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dōTERRA and University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy Sign Five-Year Partnership to Advance Essential Oil Research

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The agreement expands the relationship between dōTERRA and National Center for Natural Products Research to include expanded research on essential oil consistency, purity and potency.
As part of the partnership, NCNPR will study the chemometrics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and metabolomics of essential oils. dōTERRA and NCNPR anticipate that the research will result in multiple peer-reviewed, published studies that will serve the broader essential oils and scientific communities.
“Natural products are inconsistent in potency due to normal variation that exists in nature, but that doesn’t give our industry a pass on delivering to the marketplace pure, consistent and potent products,” said Dr. Russell Osguthorpe, chief medical officer of dōTERRA. “We need to pursue a scientific understanding of essential oils so we can validate their impact on health and wellness. Over the past four years, the relationship between NCNPR and dōTERRA has strengthened because of our mutual commitment to ensuring the safety, efficacy and quality of natural products. Together, we can help to create higher standards that will allow the world to see the true benefits of dōTERRA essential oils.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with dōTERRA on this important research,” said Dr. Ikhlas Khan, NCNPR director. “The growth in essential oils and the results of recent research substantiate the need for higher standards in the industry, so we appreciate dōTERRA’s willingness to invest in the validation process, putting quality and safety first.”

NCNPR is an internationally renowned research center and was named a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Center of Excellence for its research of botanical dietary supplements and training of FDA manufacturing field inspectors since 2008.

Earlier this year, scientists at NCNPR published a dōTERRA-backed study, “A novel approach for lavender essential oil authentication and quality assessment,” in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. The study presents new standards and methods to assess lavender essential oil quality and detect adulteration.

Of the dozens of lavender samples analyzed in the study, two-thirds were found to be highly adulterated and of poor quality, meaning they were mislabeled, had fillers and additives, and/or contained compounds that were of synthetic origin.

Dr. Osguthorpe added, “NCNPR’s team of biochemists, chemists, pharmacists and other scientists are expertly qualified and equipped to develop the scientific framework that will define what a quality essential oil looks like. They have already done it with our lavender, so there really isn’t a better, more trusted place in the world for this type of research to be conducted.”

“It is vital that we have valuable industry partners such as dōTERRA to help drive innovation and advance scientific discovery,” said Dr. Donna Strum, UM pharmacy dean and executive director of the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “With NCNPR’s leading experts and resources, collaborating with dōTERRA will enhance our shared mission of prioritizing natural products safety and efficacy.”

The university strives to be a resource and partner for the industry through mutually beneficial relationships. To learn more about the university’s industry engagement initiative, contact Hughes Miller at hughes@olemiss.edu and 662-915-2885 or visit https://industry.olemiss.edu.

Neptune Granted 180-Day Extension to Meet Nasdaq Minimum Bid Requirement

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Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: NEPT) (TSX: NEPT), a diversified and fully integrated health and wellness company focused on plant-based, sustainable and purpose-driven lifestyle brands, today announced that on March 1, 2022, the Company received a 180 calendar day extension from Nasdaq’s Listing Qualification Department to meet Nasdaq’s minimum bid requirement. The Company now has until August 29, 2022, to maintain a minimum bid of $1.00 per share for at least 10 consecutive trading days.
This current notification from Nasdaq has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s common stock, which will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “NEPT.”

If at any time until August 29, 2022, the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days, the Company will regain compliance with the Rule, and the matter will be closed.

The Company was first notified by Nasdaq of its failure to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive trading days under Nasdaq Listing Rules 5550(a)(2) and 5810(c)(3)(A) on August 30, 2021.

