Gut microbiome studies show bone eye health links

Natural Remedies announced completion of a preclinical study on its branded licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract – marketed as GutGard – that demonstrates it supports glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) activity. The company plans to launch a new clinical trial in January 2026 based on these new findings.

“The start of 2026 marks an important next step for botanical research,” said Suresh Lakshmikanthan, Ph.D., chief business officer at Natural Remedies. “We see strong interest from formulators seeking ingredients with rigorous scientific backing.”

A review in the Journal of Functional Foods discusses the role of flavonoids in osteoporosis prevention. Commonly found in fruits and vegetables, flavonoids impact bone health via the gut-bone axis. The authors state that “these findings indicate that the gut microbiota serves as a key mediator for the bone-protective effects of flavonoids” and encourage further research on flavonoids as dietary interventions.

Recent studies also highlighted the gut-eye axis. Researchers found a probiotic – Bifidobacterium bifidum BB00 – reduced dry eye in patients after laser refractive surgery. Study participants took 1 billion colony-forming units (CFU) twice daily for 30 days after surgery, significantly reducing dry eye and associated symptoms as compared to placebo.

Chinese bayberry (Morella rubra Lour.) seed might be the next new ingredient for managing inflammation and oxidative stress, owing to its high phenolic content. Researchers found the ingredient had strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and improved colitis symptoms in mice.

Women’s health supplement company O Positiv announced the launch of three new formulas for brain, heart and eye health under its Meno brand, which aims to help women in perimenopause and menopause.

“Menopause impacts almost every part of a woman’s life — her body, her energy, her clarity, even how she feels day to day,” said Brianna Bitton, co-founder of O Positiv Health. “Our goal with the Meno line has always been to make this transition feel more supported and more understood.”

Supplement brand USANA earned ConsumerLab.com’s seal of approval for its probiotic supplement supporting digestive health. “This certification is a powerful validation of the standards we hold ourselves to,” said Brent Neidig, USANA chief commercial officer. “We are dedicated to providing our brand partners and customers with premium, high-quality products they can trust.”

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) ingredient supplier Niagen Bioscience (formerly Chromadex) is now the sole owner of a patent portfolio covering nicotinamide riboside (NR), which it previously licensed exclusively from Queen’s University Belfast. The intellectual property covers multiple salt forms of NR.

“This transaction consolidates the most important intellectual property underlying our NR business into Niagen Bioscience outright,” said Rob Fried, CEO of Niagen. “Composition of matter patents are the strongest form of IP (intellectual property) protection, and owning this portfolio further protects Niagen Bioscience shareholders against infringers of all known forms of the greatest precursor to NAD, NR.”

Plant-based ingredient supplier GNT announced the opening of a new application laboratory in Dubai to support sales of its Exberry line of color solutions in the middle east.

“The demand for natural, plant-based colors is increasing all over the world – and this region is no exception,” said Santhosh Thankappan, sales director at GNT Middle East. “This expansion reinforces our dedication to helping manufacturers achieve vibrant, stable shades while maintaining completely natural ingredient lists.”

Women’s basketball league Unrivaled named supplement company Thorne as its official sports nutrition partner. Thorne will have exclusive naming rights to an expanded player’s lounge at Sephora Arena featuring a refueling station stocked with its products.

“Unrivaled is raising the bar for women’s sports, and we’re proud to support that momentum,” said Colin Watts, Thorne CEO. “Thorne is committed to providing athletes with science, innovation and resources they need to perform and recover at the highest level.”