BASF experts showcase health-driven solutions

BASF showcased innovative solutions addressing the growing health concerns in Indonesia about eye and cardiovascular related diseases at Fi Asia from September 21 to 23 at Jakarta International Expo. In addition, BASF experts would provide scientific and application insights on lutein, omega-3s as well as plant sterols at two seminars.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 37 percent of deaths in Indonesia were due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 2014. CVDs are the number one cause of death globally and continue to be a health concern in both developed and emerging countries alike. In the same year, WHO also estimated that 285 million people were visually impaired worldwide and approximately 90 percent of these people lived in developing countries. While these statistics are alarming, 80 percent of visual impairment and most CVDs can be easily prevented by lifestyle changes.

“At BASF, we are aware of the growing health concerns in this part of the world and recognize that we have a part to play in delivering the right nutrients to the right people at the right time for early intervention. At Fi Asia, we will showcase novel solutions that have emerged out of robust science and consumer insights to help facilitate strategic discussions with our customers that will help to address these health needs,” said Tina Low, Regional Director, BASF Human Nutrition, Asia Pacific.

Some of the innovative prototypes include the following:

High-EPA, high-DHA omega-3 mini capsules  – two  prototypes produced  with excellent high-concentrate omega-3s that have higher amounts of EPA/DHA and less unwanted fats, delivered in half the size of a conventional capsule.

Green tea latte and coffee latte fortified with plant sterols and omega-3s – studies have shown that combination of these two ingredients have synergistic effects to improve cardiovascular health.

In addition, visitors gained greater scientific and application insights through two seminars fronted by BASF experts:

Sharpen  your  view  on  September  22  (13:45  to  14:15)  by  Mr.  Thomas Zimmermann, Regional Vice-Director for Technical and Application Management for BASF Human Nutrition, Asia Pacific, on the role that health ingredients like lutein and omega-3s play in eye health.

Take it to heart – dietary prevention of CVDs on September 23 (11:15 to 11:45) by Dr. Kai Lin Ek, Regional Scientific Manager for BASF Human Nutrition, Asia Pacific,  on  the  scientific evidence  and  use  of  omega-3s  and  plant  sterols  in everyday foods.

BASF has consistently demonstrated its dedication to innovation and holds a leadership position in health and nutrition advocacy. To advance research efforts in this region, and as part of its strategy to invest in health-driven solutions, BASF continues to be at the scientific forefront with the NewtritionTM Asia Research Grant program. First launched in 2012, this program sees grants awarded to researchers in Asia Pacific to study nutrition relevant for Asian demographics and diets. Applications for the grant opened in August 2016 and will close on September 30, 2016. More information about the program can be found at  http://www.basf.com/newtrition-asia-research-grant.