Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Flavor trends go local, ethnic and healthy

Trends are set to combine in 2008, with Americanized ethnic flavors and healthy but indulgent products steering the market, while locally, ethically sourced food will continue to grow in popularity, says a new report.

CRN offers pharmacists education program for supplement

In an attempt to better educate pharmacists about dietary supplements, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) will offer a grant in support of continuing education (CE) programs.

Canadian group wants nutritional pulses on the menu

The nutritional benefits of dry beans, chickpeas, lentils and dry peas and how they can be added to foods as a health-boost took center stage at a meeting in Canada today.

Science builds for bilberry extracts kidney benefits

Extracts from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) may protect the kidney from the damaging effects of potassium bromate, suggests a new study with mice.

Polyphenol-rich fruit protect against Alzheimer's: study

A diet rich in polyphenol-rich fruit like apples, oranges and bananas may protect against oxidative stress linked to loss of cognitive function and Alzheimer's, suggests a new study.

Pomegranate juice boosts sperm quality: study

Regular consumption of pomegranate juice may enhance the quality and mobility of sperm, suggests a new study with male rats.

Omega-3 trade group joins global supplements alliance

The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations' (IADSA) has strengthened its global position with the welcoming of the Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED) into its fold.

Soy isoflavone linked to blood pressure improvements

Genistein, an isoflavone from soy, may stimulate the expression of an enzyme linked to better blood flow, suggests a new animal study that my have implications for high blood pressure in humans.

Omega-3 formulation issues need fast resolution: study

The increasing formulation and fortification of foods with different types of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could be further enhanced by better understanding of how to protect them from oxidation, states a new review.

Dietary supplement marketers taken to task over ads

Three dietary supplement marketers failed to run required "paid advertising" disclosures immediately before product-ordering instructions, alleges the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Cranberry extracts show promise against gullet cancer

An increased intake of fruit and vegetables may cut the risk of Barrett's oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer, suggests a new study form California.

Futureceuticals offers higher concentration beta-glucan

Momence, Illinois-based FutureCeuticals has announced the expansion of its heart healthy grain-based fiber range to include a new high concentration beta-glucan fiber.

Berry extracts better than whole fruit for obesity: study

Purified forms of extracted anthocyanins from berries may decrease obesity, but the whole fruit doesn't produce the same benefits, suggests a new study with mice.

AHPA urges changes to cautionary labeling

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has written to the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) asking to stop the requirement cautionary statements for quality black cohosh and powdered decaffeinated green tea extract.

Caffeine linked to higher glucose levels

Removing caffeine from the diet may help control type-2 diabetes, new research suggests.

CoQ10 market set to soar, predicts supplier ZMC

A surge in demand for the antioxidant CoQ10 has prompted ingredient supplier ZMC to predict double-digit growth in the market this year.

Hydrocolloids' health benefits extended

Hydrocolloid ingredients commonly used as gelling agents, emulsifiers and stabilizers may also have benefits for diabetics, suggests new research from the Dow Chemical Company.

Carotenes linked to lower heart disease deaths

An increased consumption of alpha- and beta-carotene in the diet may reduce the risks of heart disease deaths by about 20 per cent, suggests a new study.

NutraCea to build first wheat bran plant

NutraCea is entering into an alliance to construct a new flour mill in Indonesia that will incorporate the firm's new stabilized wheat bran technology.

Weekly comment

Probiotics, friend or foe?

The headlines are sensationalist: twenty-four people have died in a probiotic trial. Therefore, probiotics may be fatal. Throw those yoghurt shots away!

Another vegetarian glucosamine launched in US

A new vegetarian glucosamine has been launched in the US market, further demonstrating the high level of industry response to demand for plant-derived forms of the joint health ingredient.

Late-onset Alzheimer's slowed by DHA omega-3

Supplements of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can reduce levels an enzyme linked to Alzheimer's disease, suggests a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Stabilized wheat bran could hold ingredient potential, NutraCea

NutraCea has filed for provisional patent protection for its technology to stabilize wheat bran, which the company says can make it a commercially viable ingredient for use in foods.

Dannon stands up to 'fraud' probiotic claims

Dannon has said that it "categorically refutes" allegations of fraudulent claims made on its probiotic yogurts.

Science stacks up for B vitamins and pregnancy

Low maternal vitamin B12 levels in combination with certain genes may have detrimental knock-on effects to the offspring, suggests a new Dutch that reports higher risk of heart problems.

Burcon gains new patent on flax protein isolates

Canadian R&D company Burcon has been granted a new US patent on its process for producing flax protein isolates - an innovation said to result in a higher protein yield and improved product.

Horizon Milling targets 'concentrated nutrition' in snacks

Horizon Milling is targeting cereal, snack and bar manufacturers with new products demonstrating the "easy" incorporation of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into these popular consumer goods.