Study finds Omega-3 Fatty Acids Associated with Healthy Sleep Duration

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A study published in Sleep Health examining a nationally representative population of US adults to look at associations between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and sleep found that blood levels of EPA, DHA and total omega-3 fatty acids were persistently lower among adults who had experienced very short sleep (less than 5 hours) relative to adults who had normal sleep (7-9 hours). Additionally, when compared to adults with normal sleep, it was revealed that adults with short sleep (5-6 hours), had marginally lower EPA, DHA, and total omega-3 fatty acids. Over 2/3 of US adults (68.3%) do not currently consume enough Omega 3s in their daily diet to meet their nutritional needs based on the US Dietary Guidelines.
This cross-sectional study conducted by Pharmavite, the makers of Nature Made vitamins and supplements, analyzed data from 1,314 adults aged 19 years and older (not pregnant or breastfeeding), who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012.* Additional analysis revealed that there were no significant associations between total omega-3 fatty acids levels in circulation and difficulty falling asleep or sleep disorders.
“Sleep insufficiency is a key issue deepening the sleep crisis that currently impacts roughly 70 million Americans,” said Dr. Susan Mitmesser, VP of Science & Technology, Pharmavite. “While more research is needed to clarify causality and underlying mechanisms that link daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids to improved sleep, the results of this study add to a growing body of research that suggests omega-3 fatty acids have an even greater role in supporting human health than previously thought.”
For years, a number of studies have indicated that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, but recent research is identifying other areas of human health where omega-3s may play a beneficial role. In 2021, a study conducted by Pharmavite and published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports was the first to evaluate the relationship between depression and the levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in the circulatory system (based on analysis of NHANES 2011-2012). Analysis of the data revealed that adults with higher omega-3 blood levels correlated with a lower risk of depression and for those with higher EPA levels, there was an association with a higher quality of life, including performing daily life tasks and getting along with people.

These latest findings published in Sleep Health add to the mounting evidence that points towards the broader impact Omega-3 fatty acids can have on human health including heart health, mental health and now sleep.

Rachel A. Murphy, Prasad Devarshi, Jonathan Munn, Keri Marshall and Dr. Susan H. Mitmesser. Association of omega-3 levels and sleep in US adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012. Sleep Health. Volume 8, Issue 1. February 2022.

Rachel A. Murphy, Prasad Devarshi, Shauna Ekimura, Keri Marshall and Dr. Susan H. Mitmesser. Serum Long-chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression Among Adults in the United States: An Analysis of NHANES 2011-2012. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports. Volume 4, April 2021, 100089.

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The 2011-2012 NHANES Survey was the most recent survey that made this information available.

Organic Valley Launches Single Largest Effort to Date to Save Northeast Family Farms Offering Hope for the Future of 90 Small Organic Family Farms

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Organic Valley announced the single largest effort to save small organic family farms in the Northeast following news last year that Horizon and Maple Hill Creamery would be terminating contracts with more than 130 family farms. Organic Valley, a farmer-owned cooperative since its founding in 1988, is offering 80 small, Northeast organic family farms a market for their dairy through a letter of intent.
While those 80 families decide, 10 Northeast organic family farms have already been offered membership. One of the 10 families who joined the cooperative this month is the Osgoods of Osgood Family Farm in Vermont.
“My family began farming this land over 65 years ago. I’m glad to partner with Organic Valley to continue our family farm,” said George Osgood of Corinth, Vermont. “A cooperative owned by small family farms is the perfect fit for us. It gives us the chance to keep doing what we love.”

Over the last decade, states like Vermont have lost hundreds of individual dairy farms. As a cooperative borne out of the farm crisis of the 1980s, the issue of saving small family farms is core to Organic Valley. And with 100,000 small family farms being lost over the last decade due to consolidation and industrialization, the fight is not over.

“We are the only national brand still fighting for small family farms because we know that the best quality food is ethically sourced from small family farms,” said Bob Kirchoff, Organic Valley CEO. “With the help of consumers and customers across the country, we are helping solve the crisis of disappearing small family farms. We are creating the food system we all want—one that regenerates soil cares for animals, nourishes people, and strengthens communities.”

The farmer-owned cooperative plans to release more information on efforts to provide hope to small family farms in the Northeast and across the United States in the coming weeks and months.

