Bio Serae Laboratories: Validating Natural Solutions Through Scientific Evidence

Since its creation in 1984, Bio Serae Laboratories, Bram, France, has focused on innovation, science and creativity to manufacture and distribute ingredients derived from natural resources for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food processing industries. Its “Nutra-Serae Premium” range of products—original active ingredients for unique applications, all of which are scientifically validated—have undergone scrupulous testing at all levels and strict control analysis in the company’s own laboratory to meet the needs of international regulations and the requirements of demanding clientele in terms of safety, potency, purity and effectiveness.

One major breakthrough for the company is NeOpuntia, a 100% natural lipophilic fiber. “Since 1996, our R&D team has focused its scientific research on dietary fibers for weight management. It developed Ne-Opuntia, a unique patented standardized product with certification of equal quality and lipophilic activity for each batch produced,” said Catherine Thimonier, marketing manager. “NeOpuntia is already used in more than 130 finished products worldwide and is the weight management ingredient leader in three European countries.” Additionally, in July 2006, a new clinical study broadened NeOpuntia’s field of application beyond weight management. The study showed NeOpuntia’s positive role in balancing blood lipid levels, parameters that are strongly associated with Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X).

Another innovation is FrutoLogic, a unique active complex from fruit de-signed for sports nutrition applications with vasodilating (NO enhancer) and antioxidant properties. Thanks to its naturalness, FrutoLogic is accredited by WALL (World Anti-doping Life Label) for use in sports nutrition products—further evidence of Bio Serae’s commitment to the respect of its ingredients and, above all, to its consumers.

Other key ingredients include Resveravine, a natural extract from Vitis vinifera standardized to 20% oligo-stilbens (resveratrol in its monomer and dimer forms), and NutraVeggie, a natural vegetable extract range with Potent-Onion and XtraSalad—polyphenolic ingredients obtained from vegetables by using a patented phytonutrient extraction.

Last year proved to be particularly productive for Bio Serae, as it launched three new products in the fields of weight management, joint health and well-being. ID-alG is a brown seaweed extract that offers vitality and weight management support by reducing caloric intake and increasing thermogenesis. It also limits efficiency of digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase). Salto3 is an original combination of three active ingredients for healthy joints and cartilage. This patented product helps reduce inflammatory markers and preserve cartilage health, relieve joint discomfort and improve flexibility. And Bio Serae extended its “cactus and weight management” range with a product from Opuntia ficus indica called Cacti-Nea. Cacti-Nea, a cactus fruit soluble powder naturally rich in betalain pigments, helps reduce water retention, detox the body and reinforce antioxidant protection.

Bio Serae sees a major trend with today’s consumers demanding more active content backed by strong scientific data. Since consumers are becoming better educated and are not so ready to believe in empty promises, Ms. Thimonier believes the industry must look for efficient, targeted active ingredients and consequently increase their R&D effort (in terms of personnel and expenditure) to better stand out among a sea of other industry products.

“Clinical testing continues to be more and more important, and there are only a few products that offer science, and in turn, safety,” said Ms. Thimonier. “Lots of things still have to be done to eliminate all the abuse found in the nutraceuticals market. Consumers want more guarantees concerning origin, quality and effectiveness, so the industry has to be more controlled and get more serious.”—M.Z.

Bio Serae Laboratories
No 1 Avenue de la Preuilhe
Parc Technologique du Lauragais
11150 Bram, France
Telephone: 33-4-68-76-76-20
Fax: 33-4-68-76-76-21
E-mail: info@bioserae.com
Website: www.bioserae.com