Newspapers, lifestyle blogs, and social media platforms are buzzing as an ever-growing number of brands highlight their ‘unique’ products and ability to boost cardiovascular health. Heart health is certainly big news. It is estimated that close to 650 million people are living with heart and circulatory disease across the world and that it results in close to 20 million deaths annually.1 In 2021, it was the world’s leading cause of death.2
The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal point in the fight for cardiovascular health. During that period, the nutraceutical and dietary supplement industry saw a definite shift as consumers started taking a more proactive approach to managing heart health through supplementation and lifestyle changes.
This had a marked effect on driving demand for products positioned as offering protection from not only heart disease but most disorders of the cardiovascular system including cholesterol and blood pressure.
Working toward a healthy heart
According to FMCG’s Consumer Insights, up to 82% of consumers now recognise the link between a healthy heart and a healthy body.3 Additionally, reports by FMCG found that 74% of global consumers are now more likely to pay attention to nutritional benefits when purchasing foodstuffs, while 65% say they plan to focus on good quality nutrition and becoming more active.4
With consumers more informed about the impact of heart disease on their overall health, it is shaking up innovation for new products with specific health claims. Up to 52% of consumers are now interested in food and drink items positioned to relieve symptoms of cardiovascular disease, while an additional 50% find products that target high cholesterol appealing.5
The importance of science
Greenwashing continues to be rife in the health and wellness industry and testing a product’s efficacy rests on the use of science-backed ingredients in formulations.
At ACI, we believe that our supply partnership with Alvinesa, a leader in sustainable and upcycled ingredients from natural sources enables us to not only offer natural and sustainably sourced ingredients but the study data needed to drive the next phase of your new product development.
When it comes to heart health, there are two standout vegetable-based ingredients often cited in the Mediterranean diet, olives and red grapes, which can work to combat oxidative stress, the formation of free radicals, and the generation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can contribute to cardiovascular problems.6
Olives & oxidative stress
The Mediterranean has long been viewed as one of the Blue Zones when it comes to health and longevity with a diet rich in olives, red wine, pulses, and fresh fruit and vegetables that target oxidative stress.
Alvinesa’s Hytolive is obtained from olives and contains Hydroxytyrosol, a natural phenolic compound that belongs to a class of compounds known as phenylethanoids. These are considered a key bioactive compound, responsible for numerous health benefits and a veritable treasure trove of healthy phenolic compounds with exceptional antioxidant properties.
As a natural product, Hytolive is EFSA-approved for protecting blood lipids against oxidative stress, certified non-GMO, halal, and kosher, and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) with both ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications.
The power of polyphenols
Red wine or red grape skin and seeds are often a high source of polyphenols and contain flavonoids like proanthocyanidins, which are highly regarded for fighting oxidative stress.
Several studies have investigated the cardiovascular effects of grape extract, particularly for its endothelial function and its ability to reduce cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.7
At ACI, we supply Alvinesa’s Vintera Grape Extract, a natural ingredient derived from the seed and skin of grapes and a great source of standardised proanthocyanidins, monomers, and anthocyanins. As a powerful plant-based antioxidant, it is made from fresh and carefully selected red pomaces using soft water extraction and presents a rich polyphenol content, notably flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanidins.
These polyphenols have been found to play a natural role in protecting the enzymes, fats, and vitamins in the body, which may support cellular protection – impacting antioxidant capacity and cardiovascular health by supporting the increase of HDL cholesterol levels.8
A potent natural concentrate, Vintera harnesses the bioactive compounds present in grapes, known for their numerous health benefits. Proanthocyanidins, in particular, are recognised for their powerful antioxidant activity, protecting cells from oxidative damage, while anthocyanins contribute to cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
How ACI can help
As consumers continue to prioritise heart health, opportunities abound for brands to innovate with functional foods and dietary supplements that address this critical need.
ACI’s partnership with Alvinesa enables companies to develop cutting-edge products using science-backed plant and vegetable compounds to make a tangible difference in a consumer health. Whether it’s creating an active nutrition product fortified with Hydroxytyrosol or a dietary supplement rich in grape-derived polyphenols, the possibilities are vast.
For more information on ACI’s Alvinesa range of heart-health-focused ingredients, contact our team today. Together, we can pave the way for healthier hearts and healthier lives.
2, World Heart Report 2024 – World Heart Federation
3,5 FMCG Gurus -Heart Health and the Proactive Consumer
5, FMCG Gurus– Addressing heart health in 2021
6, The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Aging – PMC
7,8Foshati S, et al. The effect of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract supplementation on flow-mediated dilation, blood pressure, and heart rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials with duration- and dose-response analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2022;175:105905.
