Gretchen Reece is president of Scientific Food Solutions, LLC (SFS). Founded in 2002, and based in Fairfield, CA, SFS is a nutritional bioactive innovation and research company focusing upon applications for dietary supplement, conventional and functional food and beverage, and over the counter drug applications. The company’s bioactives are the product of patent-pending compositions and independently validated clinical studies conducted in the U.S. The mission of SFS is to innovate and commercialize natural bioactives with specific, confidence-inspiring science, delivering safe and reproducible results that support the end consumer’s desire for enhanced health, function and wellness. Under Reece’s leadership, SFS and Nutritional Impact Corporation (NIC) recently signed a trademark license and material supply agreement for NIC to provide FAST-C in a soft gel delivery system to both the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Health E-Insights: Scientific Food Solutions has a line of bioactive ingredients under the brand Alkemy. What is Alkemy?
Ms. Reece: Alkemy is a play on words for Alchemy and is the umbrella brand for FAST-C, Aqua-Lyte, Comforteze and Garli-eze. It is also a process in which something ordinary is turned into something value added—Alchemy—turning straw into gold.
Health E-Insights: Why has the Fast-C ingredient received a lot of recognition?
Ms. Reece: The recognition is due to the fact that FAST-C is the only vitamin C that has been clinically tested in humans. The studies demonstrated more absorption with FAST- C and equal to less excretion plus buffering when compared to other leading premium vitamin C ingredients. It’s a new option with science to back it. In addition to it being patent-pending, FAST-C was one of three finalists for the 2009 NutrAward for the Best New Ingredient, and recipient of the NBJ 2009 Scientific Achievement Award.
Health E-Insights: It appears your company believes strongly in developing clinical studies?
Ms. Reece: Our goal has been science before sales. We want to provide ingredients that are efficacious and deliver real benefits. We have a fantastic group and have had the good fortune to team with many of the best industry leaders in various segments. We have excellent products that are proven with science. Fast-C has been the subject of two U.S.-based double blind, randomized, crossover clinical trials. It is a premium, faster absorbing and well-retained vitamin C product that utilizes a unique, patent-pending composition that provides a buffered and 90%+ acid neutralized vitamin C, thus delivering vitamin C with greater speed and excellent retention in an easily tolerated formulation that fosters greater compliance.
Health E-Insights: Do you feel product branding is important?
Ms. Reece: We have committed a great deal of time and resources developing our IP to support the brands. We prefer co-branding opportunities with our customers to ensure the integrity of the brands and create consumer awareness. Of course, we always want more sales and continue to expand our IP development and product offerings. As entrepreneurs, I think we will always strive to create something new and better.
Health E-Insights: What things do you do outside of work to help you be better at your job?
Ms. Reece: I talk to people about what we do and what they do. It’s a great opportunity to listen about their past and present experiences. I have learned a lot in doing that and have made some great contacts and friends. I also like to read about a large variety of different topics. I release stress by getting outside, working out or playing sports, getting together with friends and having fun, getting enough sleep and eating right. I prefer to work under pressure. I find I get more accomplished and work more efficiently.