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Furthering the team’s knowledge
The TransChem team recently visited Port Botany, to learn more about the complex world of 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀. It’s an integral part of our ability to deliver a high level of service.
Our thanks to the wonderful team at Mainfreight and DP World arranging this most interesting and informative visit.
AlphaWave L-Theanine, a key ingredient for the relief of symptoms of stress, now available for use in Australia
TransChem is pleased to advise that AlphaWave™ L-Theanine has been approved by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) for use as an active ingredient in listed medicines in Australia.
This approval was secured by TransChem in partnership with Ethical Naturals (ENI) over the past 18 months and this approval is in addition to the US GRAS affirmation secured by ENI.
AlphaWave™ L-Theanine has been available for over 10 years in the US, where it has grown to become one of the most popular ingredients to relieve symptoms of stress in both supplements and beverages.
The market potential of AlphaWave™ through Australia
The potential for AlphaWave™ in the Australian and Asia-Pacific market is substantial. Strong interest has been shown by several leading brands that market products both in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It’s expected that a retail and practitioner launch will take place in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024.
Clinical studies show significant increase in alpha brainwave levels
The efficacy of AlphaWave™ L-Theanine has been validated by two clinical studies that confirm its ability to increase alpha brainwave activity and deliver significant relaxation benefits.
The most recent study, ‘A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to investigate the efficacy of a single 200mg dose of AlphaWave™ L-Theanine on stress in a healthy adult population’, was published in Neurology and Health, September 2021.3
In this study a 200mg dose of AlphaWave™ L-Theanine was shown to promote significant increases in both whole-scalp and frontal region alpha power, and reductions in salivary cortisol (both are objective measurement of reduced levels of stress). These changes were not observed when the participants received placebo.
The summary of this study concluded: ‘A single dose of AlphaWave™ L-Theanine had significant positive effects on brainwaves, salivary cortisol, and self-reported state anxiety compared to the placebo in response to an acute stress challenge. These changes are indicative of relaxation in the brain and suggest a calming response in a moderately stressed but otherwise healthy population. AlphaWave™ L-Theanine was found to be safe and well tolerated by participants.’
AlphaWave™: The only source of L-Theanine for supplement use in Australia
References
- Evans, M., McDonald, A.C., Xiong, L., Crowley, D.C. and Guthrie, N., 2021. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to investigate the efficacy of a single dose of AlphaWave® l-theanine on stress in a healthy adult population. Neurology and Therapy, 10, pp.1061-1078.
Sourcing Unique and Innovative Ingredients
Over 25 years as an independent supplier drives us to take a bigger view, to offer you more than you expected…
- Health & Wellness
- Functional Benefits
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- We supply natural ingredients that will enhance your products.
And much much more…
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We will expertly find ingredients; from our worldwide network of suppliers, TGA authorised, full documentary backup with technical and regulatory support.
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Primary and complementary quality ingredients for; Pharmaceutical, Veterinary Pharma & Animal Health, Nutraceutical, and Food & Beverage.
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Our reputation is based on professional and transparent services that cover all your needs including; freight and import, stockholding, and delivery.
Comprecel® Microcrystalline Cellulose Superior, Functional MCC for Pharmaceutical Applications
What is the story behind the MCC you use now?
A common theme among many Pharmaceuticals is settling for a Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC). Why? Comprecel® is the superior functional, competitively priced option that is exclusive to TransChem from a world-leading vendor who has been delivering consistently for over 20 years.
Your story of using the right MCC can change.
Find out more about Comprecel® – a superior, functional MCC that is ideal for Pharmaceutical applications.
Ideal excipient for tableting
A strong binder / filler / diluent / disintegrant in tablets & capsules formulations in direct compression, dry granulation or wet granulation process.
Comprehensive range
Available in several grades suitable for wet granulation, direct compression, low moisture, courser particle size and high bulk density.
Price competitive & exclusive
From MingTai, a quality approved vendor for over 20 years, we carry the range as stock items, so you have the security of supply.
We are fully and safely operational, providing quality solutions and customer care to make your life as easy as possible.
For more information about Comprecel® or any of our products, please contact us today.
