Blue California, along with biotech company Conagen, have announced the commercialisation of a fermentation-derived nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
“Consumers are reassessing their dietary regimen to make room for ingredients that can support an increased healthspan,” said CSO at Blue California, Dr Priscilla Samuel.
NMN supplements are suitable for healthy ageing applications, including brain health, vitality, heart health, metabolic health, and even cosmetics. Current NMN ingredients used in products on the market are mostly produced by chemical synthesis, the company says.
Consumers are increasingly demanding clean labels from their supplements, meaning manufacturers need to move away from synthetic ingredients, Blue California argues. The company’s fermentation-derived NMN opens opportunities for producers to meet these demands.
NMN serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme present in all living cells and critical for mitochondrial function.
Increased intracellular levels of NAD+ boost energy production and improve cellular health, but levels decline dramatically with age. Replenishing NAD+ in the body with its precursor NMN has been proposed to potentially combat age-related degeneration and increase healthy lifespan.
“Our fermentation-derived offering is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing recognition of NMN as an important ingredient in the food and supplement spaces,” said Samuel. “NMN is a well-known molecule in the longevity research community, and emerging research also suggests potential applications for immune health as well as sports nutrition.”
“NMN is a logical extension to our line of “longevity ingredients” which includes ergothioneine and pyrroloquinoline quinone. All of these molecules are made by our own proprietary fermentation processes, enabling our customers to better serve consumers who might reject chemically-derived ingredients,” said VP of Innovation at Conagen, Dr Casey Lippmeier. “Because of the way we make it, Conagen’s NMN is of the highest purity and quality. It is also very cost-effective and compatible with clean-label trends, all of which demonstrates our strength as a strategic partner with Blue California.”
