Pine bark receives a boost for circulatory health

The dietary supplement was invented in the mid 20th century by Frenchman Dr Jack Masquelier, who coined the Flavan trademark and, in 1969, was granted a patent for its use in supporting venous, vascular and capillary structure and function, and maintaining capillary capacity. According to the product's US distributor Integrated BioCeuticals (IBC), in the past it has been marketed mostly as a general pine bark product, but the distributors now want to highlight the circulatory benefits in the light of scientific evidence conducted under the supervision of Dr Sujata Bapat of International Nutrition Company (INC, the worldwide distributor). "We want to reposition it, and bring new attention to the market," INC's Leslie van der Melen told NutraIngredients-USA.com. According to INC, it is the supplement's effect on capillary capacity that makes it most interesting for today's consumers wishing to follow a healthy, nutrient rich diet, since this is a major factor in the effective delivery of nutrients to the cells. From the outset, the pine bark has been used to address common problems associated with poor circulation, such as hemorrhoids, heavy legs and cramps, pain from venolymphatic insufficiency and diabetic retinopathy. A structure and function dossier has been compiled presenting the purported benefits in full. Van der Meulen said that sales have been at a consistent level for a long time, and that the ingredient has been especially successful in Singapore and other Asian countries, where its French origin carries great cachet. On a worldwide basis, sales currently amount to around 1000 kilos (one metric ton) each year, 50 percent of which is in the Asian market. The aim is to increase sales by 50 percent, and Australia and select European markets (it is currently sold in blended form in Germany, Austria and the UK) are key targets for expansions. Masquellier's French Pine Bark Complex is predominantly aimed at the dietary supplements market, and the best benefits have been seen in stand-alone products. Van der Muelen said that it is also possible to incorporate it into blends if the client wishes. External links to companies or organisations mentioned in thisstory: INC and IBC