While exercise is good, a rapid recovery is even better
If you are serious about your fitness you might consider BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) as your personal activity and recovery support crew. Taken before, during, or after a workout, a BCAA supplement may be able to protect you from muscle breakdown and kick start the recovery process
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are now one of the most popular supplements around, earning a place in millions of homes and gyms, worldwide. Numerous studies show a direct link between BCAA intake and improved strength and recovery, fuelling sales growth which shows no sign of slowing.
BCAAs are beneficial for athletes, individuals engaged in high volume or prolonged exercise, those on restrictive diets who may not get enough from whole food sources, or for anyone otherwise at risk of lean tissue breakdown.
Why do we need to supplement amino acids and are they specifically for fitness fanatics?
The human body does not produce the amino acids Leucine, isoleucine or valine contained in TransChem’s fast-dissolving BCAA products. BCAAs account for more than 1/3 of our body muscle mass. These amino acids are not manufactured by our bodies and must be ingested, TransChem can supply them as a plant-based, high quality, organic and ethically sourced supplements with broader application.
The development of flavours and tastes makes the product appealing to functional foods as well as sports supplements. The faster dissolving product means quick blood absorption to boost exercise which also activates protein synthesis and boosts metabolism.
To counteract the punishing you’ve given yourself in the gym, on the running track or around the road circuit on your bike, BCAAs can be beneficial in providing energy fuel enabling you to exercise for longer as well as supporting a rapid recovery.
Importantly, BCAA’s can also be incorporated into functional foods. Recent media coverage on the cognitive health benefits of incorporating weight lifting in daily exercise regimes points to the broad benefits of ongoing muscle development and maintenance across all age groups. Increasing research and knowledge of the correlation between “food and mood” means daily exercise and muscle mass, and therefore amino acids, are important elements of sustained, life-long mental health and wellbeing.
Reflecting its mission statement to care not only about its markets but what it supplies, TransChem’s BCAAs are halal and kosher certified and specifically plant-based to cater to the strengthening global market for vegan and vegetarian products.
Immunity, Nutrition and a Post-Pandemic Environment
With the shadow of the pandemic beginning to lift and the relaxation of social restrictions, it has never been more important to take preventative measures to enhance immunity, health and wellbeing.
With a vaccine still in R&D stages as well as no supplements available to prevent the contraction of coronavirus, we need to look to our individual behaviour and immunity for health and wellness.
The human immune system is complex, but essentially, it is our personal defence force against viruses, bacteria and germs.
Constantly activated, it deflects potential invaders from entering the bloodstream through the lymphatic system, via our gut, the skin, or through the exposed mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose and eyes.
Maintaining the viability of our immune system is our best option. A regular intake of fibre maintains the strength and viability of the good gut bacteria. TransChem’s Delayed Action Psyllium Husk is designed as an easy-to-consume product specifically to support digestive health and immunity.
The exploration of the correlation between food and nutrition with physical and mental health continues to burgeon. It’s worth remembering the more natural and unprocessed the ingredients ingested, the less strain on the immune system. TransChem champions the benefits of many other natural ingredients in their range, including echinacea, ginseng, turmeric and garlic.
As well as practising good hygiene, the pandemic has focused our attention on the role of the immune system, which is why we need to “turbocharge” our immune systems. A balanced diet, including all food groups, supports and strengthens an effective immune system and may provide protection against infections.
Mental Fitness
As is so often the case, we’re discovering that remedies for 21st century health challenges had already been discovered by the ancients. Medieval apothecaries realised the benefits of green oat formulations for mental fitness, cognitive function and stress management and we’re beginning to unlock their secrets.
Mental fitness refers to emotional health and our ability to meet the obstacles of life without unduly taxing our wellbeing. It’s what many of us refer to as our “mood”. The fitness of the central and most complex organ of our bodies, our brain, also encompasses cognitive longevity and wellbeing supported by good nutritional intake, daily exercise and a range of mental challenges and stimulation to keep our brains agile, healthy and active.
However, it’s not all about setting challenges. While most of us associate “fitness” with ramping up our levels of physical activity and exertion, mental fitness occurs at a refreshingly slower, less demanding pace. A key attribute of mental health is knowing how and when to slow down, relax and nurture good sleeping habits.