Omega-3 with high fat meal eases cardiovascular changes

Consuming the omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid along with a high fat meal may counter the detrimental effects on arterial stiffness, suggests new research.

Fruit and veg may slash gullet cancer risk

An increased intake of fruit and vegetables may cut the risk of Barrett's oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer, suggests a new study form California.

Dannon heads to courts over 'fraud' probiotic claims

The US arm of Danone could be forced to make a multi-million dollar refund to its customers over allegations that it has used fraudulent health claims to sell some of its Activia and DanActive branded yoghurts.

Low vitamin E levels linked to greater physical decline

Low blood levels of vitamin E are linked to greater physical decline in older people, suggests a new study from Yale University School of Medicine.

Neptune gains GRAS for NKO

A panel of independent experts has deemed Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) safe for human consumption, opening up the route for its manufacturer to commercialize it for functional foods.

FDA petitioned to end Prop 65 conflict for foods

Swanson Health Products has filed a petition with the FDA asking it to determine that California's Proposition 65 conflicts irreconcilably with food and supplement regulations, making the industry vulnerable to 'bounty hunters'.

Review rejects antioxidants' pre-eclampsia benefits

The antioxidant vitamins C and E might not reduce a woman's risk of experiencing pre-eclampsia, according to a Cochrane Systematic Review.

Decision News Media seeks freelance reporters

We are looking for freelance reporters who have experience of covering the US food and beverage industry, or the commodities markets.

Green tea shows benefits against fatty liver

Extracts from green tea may stop the build-up of fatty deposits in the liver, and offer benefits for this silent killer linked to obesity, suggests a new study with mice.

New vegetarian glucosamine hits EU, US

China-based Hygieia Health has launched a new vegetarian glucosamine, marketing it as a "pure", "stable", "safe" form of the popular joint health ingredient.

Coffee linked to lower ovarian cancer risk

Drinking three or more cups of coffee per day may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by over 20 per cent, according to a new study.

Fed slahes interest rate on recession fears

An international stock sell-off spurred by fears of a United States recession prompted the Federal Reserve today to cut a key interest rate.

Weekly Comment

Exotic fruits or local berries? You choose

As consumer demand for exotic superfruits increases, so will the impact of transport on the environment. But as policy makers and green campaigners devise more ways of monitoring greenhouse gases, who will win the environmental tug of war?

US women could be easing off supplements, says report

Women appear to be leaving the US dietary supplement category in significant numbers, according to survey results released last week.

Popularity of probiotics spurs IPA expansion

The International Probiotics Association (IPA) says it has doubled in size in the last eight months, reflecting the industry's need to establish standardized guidelines as the field of probiotics continues to expand.

Review supports soy's weight management potential

A new review taking in animal, human populations, and clinical trials supports the potential role of soy protein to reduce cholesterol levels, and aid weight loss.

Citrus flavanones show neuroprotection potential

Antioxidant compounds in citrus fruit may have a role to play in protection against neurodegenerative diseases, suggests a new lab study from Taiwan.

Probiotics may ease stress-related gut problems

Gastrointestinal problems associated with stress may find relief from probiotic supplements, reports a new study from Lallemand.

How consumers see functional foods

The new wave of functional foods need to be based on ingredients already well-established in consumers' minds as inherently healthy, according to the Hartman Group.

News briefs: ABC, CRN and DSEA

In the first in a series of news briefs, NutraIngredients-USA.com reports on new memberships and appointments at the American Botanical Council, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, and the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance.

Young women's bones also benefit from soy: study

Habitual consumption of soybeans and isoflavones may increase bone mineral density in young women, suggests a new study that adds to others looking at older women.

New research boosts vitamin A content in maize

Researchers have identified the genetic markers in corn that are associated with high levels of vitamin A, providing a simple and cost-effective way to cultivate maize rich in the nutrient.

Vitamin B6 may slash colorectal cancer risk

Increased intake of vitamin B6 from dietary and supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by over 20 per cent, suggests a large Scottish study.

Soy's cholesterol-lowering mechanism identified

The cholesterol-lowering effects of soy protein may by located in the liver, suggests new research from Korea University and Nestlé Research Center that fills in the gaps in our understanding of the heart healthy benefits of soy.

Industry is taking healthy eating seriously, poll finds

The majority of food companies have already make considerable efforts to make their products healthier in the wake of rising obesity figures, a survey has found.

Patents issued for probiotic kidney failure supplements

Kibow Biotech has been granted patents for a probiotic dietary supplement it is positioning as an alternative treatment for kidney failure.

Whole grains still popular, but market stabilizing

Whole grains continued their strong growth last year, with the number of new whole grain products launched almost matching the peak of 2006.

