Brand New: Nestlé Health Science China's new FSMP brands, GNC's 'blue-hat' products, and the fight against coronavirus

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See the latest stories involving major health and nutrition supplement brands. ©Getty Images (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Some of the major brands making new moves in recent weeks were Nestlé Health Science China with its newly launched Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) brands, GNC entering China pharmacy chains with its four 'blue-hat' products, and how brands have supported the fight against the coronavirus epidemic in China.

Combating cow’s milk protein allergy: Nestlé Health Science China introduces two new FSMPs brands

Two of Nestlé Health Science China’s infant nutrition products for youngsters with cow’s milk allergies have obtained Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) status in the country.

The two products sold under the brand Althéra and Alfaré are extensively hydrolysed formulas (eHFs) meant for infants with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA).

The two eHFs are a modification from products previously present in the Chinese market in accordance with China’s national standards to better meet the nutritional needs of Chinese babies with CMPA and to meet FSMP registration criteria.

GNC hits Chinese pharmacies with four newly approved ‘blue-hat’ products

Four of GNC’s health supplements have obtained the ‘blue-hat’ status in China and can now be sold in Chinese pharmacies.

The products which have obtained the ‘blue-hat’ status include 1) a melatonin and vitamin B6 capsule, 2) a co-enzyme Q10 and natural vitamin E softgel, 3) a glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and calcium capsule, and 4) a conjugated linoleic acid, green tea, and l-carnitine softgel.

GNC is partnering with Renmintongtai, the pharmacy chain of Chinese firm Harbin Pharmaceutical Group, to sell products.

Bubs gets a goat formula boost in Australia but China sales slumped

Goat infant formula was the "most profitable" segment for Bubs Australia in the last quarter, up 118%, with its home market performing well amid a sales decline in China.

The goat formula portfolio delivered quarterly revenues in excess of $8m, which was also the "strongest growth driver", executive chair Dennis Lin said in the company’s activity statement released last Friday.

Overall, the company, which sells both goat and organic cow milk formula, saw its quarterly (Oct – Dec 19) gross revenue rise by 21% as compared to the previous corresponding period to reach $14.54m – also its highest on record.

China coronavirus: H&H, Yili, Nestlé donate to support fight against epidemic

Several health and nutrition firms are showing their support for China’s fight against the deadly novel coronavirus in the form of cash, protective outfits, and nutrition products.

The coronavirus 2019-nCoV which originated from the city of Wuhan, has infected 5,974 people, resulting in 132 deaths, with over 9,200 suspected cases, according to an announcement by China's National Health Commission this morning (Jan 29). 

Including Wuhan, many cities in the Hubei province were in a state of lockdown as the Chinese government sought to contain the virus. Hospitals have appealed donations of masks and gowns to cope with the sudden outbreak.  

Brain hop: Kirin to develop products containing mature hop bitter acids for cognitive benefits

Kirin is planning to develop food and beverage products that contain its proprietary ingredient, matured hop bitter acids, which the firm says have shown cognitive benefits.

Hops is used as a raw material for beer for more than 1,000 years and have a number of known health benefits including improving sleep and decreasing bone density.

Kirin Holdings together with Dentsu, recently established a joint venture INHOP Co, to tap on new scientific health evidence of Kirin’s mature hop bitter acids.