Alltech enters human nutrition market with Acutia
The Kentucky-based company is taking its four decades of experience to launch Acutia, which will combine science and sustainability to provide high-quality supplements, according to the company.
“Acutia is a natural extension of our business, allowing us to directly support people in their pursuit of improved wellness. In a time when we are all deeply aware of the importance of our health, this launch is particularly meaningful,” said Mark Lyons, PhD, president and CEO of Alltech.
"While people associate Alltech with the provision of products and solutions for the agricultural sector, we have been studying the potential benefits of a number of our products for human health for many years,” said Dr. Ronan Power, vice president and chief scientific officer at Alltech. “Acutia supplements have arisen from part of that work. They have been extensively tested to ensure safety, quality and efficacy. We firmly believe that consumers will come to value these supplements as a key part of their overall health regimens.”
Product of the incubator program
“While Acutia is a new company, it is uniquely strengthened by 40 years of scientific innovation and proven nutrition expertise. Acutia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alltech, is backed by Alltech Life Sciences, which conducts research on digestive health, cognitive health, brain function and cellular health, and whose innovations include a potential breakthrough in diabetes treatment. Acutia also has a unique start-up perspective, having been cultivated through Alltech’s internal incubator program,” explained Nikki Putnam Badding, registered dietitian nutritionist and director of Acutia.
The incubator program Putnam Badding is referring to provides a pathway to test and develop new business ideas while allowing Alltech team members to showcase their talents. In 2018, Putnam Badding led the Acutia project through the first cohort of Alltech’s internal incubator program.
Rollout
Acutia’s initial line of products will be released in phases, starting with Acutia Selenium. The company said the supplement will provide immune support, antioxidant benefits and help maintain healthy thyroid function.
“Selenium deficiency affects anywhere from 500 million to 1 billion people globally, including within US regions. Acutia Selenium is available worldwide to help fill the nutritional gap,” explained Putnam Badding. “As consumers increasingly look for supplements with immunity-boosting ingredients, we are able to offer high-quality selenium — a nutrient known to support a healthy immune system.”
Later this spring, the company plans to introduce Acutia Brain Health, a product aimed to provide cognitive and brain health support as well as antioxidant benefits, by combining selenium, vitamin C and plant-based omega-3 DHA.
Toward the end of the year, the company is slated to debut Acutia Digestive Health.
The selenium found in Acutia Selenium and Acutia Brain Health is made from a specialized, high-quality strain of brewer’s yeast to optimize the quality, absorption, safety and efficacy of the products.
Brewer’s yeast is an ingredient used in the production of beer. Considered a probiotic, it’s used to aid digestion.
Pearse Lyons, founder of Alltech, established Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. in 1999, a joint brewing and distilling operation.
Sustainability
“Sustainability has been a priority throughout the development of Acutia and is a key component of our business. For Acutia, sustainability has two meanings: long-term wellness, and the health of the planet we share,” said Putnam Badding.
Customers’ first order includes a starter kit which is packaged in a recyclable box and contains a reusable glass storage jar and a travel container. Subsequent orders come in compostable refill packs.