Report pinpoints functional food niche with most potential

Foods and drinks developed to address the specific health needs of consumers are expected to exceed category growth in the US functional food segment, according to a new report.

New R&D plant to focus on low-cholesterol dairy

Construction has started on a new plant that will focus on the production of a "healthy" dairy ingredient, announced the Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation (CATI).

GM carrots could cut osteoporosis risk

Scientists have genetically modified carrots to enhance the transport of calcium once inside the body, potentially establishing the vegetable as a bone-boosting food.

Soybean program could help growers harvest more cash

Soybean producers can take part in a trial program organized by BASF and the American Soybean Association (ASA) aimed at increasing profitability with high yield harvests.

Vitamin D2 may cut risks of elderly falls

A daily vitamin D2 supplement of 1,000IU may cut the number of falls among elderly people by about 20 per cent, says a new study.

Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E eyed for cataracts

A higher intake of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin E, could reduce the risk of developing cataracts by about 15 per cent, suggests a new study.

Nestle explores probiotics' impact on metabolism

Strains of probiotic bacteria can affect metabolism, says a new study from Nestle and Imperial College London that could help the development of new probiotic products tailored for individuals.

Fortitech moves in on African fortified food market

Fortitech has signed a new agreement to boost its presence in the emerging African market for functional foods and beverages.

Neptune sales up, Nestle deal on track

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources has reported increased sales for its second quarter, as the firm continues development work with Nestle and Yoplait on its flagship krill oil product.

Sustainable manufacturers reaping consumer rewards

US consumers are becoming increasingly concerned over social and environmental implications when choosing packaged food and beverage brands, according to a new report by Information Resources, Inc (IRI).

Weekly comment

How natural is 'natural'?

The refusal by regulators to provide a formal definition of the term 'natural' will ultimately lead to confusion for consumers and a legal headache for manufacturers.

Naturex brings weight loss ingredient to US foods

French ingredient firm Naturex has said it is positioning a number of functional ingredients to enter the US food and beverage arena.

Study questions lignans for colorectal cancer protection

Increased intake of lignans, and subsequently levels of metabolites in the blood, may not be associated with colorectal cancer risk, says a new study that challenges previous findings.

Enhanced water drives US beauty food market

Functional water is leading the US market for beauty foods whilst the dairy industry is failing to recognize the opportunities of this growing sector, according to a report by journal New Nutrition Business.

Soy linked to less belly fat in postmenopausal women

A daily soy supplement may prevent abdominal fat increases in post-menopausal women, suggests a new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Meta-analysis questions cinnamon's diabetes benefits

Despite numerous studies championing the role of cinnamon for diabetes management, a new meta-analysis has raised questions as to the potential benefits of the supplements.

News focus: folic acid

Surveys reveal low folic acid awareness

Awareness of the benefits of folic acid in preventing birth defects remains low among American women, according to two new reports.

Daidzein-rich supplement shows menopause potential

A dietary supplement rich in the soy isoflavone daidzein can reduce the incidence of hot flushes by 52 per cent, suggests new research from Harvard Medical School.

News focus: folic acid

Global mandatory flour fortification increases

The number of countries requiring wheat flour to be fortified - primarily with folic acid - has increased from 33 to 54 in the last three years, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

News focus: folic acid

New symbol flags up healthy grains for pregnancy

A new symbol designed to help women identify products enriched with folic acid has been launched for use in the US.

Pomegranate flower extracts also show heart benefits

Extracts from the flower of pomegranates may reduce the lesions associated with artery hardening by 70 per cent, higher than levels observed by the juice, suggests new research.

Rice bran to be used for diabetes, arthritis, immunity

NutraCea and HerbalScience Singapore will join forces to create a new company for the development of functional food ingredients derived from stabilized rice bran.

New technology targets botanical standardization

Indian firm Avesthagen has developed a new system it claims would allow for the accurate standardization of botanical supplements.

Review backs oats' heart health benefits

An up-to-date review of the recent science behind oatmeal supports its cardiovascular benefits, and supports the FDA's decade-old conclusions.

High-pressure flavor encapsulation tipped for tea and baked goods

Flavours Inc is exploring uses for its new Spun Matrix microencapsulation technology in teas and baked goods, and expects to launch a next generation liquid version later this year.

Enzymotec achieves GRAS for PS in foods

Israeli firm Enzymotec has received GRAS status for its PS cognitive health ingredient, opening up the US functional food and beverage market for the product.

More support for lycopene's prostate benefits

Lycopene may show benefits against benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a condition said to affect more than half of all men over the age of 50, suggests a new study from Germany.

