Joint working: Nestlé Health Science partners Bioiberica for healthy ageing innovation
The global nutrition science giant has added Bioiberica's Mobilee extract to its MERITENE Mobilis product - a blend of protein and nutrients created to help 'nourish' muscles, bones and joints.
The Mobilee ingredient is a rooster comb-derived extract which is said to be rich in hyalauronic acid and other components, including collagen and polysaccharides and has been shown - through six preclinical trials and five randomised clinical trials - to contribute to the maintenance of joint health and muscular function.
Rick Jentis, global head of the healthy ageing category at Nestlé Health Science, said: “Leveraging Bioiberica’s Mobilee ingredient helps us continue to bring innovative, science-based nutrition to consumers and patients with mobility concerns.
"Nestlé Health Science is committed to elevating the role of nutrition in helping people on their journey to age healthy. By supporting their ability to maintain their independence, we can help empower people to age the way they want.”
Jaume Reguant, director of Barcelona-based Bioiberica Healthcare, says healthy ageing is becoming a bigger priority worldwide.
“Joint health has become a major public health concern worldwide, largely due to an ageing population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 130 million people worldwide will suffer from osteoarthritis – a degenerative disease associated with ageing and one of the leading causes of disability around the globe – by 2050.
"That makes mobility a strategic area for both companies and a key focus for our new developments and products.
“The partnership with Nestlé Health Science allows us to combine over 40 years’ of experience in treating osteoarthritis and joint health and our specialist knowledge in the development, production and marketing of value-added ingredients from natural origin and, with the leadership and expertise of Nestlé Health Science to offer innovative products that support mobility and quality of life through nutrition."
Mobilee is authorised as an ingredient for nutritional or dietary use by the main competent authorities worldwide, such as the European Union (Novel Food), Canada (medicinal supplement), United States (self-affirmed GRAS status) Australia and New Zealand (medicinal supplement and non-traditional ingredient for use in functional foods), Brazil (Novel Food), India (functional ingredient), Indonesia and Taiwan (nutritional supplement).
Hyaluronic acid
In patients with osteoarthritis or joint complaints, the hyaluronic acid of the synovial fluid becomes depolymerised, resulting in a loss of molecular weight and viscoelasticity, making the cartilage more susceptible to lesions. Hyaluronic acid acts as a biological lubricant in various tissues, including the synovial fluid in the joints.