Emerging knowledge of the importance of gut health for mental health has spawned a new area of psychiatry: nutritional psychiatry focuses on the direct correlation between nutrition and mood, behaviour and mental health. Interestingly it is a cyclical science because improved mood and mental fitness, as a result of better-quality nutritional intake, positively influences informed decisions around ongoing dietary intake.
Alarming evidence from both the United States of America and the United Kingdom describes an “epidemic” of diagnosed depression and the over prescription of antidepressants. An ongoing social stigma associated with antidepressants means many people refuse to take them and go untreated, and there is growing evidence to support the claim that the use of antidepressants to treat children and young people has a negative outcome.
While nutritional psychiatry is an emerging science and improved diet is not used in mainstream medicine, the increasing rates of diagnosed depression and use of prescribed antidepressants in clinical treatment underlines the findings of nutritional psychiatry. Despite the huge range of foods available in the developed world, poor brain health across all age groups is being linked to nourishment deficiency with the overabundance of fast food options.
Inflammation has been targeted as a root cause of poor mood and depression. Long term inflammation eventually morphs from a bodily defense mechanism and begins to attack the body, including brain cells.
Degenerative age-related disease and progressive reduction of cognitive function is also being linked to brain health and nutrition with dopamine the key player.
In a healthy brain dopamine regulates cognition, mood and bodily functions. As the body ages the depletion of dopamine reduces brain function and the joy of everyday living. Longevity itself is no longer the holy grail; healthy longevity and wellbeing is what’s driving research into extending the production of dopamine to fire the activity in all cortexes of the brain and to improve our mood, cognitive health and quality of life.
Just as diet is being shown to be the cause of poor mood and depression, it can also be the remedy particularly with the support of functional foods like TransChem’s green oats extract product, Neuravena®. In fact, an improved nutritional intake including freshly prepared, preservative free, low sugar foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fresh vegetables, whole grains and fruit is being revealed as a crucial aspect of the treatment protocol.
Ironing out deficiencies
In 2018 Australia was identified as one of the fastest growing vegan and vegetarian markets behind the United Arab Emirates and China. Could this be the reason iron deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies in Australia?
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are hot topics among elite endurance athletes, menstruating women and pregnant women. Adequate levels of iron support energy levels, cognitive function and focus, body temperature regulation, the immune system and gastrointestinal processes. Deficient iron levels result in anaemia which can trigger symptoms such as tiredness, general physical weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath and headache.
A conscious shift toward plant-based food consumption, coupled with growing community awareness around leaving a kinder, more gentle imprint on the environment, is changing Australia’s dietary intake. But has the Australian functional food market kept pace with the continuous rise of vegetarianism?
Closer examination of the range of functional foods currently available indicates a clear deficiency in the marketplace; the identified iron deficiencies experienced by many vegan and vegetarian devotees is matched by deficiencies in the availability of functional food products.
While industry growth trends point to an increasing demand for naturally derived sources of iron and other essential minerals, these consumer preferences bring the long-term sourcing of natural plant extracts into sharp focus.
TransChem has access to French sources of alfalfa leaf extract, Luzixine, for the treatment of iron deficiency from anaemia. With high levels of iron, Luzixine is backed by three clinical studies conducted in India, Peru and Congo. Studies show that daily consumption corrected iron deficiency in teenage girls and three to five-year-old children, as well as a quicker neutralisation of malnutrition markers than powdered milk. Environmentally responsible manufacturing processes and 100% traceability makes this an attractive product to Australia’s increasingly environmentally aware nutraceutical marketplace.
An average person needs to absorb just a small amount of iron each day to maintain good health (around 1mg for adult males and 1.5mg for menstruating females). However, our bodies absorb a fraction of the iron from the foods we consume, so we need to consume several times in volume to extract the levels of iron required.
Iron deficiency can pose a nutritional challenge for vegetarians; their iron stores are usually lower (although still within the normal functioning range) and there is less margin for error with restricted dietary choices. Iron is a critical component of a healthy functioning body; to avoid developing low iron levels we need to make informed dietary choices and maximise iron absorption.
Significantly reduced interest in medicated products has been replaced by lifestyle choice nutrient fortification such as iron tonics, iron melts, iron chews, iron tablets, iron elixirs and iron infusions. With so many nutraceutical sponsors producing an array of iron tonics, has the concept of therapeutic iron caught on in the functional food industry?
