improve the health and wellness for the global population. Our foundation was built with science and research in mind and we are incredibly proud to be among other great companies who share our passion. Together, we can create an even stronger and more trusted health and wellness industry.