Alimentation Couche-Tard to suspend operations in Russia

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Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. announces that effective immediately, the Company is suspending operations in Russia and implementing plans to take care of its employees in a responsible and safe manner.
Brian Hannasch, President and CEO of Couche-Tard added: “We condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the huge human impact it is having for both Ukrainians and Russians.  As such, we have made the decision to suspend operations. Couche-Tard has had stores in Russia for nearly three decades, and we are proud of our Russian team members and their dedicated service to local customers and communities.”

In Russia, Couche-Tard has operated under its primary brand Circle K including over 320 employees and 38 stores located in St. Petersburg, Murmansk, and Pskov.

The Company has already donated over the US $1.5 million to the Red Cross and has instituted a global campaign to raise further funds for the Ukrainian people. Since the beginning of the crisis, local Circle K teams in Poland, the Baltics, and across the European network have been supporting refugees with free fuel, food and beverages, housing, and donations to children’s charities.

20-Year GNC Operator Laura Dalton Named IFA’s 2022 Franchisee Of the Year

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Dalton was recognized for growing store portfolio, business leadership, and engaging the Raleigh community.

In summer 2002 Laura and Carter Dalton joined GNC as franchisee partners in the Raleigh, North Carolina area because of the company’s mission to Live Well. And for the past 20 years, they have embodied that motto while also establishing themselves as well-regarded advocates for wellness and community investment. Together these efforts have culminated in Laura’s selection as the 2022 International Franchise Association’s Franchisee of the Year.

“Laura was nominated by GNC for the 2022 IFA Franchisee of the Year Award because of her commitment to the GNC brand and to the communities in which she and her staff live and operate, as well as her concern for other GNC franchisees,” said Maureen DiStefano, Vice President, Franchise Operations, GNC. “In their 20-year partnership with GNC, the Dalton Franchise of Raleigh has embodied the best of us and we’re ecstatic to see Laura earn recognition on a national scale.”

A recognized leader within the GNC franchise network, Dalton’s influence is apparent. Whether it’s building connections with other operators to drive success, creating camaraderie among her associates, or leading the charge through regular donations of nutritious products to WakeMed Health & Hospitals, The Green Chair Project, and The Pretty in Pink Foundation, Dalton is the epitome of a GNC franchisee.

“I love to help people, I love to serve, I love to learn. Hopefully, more stores are in the future; GNC is an amazing company,” Dalton reiterated. “At your core, you have to love to help. That’s just what we do.”

Today the Dalton Franchise Group operates seven locations in and around Raleigh.

“Franchisees like Laura play a critical role in GNC’s success together with our corporate stores and online shopping experience at GNC.com,” said Nate Frazier, Chief Operating Officer, GNC. “The energy, optimism and connection Laura has forged in her community is impressive and is setting a new standard for all of our franchise partners.”

GNC currently has 279 successful franchise groups, across almost 800 locations, with nearly 50 percent of all GNC franchisees operating in more than one store. GNC has been a member of the IFA community since 2017 and continues to be a strong supporter. Dalton is GNC’s first-ever Franchisee of the Year since the company began offering franchise opportunities.

“Franchisee of the Year Awards are the highest honours presented to individual franchisees,” said Matthew Haller, President, CEO, International Franchise Association. “These local business owners, like Laura, represent some of the best entrepreneurs in the country, and we are proud to recognize her contributions to her community, employees, and all those she serves.” 

The countdown to Expo West 2022 is on!

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The industry event you know and love will be back in Anaheim March 8-12, 2022! 

“We are hearing the industry is ready to get back together in Anaheim and needs to convene to move forward and achieve greater prosperity for all. New Hope is excited to bring back the unique magic of Expo West so that it can be a catalyst to bring more health, joy and justice to all people, while also regenerating the planet,” said Carlotta Mast, Senior Vice President and Market Leader at Informa Markets’ New Hope Network.

