Kemin's sleep ingredient shows promise in new study

By Danielle Masterson

- Last updated on GMT

Getty Images/ Tom Merton
Getty Images/ Tom Merton

Related tags sleep supplements immune support Kemin Polyphenols

Kemin Human Health and Nutrition announced the publication of a clinical study on their sleep ingredient DailyZz, a proprietary blend rich in naturally occurring polyphenols.

The study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health​, was led by Michael Grandner, PhD, an internationally recognized expert on sleep and health and director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona Health Sciences.

The research

The 30-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study assessed 89 subjects, examining if a polyphenol botanical blend could improve sleep and/or daytime functioning. The findings suggest that DailyZz may improve sleep quality and daytime functioning in healthy individuals with occasional sleep complaints. 

At the end of the study, participants who received 485 milligrams of DailyZz 30 minutes before bed every night reported improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia severity index scores compared with the control group. Additionally, DailyZz did not impair the ability to think and reason.

After 30 days, subjects who received supplementation with the polyphenol blend also showed statistical improvements in neurocognitive functioning. More specifically, they demonstrated improved concentration, executive function and risk assessment.

Speaking to NutraIngredients-USA​, Kim Edwards, Global Product Manager, Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, explained that daytime function was assessed using the Joggle computerized test battery. “A total of eight Joggle neurocognitive daytime tests were administered during site visits at baseline and days 7 and 30. After 30 days of supplementation compared to placebo, healthy participants reported better next-day functioning with 5 X improved concentration, 20 msec reaction time improvement—200% faster reaction time in a concentration task, 2.5 X better judgement in a risk-taking scenario and 60% improved executive function.” 

“The study on DailyZz is so unique, not only because of the exciting, statistically significant sleep quality and cognitive results without side effects, but also because the study population was optimally targeted to the supplement market: healthy people with minor sleep disturbances but not major sleep disorders,”​ noted Grandner.

How it works

DailyZz is a proprietary dry botanical blend of patented  aqueous spearmint extract (Mentha spicata L​.) and aqueous green tea extract (Camellia sinensis​). According to Edwards, this formula provides an optimal ratio of polyphenols, including rosmarinic acid and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). 

Science suggests that these polyphenols can reduce oxidative stress and may be neuroprotective and modulate brain chemicals (including GABA and acetylcholine) involved in the sleep process, explained Edwards. 

“The overall results of this rigorously designed study demonstrate that DailyZz supports healthier sleep, but it also supports next-day functioning, as measured by the ability to concentrate and make strategic decisions,”​ said Grandner. 

The category

The research on DailyZz began in 2017, before demand skyrocketed. Edwards said the growth of the sleep category does not surprise her at all. 

“Globally, sleep disturbances have emerged as a primary area of concern for consumers, in part, due to the uncertainty associated with the current pandemic situation,”​ she said.

Immunity and sleep webinar 

The pandemic also ushered in demand for immune support. So as consumers seek solutions to improve their sleep, they are also supporting their own immune systems.

On May 5, Dr. Grandner will keynote a NutraIngredients-USA​ broadcast that will explain how sleep supports a strong immune system and examine the scientific links between sleep and immune function, as well as explore which ingredients are best positioned to deliver a good night’s rest. For more information or to register for this free event, click here​.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063044

"A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Polyphenol Botanical Blend on Sleep and Daytime Functioning"

Authors: A. Tubbs et al.

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