News Briefs

The mind allows people to make diet and lifestyle changes to create positive physical outcomes, but research is showing things work the other way, too: Gut microbiota influence the mind.

Elizabeth Cooper, technical advisor at ADM Protexin, shared burgeoning research on the gut-brain axis.

• Studies have shown a clear association between changes in gut microbiota and cognitive behavior, wrote Mélanie G. Gareau of University of California, San Diego in a 2014 paper published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Gareau stated that findings suggest “there exists a certain flexibility within the gut-brain-microbiota axis, well into adulthood and after completion of developmental stages thought to be the critical time for mediating potential changes.”
• Researchers from Kashan University of Medical Sciences in Iran published the results of a randomized, double-blind clinical trial in 2016 in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. Study participants with Alzheimer’s disease drank either milk or probiotic milk containing four bacterial strains for 12 weeks. Participants took a mini-mental state examination, which tests for cognitive impairment, before and after the 12 weeks. Members of the group that took the probiotics achieved a greater improvement in test scores than the control group.
• In 2022, in Psychological Medicine, University of Oxford researchers published findings from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on probiotics and the gut-brain axis. The study’s participants, who showed symptoms of mild to moderate depression, took the 14 bacterial strains in Bio-Kult Original or took a placebo for four weeks. Participants who consumed the probiotic had overall depression scores that were reduced by 50% from baseline, while their concentration had improved significantly, and they had shown changes in emotional processing.

Korean-born skin care brand Belif is debuting a new product that looks to provide the skin with exfoliating, soothing and hydrating benefits in one.

The Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads are soaked with PHA, cica, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and Napier’s aqua formula. The ingredients are designed to aid in exfoliating dead skin cells while giving skin a burst of hydration, the company said.

In addition, the pads are dual-sided, with the gauze side designed to aid the PHA with gentle physical exfoliation and the embossed side is ideal for a softer application, the company said.

Retailing for $24, Belif’s Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads are available for purchase at Sephora.com and Ulta.com.

Takis is adding an extra dose of heat with an added sweetness to its spicy rolled tortilla chip snacks.

New from the brand is its dragon sweet chili chips, which embrace its classic heat intensity with an electrified sweet heat, the company said.

In addition, the brand shared that its dragon sweet chili snacks come in packaging that can be recycled via TerraCycle.

Additional information, including on where to purchase the snacks, can be found on the Takis website.

Noting that social media is stirring about Berberine—with #berberine racking up 66.5 million views on TikTok, Himalaya Wellness, an herbal supplements and plant-based personal care brand, announced that it has launched a new Berberine supplement with 500 mg of Berberine per caplet.

Berberine has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Himalaya was founded in 1930 using Ayurvedic medicine, the company said.

Himalaya uses the tools of modern science to develop Ayurveda-based herbal products, like Berberine. Himalaya's Berberine is sourced from Indian Barberry root extract, rigorously tested for strength and safety and vegan and gluten-free, the company said.

Himalaya's Berberine is available on Amazon for $29.99/60 caplets.

TPG, a global alternative asset management firm, and AmerisourceBergen Corporation have completed their previously announced acquisition of OneOncology, a network of leading oncology practices.

TPG has acquired a majority interest in OneOncology, and AmerisourceBergen has acquired a minority interest in the company.

OneOncology’s affiliated practices, physicians and management team also have retained a minority interest in the company.

The partnership provides OneOncology with additional resources to grow its platform and invest behind clinical, operational and technical capabilities to continue to deliver high-quality, comprehensive patient care, the companies said.

Kroger is making it easier for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to order groceries online as it brings e-commerce electronic benefit transfer (EBT) payments to its Fred Meyer, Smith’s and QFC banners.

The expansion includes Fred Meyer and QFC stores throughout Oregon, Idaho and Washington, as well as all Smith’s locations. Customers can create an account through the respective grocer’s app or through their websites, then add an EBT account number as a new card under the “My Account” and “Wallet” options. Online EBT payment can only be used for SNAP-eligible products.

“Thousands of Fred Meyer and QFC shoppers place digital orders every week. Now, we are opening our digital grocery shopping experience to more people, with fresh, affordable food conveniently available through pickup or delivery,” said Tiffany Sanders, corporate affairs manager. “Fred Meyer and QFC believe in being Fresh for Everyone, and this is another important way we are connecting our neighbors to the foods that will help them live healthier, thriving lives.”

Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic region, which covers stores in Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, began accepting online SNAP payments in April.

Cincinnati-based Kroger has almost 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names. 

This story originally appeared on Progressive Grocer.