Expo East New Products In Brief

Cranberry, probiotics formulations join Kyo-Dophilus line: Product launches at the Natural Products Expo East trade show and conference, Oct. 13-16 in Boston, include Wakunga of America's debut of two probiotic formulations. Kyo-DophilusProbiotics plus fiber "provides 1 billion live cells from three different probiotic strains to replenish and restore natural flora," the Mission Viejo, Calif., company says. In addition to probiotic strains L. gasseri, B. bifdum and B. longum, the product also contains prebiotic inulin fiber for intestinal support. The firm suggests a retail price of $19.95. Wakunga also introduces Kyo-Dophilusplus Cranberry Extract designed to promote urinary tract and intestinal health. It contains probiotics and the patented Bio-Shield technology "that protects the cranberry from destruction by gastric acid, allowing it to be absorbed through the intestinal wall," the company says. The product, with a suggested price of $21.95, is shelf stable and does not require refrigeration.

Goat whey protein from tera'swhey: Reedsburg, Wis.-based tera'swhey touts its eponymous goat whey protein powder supplement as the first of its kind. Proteins in goat milk are more similar to human breast milk than those in cow milk, so people who are lactose intolerant may be able to better tolerate goat whey, said founder Tera Johnson. Because goat whey has a citrus-like flavor, the company started with a pomegranate cranberry flavor. "I didn't want to use chemical masking agents" to cover the citrus to make a more traditional flavor, like vanilla, she said. The company built a separate plant to manufacture the goat whey product, which has been in stores since February. It is available in 1- and 12-oz. sizes, which retail for $3.39 and $29.99, respectively.

Nordic Naturals' Omega goes Probiotic, Effervescent: The firm launches a probiotic version of its Omega line in addition to its Omega-3 Effervescentproduct. Omega Probiotic softgels add spore-form probiotics to fish oil, sell for a suggested price of $34.95 and do not need refrigeration like many probiotics. Omega-3 Effervescent, with suggested prices of $9.95 for a seven-pack and $29.95 for a 21-pack, is made with each particulate of cod liver oil encapsulated separately to prevent spoilage.

Vitalah adds Oxylent formulations: The Watsonville, Calif., company takes the wraps off prenatal and children's formulations of its Oxylent effervescent multivitamins. The prenatal variety, in cranberry raspberry flavor, was selected as the American Pregnancy Association's official prenatal multivitamin. The effervescent formula may be more palatable than a traditional capsule for women suffering from morning sickness, Vitalah says. It retails in 30-packet boxes for $36.95. The children's formula, in berry punch, is intended for children 4 years and older. It will retail for a suggested price of $24.95.

Sleep on a chocolate-flavored supplement: The Upstate Dream Institute says its Slumberland Snacks Chocolatey Sleep Squares contain "just the proper amount of traditional herbs and ingredients to induce restful sleep." It is available in seven- and 30-count packages and in original, orange and raspberry flavors. Ithaca, N.Y.-based Upstate Dream says the product was tested in extreme heat conditions and, like the classic Tootsie Roll candy, will not melt. The company suggests a retail price of $5.95 for the seven-count package and $15.95 for the 30-count.

Rainbow Light introduces Mushroom Therapy: The company touts its organic product as containing the five most researched medicinal mushrooms: trametes, shiitake, maitake, reishi and cordyceps. The product, which launched Oct. 7 in 60-count bottles with a suggested price of $29.99, can "support long-term health, natural defenses, heart health and healthy cholesterol levels, and help the body cope with stress," the Santa Cruz, Calif., manufacturer says in a release. The company also says it will launch PhytoKinetic Calcium in January 2011. Rainbow Light says in-vitro studies show that plant-derived calcium is more effective at building human bone cells than more commonly used calcium citrate. The calcium product will sell in 90-capsule bottles for a suggested price of $39.99.

Natural Factors introduces balancing minerals: The firm introduces the Vital Elements Bio-available mineral formula for men and women as a component of John Gray's "Balanced Planets" diet and well-being program. Gray is the author of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." His program, based on his book "Venus on Fire, Mars on Ice: Hormonal Balance - The Key to Life, Love and Energy," promotes balancing hormones to create better cooperation between the sexes, and also includes cleanses and super-foods. The Everett, Wash., company markets Vital Elements in 60-cap packages for a suggested price of $24.95.