The world’s first clinically developed and tested plant-derived multi-nutrient blends

Clinical study to assess the bioavailability and efficacy of plant-derived versus synthetic multi-nutrient blends

Project Summary

A double-blind, randomised controlled trial to assess the bioavailability and efficacy of synthetic versus plant-derived nutrient in healthy individuals.

Project NPD

The world’s first process-stable, plant-derived multi-nutrient blends, for use in food product manufacture, with guaranteed nutritional profile post-processing and at the end of a product’s shelf life.

Project Details

Programme: Better Food for All: Innovation for improved nutrition

Duration: 24 months

Academic Partner: Swansea University

Academic Lead: Richard Bracken, Professor in Exercise, Physiology and Biochemistry at A-STEM (Applied Sport, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre)

Funding Body: UK Research Institute (UKRI)

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FAQ’s

Why are you carrying out a research study?

Fortified foods and supplements currently rely heavily on synthetic micronutrients. With their rising popularity and significance in enhancing population health, it’s important to understand more about the bioavailability and effectiveness of synthetic versus natural micronutrients.

Plant-derived, natural nutrients contain synergistic compounds and enzymes that may enhance absorption and provide various additional health benefits. Organic nutrients, which are sourced entirely from sustainable sources, could also contribute to addressing various environmental concerns by replacing synthetic nutrients, which are typically derived from unsustainable petrochemical or animal origins.

BIOVIT’s research aims to empower both food manufacturers and consumers with insights for making informed, effective, and sustainable nutrition decisions.

What makes this study unique?

There is currently limited scientific research on the bioavailability and efficacy of natural versus synthetic micronutrients. This is the first clinical study to assess the long term bioavailability and effectiveness of a blend of 12 natural micronutrients, compared to a blend of their synthetic counterparts. While previous studies have explored individual nutrients like natural vitamins E and C versus their synthetic forms, none have investigated a micronutrient blend as commonly consumed within fortified foods and supplements.

The study will measure concentrations of micronutrients alongside parameters including blood pressure, BMI, and blood glucose levels; additional tests, including those measuring cognitive function, will also take place.

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What is the study method?

Swansea University are conducting a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Healthy individuals will consume either a natural (BIOVIT) or synthetic micronutrient blend daily for 30 days (without knowing which one they have). The research team will measure blood micronutrient levels plus other health metrics.

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What are the limitations of the study?

As with any research study, there are always some limitations to consider. These include the limited sample size and the imperfect representativeness of participants for the wider population. Using food diaries can introduce potential bias and inaccuracies as they rely on individual recall. However, these risks can be largely mitigated by utilising modern diet tracking devices software.

Moreover, participants carry out the 30-day trial with one of the two micronutrient blends, which limits direct comparison of individual differences when consuming natural versus synthetic, allowing only for comparison between groups.

However, there are also several strengths of the study. These include precise anthropometric and blood measurements, the fact that the micronutrient blends are matched for nutrient quantity, overall weight, and energy/calories, the test period of 30 days, and the use of a randomised controlled trial design, considered one of the most reliable research methods.

What other research do you think needs to be done on this topic?

This area of nutrition science remains relatively under-researched, presenting vast opportunities for further exploration—an aspect that truly excites the BIOVIT team.

Investigating the effectiveness of various natural sources of micronutrients, individually rather than as part of a blend, could provide valuable insights. Additionally, studying the long-term health effects of natural versus synthetic nutrients would be impactful.

Further research into individual responsiveness to different micronutrients could pave the way for personalised nutrient blends—another research project we’re currently undertaking. Stay tuned for updates!

Will the findings of your study be publicly accessible, and if so, how?

Yes, we will be making all clinical study results publicly available. To be the first to receive news and updates please sign up to our newsletter.