The Actazin-branded ingredient is reported to contain a range of nutrients with gut health benefits, including actinidin (a kiwifruit-specific enzyme), insoluble and soluble fiber, prebiotics, and high level of polyphenolics.
A spokesperson for the company told NutraIngredients-USA: "We feel that the natural composition of prebiotics, fiber, polyphenolics, and enzymes works together to support digestive regularity – but that the actinidin enzyme, which we ensure a minimum level, plays are large role in restoring regularity.
"The nutrients work gently in the body without side effects such as gas and bloating."
The current supporting science is based on an Actazin-equivalent product with respect to ratio of composition, fiber, enzyme, etc, noted the spokesperson. "The key difference in our product is that it uses a standardized level of the Actinidin enzyme, which we believe is the key component responsible for normalizing the bowel function."
The company is currently working on an Actazin-specific human study, but no timelines have been finalized yet, said the spokesperson.
The new ingredient is positioned for the $266 million US digestive-health category. According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the category is expected to grow to a whopping $495 million by 2015.
The kiwifruit product comes to Stratum Nutrition’s portfolio via a technology partnership with Anagenix Ltd., allowing Stratum to market in the US, Europe, Canada, and other regions – as well as help to further the science supporting the associated health benefits.
The ingredient is obtained exclusively from early summer New Zealand green kiwifruit crops, said the company.
"New Zealanders have long understood the value and benefit of kiwifruit for digestive health," said Grant Washington-Smith, a spokesperson for Anagenix Ltd.
"We are confident that the US market will feel the benefit that New Zealanders have known of this novel approach to digestive health, without the side effect profile often associated with high fiber diets".
The suggested dose to support digestive regularity is 400mg, and the company suggests a loaded dose of 2-4 dose/day for 1-2 weeks to gently support gut motility.
While the ingredient would be considered GRAS because it is a commonly consumed fruit but, Stratum is "only suggesting the ingredient for supplement use to maintain the integrity of the nutrient combination within".