New cranberry breed could offer more antioxidants

A new variety of cranberry with a higher level of antioxidants and more powerful antibacterial properties could soon be cultivated commercially, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Pre- and probiotic combo linked to better antioxidant status

Supplements of pre- and probiotics can reduce levels of biomarkers linked to oxidative stress, suggests new results from an EU study.

Slimming ingredients go glossy

A collaboration between the food and cosmetics industries is taking the slimming ingredients market to a new level, with a new slimming lip gloss modelled on a range of energy drinks.

PLT puts weight behind 'revolutionary' probiotic

Healthcare company Ganeden Biotech has teamed up with PL Thomas (PLT) in an effort to expand the reach of a new probiotic ingredient in functional food and beverages.

Low vitamin D levels linked to increased heart disease risk

Low levels of vitamin D could increase the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack, heart failure or stroke by 62 per cent, suggests a new study from the US.

CoQ10 creeps into US energy drinks

Beverage manufacturers in the US are keen to leverage the energy-boosting properties of CoQ10, with data revealing that the ingredient is being increasingly used in energy drinks.

Legumes linked to lower diabetes risk

An increased intake of legumes like peanuts and soybeans could reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by over 40 per cent, suggests a new study.

Scientists examine health in honey

The health benefits of honey are the focus of discussions taking place today at an international symposium bringing together scientists to examine the potential of the natural sweetener.

New blueberries could offer processing, nutritional benefits

New varieties of the antioxidant-rich blueberry could result in berries with better flavor, firmness and shelf life, according to researchers at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Weekly comment

Back to tap: bottled water's enviro-woes

It looks set to be a vintage year ahead for Chateau Eau De Source Public - or as it is more humbly known, tap water - as consumers find themselves encouraged to shun the mineral variety of the product to reduce packaging waste.

More support for whole grains for healthy hearts

An increased intake of wholegrain products, in combination with a reduced calorie diet, led to weight loss and cut levels of a protein associated with heart disease, says a new study.

Natural Nutrition buys complete control of supplement arm

A ten per cent stake in Interactive Nutrition has been sold to parent company Natural Nutrition to the tune of nearly a million dollars.

Vitamin C linked to lower stroke risk: study

Increased blood levels of vitamin C may reduce the risk of stroke by 42 per cent, suggests a large European-based study.

Vitamin D2 just as good as D3?

Challenging the view that vitamin D3 is more potent than D2, researchers from Boston University have reported that both forms are equally effective at maintaining 25-hydroxyvitamin D status.

Corazonas claims first with sterol-containing chips

Functional snack company Corazonas is launching potato chips containing plant sterols for cholesterol reduction, and claims to be the first manufacturer to take the healthy ingredient into this kind of snack product.

Omega-3 freshly delivered to America's doorstep

Kemps has launched two new fresh milk products enriched with Ocean Nutrition's omega-3 ingredient in the US this week.

Fish just as effective as pills for omega-3 boost: study

Researchers from the US have waded into the debate over fish versus supplements stating that the omega-3 fatty acids from both sources are equally bioavailable.

Change in diet can clear the air and ease flatulence

Baked beans have long been named the culprit for causing flatulence, but researchers have now come up with a long list of foods likely to egg on gassiness.

Ramazanov award to reward ethics and boost credibility

Good science and ethical behavior of industry professionals are set to be recognized by a new award that looks set to enhance the credibility of the US dietary supplements industry.

Nutrition 21 warned over share price

New York supplement company Nutrition 21 has received a warning that it could face delisting from Nasdaq if its share price does not regain the $1 minimum over the next 180 days.

Wine waste shows promise for dental health

Early results of a collaboration to investigate the impact of compounds from grapes could relate to oral bacteria indicate a role for polyphenols in preventing caries.

Premium tops 2008 trend list

The overarching trend that will continue to dominate the marketplace in 2008 is the consumer quest for premium, according to a recent report by the Hartman Group.

Soy isoflavones linked to easier breathing

Four weeks of supplementation with genistein, an isoflavone from soy, may suppress the inflammatory process and ease breathing and explain previous reports linking the isoflavone to reduced asthma severity, suggests a new pilot study.

Cognis announces natural carotenoid price increases

Cognis Nutrition & Health has announced the first price increase in three years for its Betatene natural mixed carotenoids, as the company offsets escalating production costs.

Omega-3 Alzheimer's benefits identified

Increased intake of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may boost the production of a protein known to destroy the plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, reports a new study.

FDA issues guidelines on supplements labeling for AER

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidelines for the labeling of dietary supplements to enable adverse events reporting, as required by the AER bill.

Novel alginate-pectin beverage shines as satiety booster

A beverage containing alginate-pectin and calcium forms a stable gel in the stomach and boosts the feeling of fullness, report researchers from the University of Buffalo in collaboration with McNeil Nutritionals.