Stephen Daniells

Swedish CDMO Wellma has acquired Virun NutraBiosciences, marking its entry into the US and Irish markets and adding advanced nutrient delivery technologies to its portfolio. Virun, founded in 2003 by Philip Bromley and Nick Huang, is recognized for its innovation in emulsion and liposomal systems and holds over 100 patents. This acquisition is Wellma’s thirteenth overall and first in the US, supporting its rapid global expansion and enhancing its position in the nutraceutical sector. The partnership aims to leverage shared values and expertise to support customers’ growth in both Europe and the US.

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A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in China found that daily supplementation with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici PA53 for eight weeks improved gastrointestinal health, sleep quality, and happiness in older adults. The study reported reductions in inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-alpha, alongside increased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-25 and a beneficial shift in gut microbiota composition. These results support the potential of PA53 as an intervention for enhancing emotional and physical well-being in the elderly.

Lallemand Inc., a Canadian company specializing in yeast, bacteria, and fungi production, has acquired U.S.-based BIO-CAT Enzymes & Microbials, effective July 31, 2026. The acquisition expands Lallemand’s U.S. presence and production capacity with two new sites in Virginia and Minnesota, and strengthens its position in health, nutrition, agriculture, and industrial markets. BIO-CAT, founded in 1988 by Ed and Chris Schuler, is known for its enzyme blends, probiotics, and microbial solutions. Both companies emphasized shared values and complementary technologies as key reasons for the partnership.

Kirin Holdings Company has agreed to acquire Canadian supplements brand Jamieson Wellness Inc. for C$2.5 billion, making it a wholly owned subsidiary as part of its strategy to expand its Health Science business into North America. This move follows Kirin’s earlier acquisitions of Blackmores in Australia and FANCL in Japan, strengthening its presence in Asia and Oceania and positioning Jamieson as a strategic fit due to its established brands and strong North American market presence. The deal is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that daily supplementation with Verb Biotics’ oat-based postbiotic, Keystone, enriched beneficial gut microbiota, reduced pro-inflammatory biomarkers, and improved emotional wellness in healthy adults over four weeks. Mechanistic studies showed the postbiotic works by enhancing gut barrier function, modulating immunity, and supporting keystone gut bacteria, without introducing new organisms. The trial reported significant enrichment of 33 beneficial species and reductions in 38 taxa linked to GI distress, alongside lower IL-8 and cortisol levels. These findings highlight the product’s potential as a targeted and precise approach to strengthening gut resilience and supporting the gut-brain axis.

A new analysis of clinical data suggests that supplementation with nicotinamide riboside (NR) may reduce muscle-specific epigenetic age acceleration, as measured by the MEAT clock, and that these changes are associated with increased mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle. The study, which included a five-month NR trial and HIIT exercise interventions, found that NR supplementation led to significant reductions in epigenetic aging markers in muscle and blood, while HIIT was associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration, possibly due to inflammation and muscle damage. Overall, the findings indicate that NR may modulate molecular markers of aging in muscle tissue, although further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.

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Recent advances in microbiome science reveal that gut modulation extends beyond digestive health, offering emerging opportunities in athletic performance, healthy aging, weight management, and bioremediation. Studies indicate that modulating the microbiome with targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can support endurance, immunity, cognitive function, healthspan, and metabolic health, with elite athletes and centenarians serving as sources for novel probiotic strains. Research also shows that specific microbiome interventions can aid in obesity management and help detoxify environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, PFAS, and microplastics, though human trials are still needed to confirm efficacy and safety. As evidence grows, microbiota-targeted strategies are being explored as promising tools for preventative and adjunctive health interventions.

Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.