The following case studies illustrate how good science, published in reputable scientific journals, can augment and even accelerate the viability of your commercial goals. Whether that be straight up product development or a mechanistic understanding to underpin efficacy, good science is essential to the credibility of products in the health and nutrition sector today. Let Berkley help you think about how science can work for you!
Product Efficacy & Comparison Studies
Omega-3 Containing Product Development: “Chia seed supplementation and disease risk factors in overweight women: a metabolomics investigation.”
Chia seed is a great source of the important omega-3 fatty acid, a-linolenic acid (ALA). This study showed that ALA is only bioavailable when the chia seed itself is ground up and the seed coat disrupted. This observation allowed Dole to reformulate their product line to contain the categories only milled chia seed formulation ensuring adequate bioavailability of omeg-3 fatty acids upon consumption, thus distinguishing it amongst a crowded competitive shelf space.
Nieman & Gillitt et al J Altern Complement Med. 18(7):700-8 (2012).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22830971/
Statistics: Viewed _________ times; Citations 12
Protein Polyphenol Complexes: “Influence of a polyphenol-enriched protein powder on exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in athletes: a randomized trial using a metabolomics approach.”
A protein-polyphenol complex was ingested by athletes for two weeks prior to a strenuous exercise session. Although classic biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation (CRP, cytokines, protein carbonyls etc.) were unchanged, an enhanced gut -derived phenolic signature and ketogenesis (fat burning) were observed during the recovery phase. These observations support the role of this product in supplying polyphenol metabolites to the plasma during the exercise bout as well as into the recovery period.
Nieman, Gillitt & Lila et al PLoS One. 7(5) (2013).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23967286/
Statistics: Viewed 10,977 times; Citations 62
Bananas vs Gatorade Comparison: “Bananas as an energy source during exercise: a metabolomics approach.”
A heads-up comparison of banana vs Gatorade as a sugar source in a 75 Km cycling time trial. Bananas performed metabolically the same as Gatorade, allowing carbohydrate to quickly enter the bloodstream to facilitate energy production. The data supports the role of bananas as an all-natural carbohydrate alternative to a synthetic sugar solution for health-conscious athletes.
Nieman & Gillitt et al PLoS One. 7(5) (2012).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22616015/
Statistics: Viewed 45,515 times; Citations 41
The Commercial Applicability of Science
Inflammasome Activation: “Postexercise Inflammasome Activation and IL-1b Production Mitigated by Flavonoid Supplementation in Cyclists.”
The inflammasome is the critical cellular machinery responsible for initiating the inflammatory response. It is typically activated upon vigorous exercise or infection and produces pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1b. A flavonoid intervention dramatically reduced this response in exercising adults indicating a reduction in inflammasome activation.
Nieman & Valacchi et al Int. J. Sport Nutr. Metab. 30(6):396-404 (2020).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32932235/
Statistics: Viewed ______ times; Citations __
Antibacterial Activity: “Flavonoid mixture Inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis Survival and Infectivity.”
A mixed flavonoid supplement treatment strongly reduces Mtb infectivity in 
THP-1 macrophages. Although this cell culture study is not the same level of evidence as a clinical trial these data lend some support to the strategy of increased flavonoid intake for managing bacterial infections such as tuberculosis.
Cao & Nieman et al Molecules 24(5):112-119 (2019).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30823377/
Statistics: Viewed 1,500 times; Citations 5
Reduction in Oxidative Stress: “Mixed Flavonoid Supplementation Attenuates Postexercise Plasma Levels of 4-Hydroxynonenal and Protein Carbonyls in Endurance Athletes.”
A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical design showed a 2 week supplementation of a flavonoid product decreased plasma peroxidation and oxidative damage as indicated by decreased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal supporting the strategy of flavonoid supplementation to mitigate post exercise stress.
Nieman & Valacchi et al Int. J. Sport Nutr. Metab. 30(2):112-119 (2019).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31754080/
Statistics: Viewed _____ times; Citations 1
Antiviral Activity: “The protective effects of a polyphenol-enriched protein powder on exercise-induced susceptibility to virus infection.”
A mixed flavonoid supplement treatment strongly reduces the immunosuppression observed for athletes in a 3-day intensive training session. The post exercise serum from the blood of these athletes, due to the polyphenol metabolites appearing in it after consumption of the supplement, reduced the virulence (ability to kill cells) of the vesicular stomatitis virus as well as its ability to replicate. This data supports the use of polyphenol supplements in reducing after exercise infections common in athletes.
Ahmed, Nieman, Gillitt & Lila et al Phytother Res. 2014;28(12):1829-36.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25088029/
Statistics: Viewed ____ times; Citations 18
Bioavailability Studies
Plasma Phenolics: “Increased Plasma Levels of Gut-Derived Phenolics Linked to Walking and Running Following Two Weeks of Flavonoid Supplementation.”
A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled design showed a 2-week supplementation period of a flavonoid product increased plasma levels of gut-derived phenolics. The level of increase was elevated upon exercise (walking and running). These observations support the role of exercise in elevating the absorption of gut derived phenolics, linking diet and exercise together as mutually beneficial, a powerful health message.
Nieman, Kay & Lila et al Nutrients 10(11):1718- (2018).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30423955/
Statistics: Viewed 2,526 times; Citations 17
Urine Phenolics: “Influence of Ingesting a Flavonoid-Rich Supplement on the Metabolome and Concentration of Urine Phenolics in Overweight/Obese Women.”
A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study design showed that a 12-week supplementation period of a flavonoid product increased urine levels of both total phenolics and specifically gut-derived phenolics. Appearance of these compounds in the urine confirms the metabolic flux of such compounds (i.e., they passed through the metabolic system). Urine phenolic content is positively associated with reducing all-cause mortality thus these observations support the role of polyphenol consumption in longevity.
Nieman, Kay & Lila et al J. Proteome Res. 16(8):2924-2935 (2017).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28631923/
Statistics: Viewed 736 times; Citations 16