The new chief scientific advisor (CSA) at the US division of Layn Natural Ingredients has warned that anxiety over COVID-19 will be the main focus next year.

Jim Roza, speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, highlights how consumers are seeking ingredients that support anxiety, sleep, stress and immunity because of the pandemic.

Consumers seek ingredients that support anxiety, sleep, stress and immunity. “These themes will continue to dominate as we move into 2021,” he stresses. 

Roza also refers to three supply chain issues. The first is overall fulfillment and supply security, wher many supplement brands have experienced ingredient shortages. 

“Secondly, there is growing adulteration as less credible suppliers rush to fill those shortages,” he continues. “And thirdly, there is possible global impact due to the heavy rains China recently experienced. This affected biomass and may further impact 2021 supplies and cost,” he reveals. 

Changing consumer demands
Consumers are increasingly concerned about health and wellness in an era wher they are also demanding more clean labels and natural and functional ingredients. In response to this, Layn is developing formulas that meet specific consumer needs with natural ingredients that can provide advantages over chemically identical compounds. 

“The consumer doesn’t want chemical compounds, and these synthetic compounds don’t provide the important nuances nature provides through other cofactors naturally found in a plant. For example, synthetic resveratrol created from yeast does not contain the flavonoids found in Japanese knotweed, a common source of natural resveratrol,” Roza explains.   

He also pegs the current state of affairs as “interesting times” as nutraceuticals and supplements are becoming more like food, and food is becoming more functional.

Moreover, interest in functional gummies is growing, and Layn is also applying botanicals to F&B products, he adds. “While supplements are still a mainstay of many people’s health regime, the trend among consumers toward convenience continues to grow, and delivery systems in the form of beverages, foods and other edibles are ideal vehicles,” Roza elaborates. 

“We are uniquely positioned to provide value at a global scale regarding some key single ingredients, including Quercetin, which is expected to have shortages and price surges in 2021, and also Rhodiola Rosea, and Ginkgo Biloba, for which we had robust annual harvests.”

There are many challenges, including with taste, texture, odor and stability, when formulating F&B products with botanical extracts, Roza muses. “Several of these can be overcome through formulation, but some botanicals are more challenging than others because they contain a higher percentage of bitter alkaloids that can affect flavor. This also means they may not be soluble, which can cause settling in a beverage if they are not kept in solution, for example.”

However, these challenges can be addressed by using natural flavor masks, gums, surfactants and other ingredients that fit with clean label standards and are replacing the customary chemical additives, he details. 

CBD and hemp in the spotlight
Roza also says that science continues to validate that hemp is a bounty for cannabinoids that affect the internal endocannabinoid system through their affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

“We have a fully dedicated subsidiary, HempRise, dedicated to CBD and hemp extracts in the US. Also, at Layn Natural Ingredients, we are working on a variety of CBD-free all-natural botanical alternatives for endocannabinoid system support.”

“We’re excited about a treasure trove of other plant compounds in the form of flavonoids, phenols, terpenes and lignans that have been shown to have a direct effect on these receptors as well,” Roza explains. Consumers are increasingly concerned about health and wellness in an era wher they are demanding more clean labels and natural ingredients.

“For example, Magnolol found in Magnolia leaves has an affinity for CB2 receptors. Another is kaempferol, a compound found in Ginkgo Biloba, for example, which inhibits an enzyme that our bodies produce, which degrades one of the natural endocannabinoids we produce called anandamide.”

According to Roza, interest in CBD, minor cannabinoids and terpenes is “most definitely here to stay,” as the company continues to explore its potential. It will also further investigate the value found in the over 100 other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found in the hemp plant.

The untapped potential lies in the synergism that one or more of these compounds may have for a specific condition. Cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC) and terpenes like beta-caryophyllene are already beginning to garner more attention among researchers, he highlights.  

“We are investing and heavily interested in this surging, promising space that comes at a terrific time for people looking to reduce stress and anxiety, while improving sleep, general mood and well-being,” he notes. 

The future of botanicals
As Layn continues to expand its portfolio of extracts for nutraceuticals and functional ingredients targeted for F&B applications, Roza believes that this can bolster how the company achieves optimal flavor, aroma and texture.

“My relationship with Layn extends over a decade and they do things properly with an eye for what innovations will best serve our end customer – people, pets and animals – and also with care for sustainability elements that affect our planet,” he concludes.