The future of wellness: Exploring lipid-based foods in the food-as-medicine movement

The emerging ‘Food as Medicine’ trend, highlighted by the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022, positions itself as a key solution to end hunger and reduce the prevalence of chronic disease by 2030 in the United States. This approach, supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through a congressionally funded initiative, emphasizes the vital link between diet, health, and well-being. It aims to integrate access to nutritious food as a core component of national health strategies, thereby addressing nutrition-related chronic diseases and promoting health and racial equity (OASH, 2023).

In a world increasingly attuned to the vital role of diet in health, the maxim ‘you are what you eat’ is more relevant than ever. The burgeoning food-as-medicine movement, fueled by cutting-edge research and technological innovations, is reshaping our understanding of nutritional well-being. Alianza Team, with its deep expertise in fats and oils, is at the forefront of this revolution. Their preclinical research delves into the nuanced role of lipids in nutrition. Lipids, essential components of our diet, serve multiple critical functions in the body. They are not just energy sources but are crucial for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and the structure of the cell membrane (Sanders, 2015).

Recognizing this, Alianza Team has designed a series of lipid-based products that not only contribute with nutrition but also harness benefits associated with the wellbeing provided by these essential fatty acids. Among these advancements, four lipid based products, developed by Alianza stand out, each harnessing the power of lipids and micronutrients to transform our approach to nutrition.

First in the lineup is Ultra-I, a revolutionary ingredient designed to seamlessly integrate into various food matrices. Its primary focus is to contribute with the immune system functionality because it is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Zinc. Additionally, Ultra-I is a technology with omega-3 ALA and probiotics, which augments its benefits. Central to the discussion of dietary lipids are essential fatty acids (EFAs) – omega-3 fatty acids. The human body cannot synthesize these EFAs, making their dietary inclusion crucial. They play a vital role in contributing with the maintenance of blood cholesterol levels (European Commission, 2012). The inclusion of probiotics in Ultra-I complements its formulation. A balanced diet with regular probiotic intake can aid digestive function and maintain a healthy intestinal flora, contributing to overall gastrointestinal and immune health. As reported in scientific studies, probiotics have demonstrated their ability to interact with and stimulate intestinal immune cells and commensal microflora. Growing evidence indicates that probiotic bacteria possess significant health-promoting and immunomodulatory properties (Mazziotta et al., 2023).

Transitioning from the immune system to the cognitive realm, PM-Powder is a lipid based ingredient and it is an excellent source of Vitamin B5, which may contribute to mental performance. 

Scientific reports indicate that a decline in zinc can adversely affect cognitive function (WHO, N.D.).  Moreover,  Vitamin E, an antioxidant, is also included in the formula. The dietary intake of vitamin E has been related to protection of DNA, protein and lipids from oxidative damage (EFSA, 2010). Indeed, lipids comprise 50%–60% of the brain’s dry weight, making it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to the high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in brain membranes. Consequently, the brain requires robust protection against oxidative damage (Li, 2022). Furthermore, PM-Powder features medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs provide an alternative energy source to glucose (Nimbkar et al., 2022), and research from various scientists has consistently focused on understanding its impact on cognitive functions (Sun et al., 2023).

The results of Alianza’s studies in geriatric patients with dementia show that patients who consumed a lipid formulation, combining a daily dose of MCT with vitamins A, D, E, B7 and B8,  aimed at halting cognitive decline: It is observed that the treatment prevents the progression of deterioration by 20% and 8% compared to the placebo group, as evidenced by the two types of cognitive tests: MMTS and CDR. 

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMST) and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) are key tools in psychiatry for assessing cognitive impairment and dementia. The MMST evaluates cognitive functions like orientation, recall, and language, useful for screening cognitive decline (Kurlowicz & Wallace, 1999). The CDR rates dementia severity across domains such as memory, judgment, and personal care, offering scores from normal to severe dementia, essential for diagnosing and tracking dementia progression (KnighADRC, 2023).

The third product in this lineup is Control-M, a solution crafted from a blend of vegetable oils, natural ingredients, and minerals. Its composition, with specialized lipids and micro-ingredients, acts synergistically to deliver benefits that are more than the sum of their parts.

Our studies on 24 prediabetic patients with encouraging outcomes were published in the Journal of Diabetes Therapy (Pelaez et al., 2020), showing favorable results in insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, abdominal obesity and inflammation. The results reveal the following:

However, these effects and their durability will need to be assessed more extensively in future studies.

Finally, C-Powder steps onto the scene. This solution offers a potent combination of Omegas and other functional lipids. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a leading cause of mortality globally, therefore it is important to take care of diet and health. C-Powder is a composition of omega-3 fatty acid, Vitamins A, and Vitamin D. Omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to maintain cholesterol levels in blood within a balanced diet with low saturated fats intake. Finally, C-Powder is an excellent source of vitamin A which contributes to the metabolism of iron and vitamin D which contributes to the absorption of calcium and phosphorus (European Commission, 2012).

As we navigate through an era where the lines between food and medicine are increasingly blurred, these four technologies stand as testament to the power of nutrition in shaping our health. They not only symbolize the advancements in food technology but also embody the potential of diet to play a crucial role in preventive health care. In a future where what we eat is intrinsically linked to how we live, these innovations offer a glimpse into a world where food is not just sustenance, but a key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant life.

We believe that lipid technologies have the potential to revolutionize the food and beverage industry, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this innovation. To learn more about how to include these lipid technologies in your food products please click here.

1. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
2. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02778581
3. Although these results are not statistically significant, they have an effective clinical relevance due to the benefit obtained in an important percentage of patients.