Dietary Supplements to protect from the harmful effects of environmental micropollutants

An Italian research group has developed an innovative dietary supplement to protect from the harmful effects of environmental micropollutants. Environmental contamination is a prominent topic. Where the exposure to contaminants such as heavy metals (HMs) or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is greater, the incidence of chronic degenerative diseases, such as oncologic, is increased. Scientific evidence reports that some phytochemicals are able to interact with HMs and PAHs by interfering with their cellular metabolism, inhibiting their cytotoxic mechanisms or helping to reduce tissue concentrations. In this context, the italian research group developed the idea of a formulation of phytochemicals to employ as bioactive ingredients in the production of a supplement that can contribute to the prevention of chronic-degenerative diseases linked to the exposure to HMs and PAHs in populations residing in areas affected by the environmental pollution problem. The same formulation is thought to be beneficial for the general population. Based on a rigorous literature screening and in vitro experimental data, a limited number of compounds have been selected, whose combination will allow the design of an optimal nutraceutical formulation based on the chemical-physical and biological characteristics of the selected molecules. The use of phytochemicals at non-pharmacological concentrations can help reducing the bioaccumulation and toxicity of organic and inorganic micropollutants, bringing beneficial effects to health. The Italian researchers are interested in: - Financial agreement: they are looking for a financial partner interested in investing on this project in order to advance in the development of the technology; - Research Cooperation Agreement with another entity (research institutes or companies) to work together on this innovative research and on the development of new solutions - Technical cooperation agreement: they wish to share with the partner(s) skills, technical and financial resources to implement the present technology and obtain a validated prototype to be tested in human subjects.