Environmental and dietary concerns are beginning to significantly determine Australian and global consumers’ lifestyle choices. It is clear that, for this niche market in particular, natural iron therapeutic dosing will challenge nutraceutical producers.
Healthy Me: empowering active health care
What does the concept of “healthy me” mean? Is it a number on the scale? A blood pressure reading? A dress size?
Health is a mix of physical, mental and emotional elements that make us who we are; what we eat, how we exercise, our mental agility and our social connections all contribute.
Regardless of our notion of what “perfect health” looks like, constantly we seem to want to feel better, to create a “healthier me”.
Choosing to take a multivitamin is part of a consumer’s choice to look after themselves, but it’s now also capturing the emotions of wellness and providing a passport to join a healthy lifestyle brigade of like-minded fellow consumers.
With changes in technology, nutraceuticals are developing their own followings via apps and website campaigns to enable tech savvy consumers to track stats in real time on their physical, physiological and emotional wellbeing.
With an exponential uptake of mobile health via these health tracking apps, medical professionals, consumers, brand marketers, advertisers, and insurers can track consumers lifestyle habits with nutrition and exercise.
The dawn of mobile health accountability through the wellness movement has unveiled a unique and exciting time to be in the pharmaceutical industry.
“App-fluence” takes the consumer beyond the products into an online experience of app data, support and forums. It captures the feeling of wellness, the pure embodiment of what and how that product makes the consumer feel when they take it and enables them to buy-in to a brigade of healthy others, all like-minded people who seek not only a healthy lifestyle, but wellness.
Over the past few years, the wellness movement has led millions to realize the relative lack of nutrients in their daily meals. A relatively new concept that’s sweeping the industry, “healthy me” relates to a range of products, including wellness tonics, liquids and powders. While it’s a precautionary and preventative health measure rather than a treatment regime, it’s an unspoken and largely immeasurable element of the consumer market. The perceived benefit of the product is eclipsed by the associated wellness attributes of the product and the connections it offers to a similarly like-minded wellness community.
While TransChem maintains its diligence in supplying high grade ingredients and raw materials to the market, the focus of the global industry has shifted; the paradigm has moved from the actual product to the consumer’s perceived notion of product buy-in and community.
Altering dosage forms to accommodate consumer trends in healthcare
When is a supplement not a supplement? When it’s a game changer. Innovative formulations are making dietary diversification easier to swallow.
Suppliers are responding to an emerging demand to manufacture an increasing range of dosage delivery forms that enhance feelings of wellness and vitality. Recent technological advances and easier ways of patient administration are now becoming accepted by the market. This includes controlled or sustained delivery; patches; nasal delivery and creams.
What has become evident to TransChem via this latest consumer trend, is that the lines between food and medicine has become more permeable than ever.
Current nutritional strategies developed to provide this wellness convenience are appropriately appealing. It include
“medicated confectionery” such as gums, coatings and lozenges; powders and granulated powders; capsules; pre-measured dosage sachets and gels; orally dispersible films; soft gels, semi-solids; and the range continues to develop. These dosage forms have gradually evolved for different population sectors including the elderly and very young children since dosage is critical to the effectiveness of these medications.
Having tracked and recognised current consumer trends and demand, TransChem is responding to these evolving, market driven dosage forms by offering a range of excipients to enable manufacturability.
Odourless and tasteless, TranChem’s range of excipients include binders that enable not only the successful development of different formulations, but the effective delivery of emerging dosage forms.
Water soluble and insoluble excipients are widely used across food, pharmaceutical and personal care products. As excipients are used to enhance the manufacturability of emerging dosage forms and the delivery of product performance, it follows that the purity of the excipient impacts the overall efficacy of the product.
Ethically sourced, naturally derived and meeting rigorous company standards, TransChem’s excipients will not detract from the natural purity of product ingredients. With careful selection of appropriate excipients for the effective delivery of active compound dosages, TransChem offers a range of excipients to assist with the delivery of various formulations. As consumers tell us there’s less appeal in taking medicine and demonstrating a strong preference for food like supplements, pharmaceuticals and personal care treatments, TransChem has the ability to support and develop these evolving dosage trends and to make this happen.