MARPHYL partners with iLevel Management

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The MARPHYL Marine Phytoplankton Company Inc. is pleased to announce their partnership with iLevel Management, Inc. iLevel Management will be acting as sales broker to Natural Health Food stores, Mass Retail, Food Service and Drug Stores in Canada for MARPHYL Organic Liquid Soil Enhancer / Fertilizer / Plant food.

Since launching the brand in May 2017, Their Organic Liquid Soil Enhancer quickly became an online  bestseller.  They are rightfully very excited to join forces with iLevel Management in order to increase their market share in the retail sectors, from small independent stores to mass retail.

Editor’s Note – Why do web pages drop out of search console reports?

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A query was raised by the user regarding Search Console reports. The user stated they are having a problem with some of their web pages showing up and then dropping out of Search Console reports.
Especially in regards to the Core Web Vitals report, they are seeing a steady decline in the number of pages reported from month to month.
Google’s John Mueller recently addressed this issue in an office hours segment where he said, “it’s a matter of how Search Console reports on web pages. Rather than attempt to include every page in the report, they use a sample of the URLs from your site. The number of pages they use to sample your site can vary from month to month in exactly the way that you’re reporting.”
He further added, “it’s something where having fewer URLs in these reports doesn’t mean that the other URLs are bad or problematic. It’s just we didn’t check them.
So especially for the aggregate reports, which is for the Core Web Vitals to some extent, the AMP report, the Structured Data report, mobile-friendliness … for those reports, we only take a look at a sample … and that sample can change over time.”
He explains, “they might look at 200 URLs in one month and then in the next, they’ll look at maybe 100 URLs or something like that. It doesn’t mean that anything bad is happening; it’s just that Google is looking at a smaller sample of pages from your site.”
He advises that instead of stressing out about the changing sample size you should focus on what is actually being reported – specifically the relationship between the bad pages that are reported and the good ones.
If you see that all of the URLs in the report are without errors, then you’re good to go. But if you’re seeing errors, and especially if the proportion of errors is increasing over time, then you’ve probably got some fixing to do.
In any case, the total number of URLs in the report should not be your primary concern. It’s the relationship between the pages and the reported negatives that you should focus on and attempt to fix.

Hapbee Appoints Yona Shtern as Chairman of the Board

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Hapbee Technologies, Inc. a leading provider of wellness wearable technology, is pleased to announce that CEO Yona Shtern has been appointed as the Company’s new Chairman of the Board (“Chairman”).
Yona will succeed Chris Rivera, the founder who served as Chairman since Hapbee’s inception. Mr. Rivera will continue to provide guidance on key strategic initiatives and remain a valuable asset to the Company as a member of the Board of Directors.

While Chairman, Mr. Rivera played an instrumental role in guiding Hapbee to its current stage of development, having helped structure the Company’s licensing deal with EMulate Therapeutics, Inc. Among other leadership responsibilities during his tenure as Chairman, Mr. Rivera spearheaded the assembly of Hapbee’s board and executive teams, while overseeing signal R&D initiatives.

“Thanks to our dedicated shareholder base and leadership team, Hapbee has advanced rapidly over the last two years,” stated Chris Rivera. “I am proud of where the Company stands today and excited at the opportunity which lies ahead for our one-of-a-kind wellness platform. In his role as CEO, Yona has demonstrated excellent leadership and an acute understanding of what is required to successfully commercialize a cutting-edge wellness product. He will make a fantastic Chairman of the Board, and I look forward to working with him and other board members in implementing our aggressive growth strategy.”

“I would like to thank Chris for serving as the Company’s founding Chairman of the Board and helping to guide it through critical stages,” said Yona Shtern, CEO of Hapbee. “He will remain an invaluable member of our board. In addition to my role as CEO, I’m honoured to accept the position as Chairman of Hapbee.”

With several initiatives underway, the Company expects to provide business development updates in the coming weeks.

Hapbee’s Board of Directors

●     Yona Shtern – Chairman, Director
●     Chris Rivera – Director
●     Charles McNerney – Director
●     Robert Dzisiak – Director
●     Michael Matysik – Director
●     Mark Timm – Director