Actively Addressing Healthy Aging: L&P Foods Showcases Ca-HMB at CPHI

Population aging has become a major global challenge. As people age, physical functions gradually decline, with muscle loss being one of the most pronounced changes. Loss of muscle mass not only affects older adults’ ability to perform daily activities, but also increases the risk of falls and fractures, significantly impacting quality of life.

HMB is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that plays an important physiological role. Calcium HMB (Ca-HMB) is the calcium salt form of HMB. It promotes protein synthesis and inhibits protein breakdown, thereby helping to maintain muscle mass and strength. For older adults, appropriate supplementation with Ca-HMB can effectively slow the rate of muscle loss, enhance resistance to fatigue, and support a more active and comfortable later life.

01) Regulatory Status

Calcium HMB (Ca-HMB) is widely recognized as safe. In 1995, it passed the U.S. FDA GRAS evaluation and was approved for use in medical nutrition foods and special dietary products.
In 1997, the European Union approved Ca-HMB as a conventional food ingredient.
In 2009, Japan also included Ca-HMB in its list of approved food ingredients.

In 2011, Ca-HMB was officially approved in China as a New Resource Food (Ministry of Health Announcement No. 1 of 2011). Its permitted uses were specified as sports nutrition foods and foods for special medical purposes (FSMP), with a maximum daily intake of ≤3 g/day.

In Announcement No. 7 of 2017, the application scope was further expanded. In addition to sports nutrition foods and FSMP, Ca-HMB is now permitted for use in beverages; milk and dairy products; cocoa products; chocolate and chocolate products; confectionery; and baked goods.

02) Mechanism of Action ^[1]

The mechanism of action of Ca-HMB has not yet been fully elucidated. Current evidence suggests that its effects may be associated with the following factors:

1. Reduction of inflammatory responses, thereby promoting protein synthesis;

2. Activation of the mTOR pathway and upregulation of IGF-1 expression, which enhance protein synthesis;

3. Inhibition of caspase activity, leading to reduced protein breakdown;

4. Enhancement of muscle regenerative capacity.

03) Benefits of Ca-HMB for Older Adults ^[2]

Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that Ca-HMB supplementation can help prevent and mitigate age-related muscle loss. Several analytical studies evaluating the effects of Ca-HMB on the physical condition of older adults have found that Ca-HMB supplementation is beneficial for improving body composition and may significantly enhance activities of daily living (ADL) and overall quality of life in the elderly population.

04) Application of Ca-HMB in Foods for Older Adults

Abbott’s Ensure NutriVigor

Ensure NutriVigor is formulated for individuals aged 40 and above who experience age-related muscle loss and reduced muscle strength. It features a balanced nutrition formula enriched with Ca-HMB, with a Ca-HMB content of 0.52 g per 100 ml. Combined with calcium, vitamin D, and high-quality protein, this formulation helps support muscle rebuilding, slow muscle loss, and enhance vitality, contributing to improved physical performance and overall well-being.

Mengniu Yoru™ Bone Strength Formula Milk Powder (Premium Edition)

Mengniu Yoru is a premium brand under Mengniu, positioned as a leading nutrition solution for middle-aged and older adults. Designed to address mobility-related health needs—including bone, joint, and muscle health—the formula builds on a foundation of high calcium, vitamin D, and colostrum basic protein (CBP), and innovatively incorporates Ca-HMB.

Through this formulation, Ca-HMB helps support muscle preservation and strength, providing dual support for muscle maintenance while safeguarding mobility. The result is a high-quality nutritional milk powder that delivers comprehensive support for bones, joints, and muscles—a true “all-round” solution for active aging.

Compound Whey Protein Ca-HMB Solid Beverage

A Ca-HMB whey protein powder launched by an enterprise under Sinopharm Group is formulated with imported whey protein powder combined with inulin, to help supplement nutrients commonly lacking in the daily diets of middle-aged and older adults.

To address the accelerated muscle loss often observed in older populations, the product is further fortified with Ca-HMB, which helps reduce muscle protein breakdown and slow the loss of muscle mass. The Ca-HMB content is 1 g per 100 g of product.

L&P Food Ingredient Co., Ltd. (L&P Foods) is a professional manufacturer specializing in functional food ingredients, with nearly 40 years of production experience. L&P Foods has obtained the production license for Ca-HMB and is among the few domestic suppliers qualified to manufacture this product. L&P Foods will showcase Ca-HMB at CPHI Shanghai from June 18 to June 21, 2024 (Booth No.: E4G79). We cordially invite you to visit us and explore new opportunities together.

About L&P Food Ingredient Co., Ltd

L&P Food Ingredient Co., Ltd (L&P Foods) is a professional manufacturer specializing in food additives and functional food ingredients. The company holds comprehensive production qualifications, including valid manufacturing licenses and a full range of internationally recognized management system certifications, including Quality Management (ISO 9001), Food Safety Management (ISO 22000), Religious Certifications (KOSHER and HALAL), Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), as well as the Global Standard for Food Safety (BRC). With consistent and reliable product quality, a well-established after-sales service system, and the capability to provide customized solutions tailored to customer needs, L&P Foods has become a trusted and preferred supplier for downstream manufacturers.

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