Flax extension at Acatris

Lignans have been reported to help improve prostate health, reduce menopausal symptoms, promote heart health and also have benefits for acne and hair loss.

Acatris' first LinumLife product, launched in 2002, was marketed for prostate health. The concentrated source of phytoestrogens in the ingredient are thought to be capable of balancing natural hormone levels in the body, and therefore have a positve role in testosterone production. Now the firm has set up a clinical study programme to research LinumLife Extra​.

The new product is standardised to contain 20 per cent SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglycoside), the main lignan in flaxseed, making it the most intense flax lignan product on the market.

In an interview with NutraIngredients.com​ last year, president of Acatris North America's health division Laurent Leduc told our sister site that flax had the potential to be even bigger than soy, currently enjoying booming sales in cholesterol-lowering products and as a menopause treatment.

"Soy has had to overcome the negative image resulting from its taste. It is also not a common ingredient in the European or US diet, while flax has been part of our diet for centuries,"​said Leduc.

He predicted that bread, bars and cereals containing lignans will likely be available on the market in three to four years. And manufacturers will not be faced with the GM issue in Europe, as they do with soy.

Whole flaxseeds are found in many foods such as bakery products, but the lignans are not completely released during digestion. LinumLife is produced from flax hulls through a patented production process, certified GMP and ICP. It can be used in capsules or tablets, including one-a-day formulations, and is also suitable for flax oil enrichment and cosmetic applications.

The new product will be launched in both the European and US markets.

Contact Liesbeth Neven​, product manager, for more information on this product.