All news articles for February 2007

Warrants bolster Burcon for on-going development

Burcon NutraScience has said it has enough cash in its coffers to fund operations and working capital requirements through October 2009, thanks in part to raising C$630,131 through the exercise of share purchase warrants.

Study links antioxidant supplements to increased mortality

A meta-analysis of 68 randomised trials with antioxidant supplements has reported that vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene may increase mortality risk by up to 16 per cent, but vitamin C did not have an effect on mortality and the antioxidant mineral selenium was associated with a nine per cent decrease in all-cause mortality.

NutraCea to bring rice bran to Mexico's multinationals

NutraCea is taking its stabilized rice bran ingredient and products to Mexico via a distribution agreement with FX Morales y Associados.

Current vitamin D levels not enough in pregnancy, study

Pregnant American women do not get enough vitamin D and prenatal multivitamins are not filling the gap, according to a University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences study.

High fat dairy may boost fertility - study

Women who consume high fat dairy products like ice cream may reduce their risk of becoming infertile, new research from the US claims.

Guest article

Protecting your business prospective employees and investors

Nutraceutical companies should have certain protective documents in place prior to or promptly at the beginning of any dealings with potential new employees and investors that can greatly affect the company and its future.

Sabinsa to up BioPerine price on pepper supply issues

Sabinsa Corporation anticipates an increase in the price of its patented BioPerine following a spike in the price of black pepper, from which the ingredient is extracted.

Study questions garlic's cholesterol-lowering powers

A new trial from the US has reported that garlic may not decrease LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, raising questions over the cardiovascular benefits of garlic.

Biodroga and GelCell unite to promote seaweed softgels

Canadian companies Biodroga and GelCell have signed a marketing agreement to promote animal-free carrageenan and starch softgels, CCaps, for the North American dietary supplement market.

Synbiotics and chocolate mousse a tasty combination?

Chocolate mousse may be an excellent vehicle for probiotics and prebiotics, suggests a new study from Brazil that is in line with the trend for new ways of delivering the ingredients.

Ajinomoto ups L-Arginine price

Amino acid manufacturer Ajinomoto Aminoscience announced that increasing raw material and energy costs have driven the company to increase prices of its L-Arginine products by $1/ kg.

Study points to zinc carnosine's role in gut health

Zinc carnosine could protect the gastrointestinal system according to a study conducted in the United Kingdom.

NutriOne aims to add value to dairy with canola

NutriOne Corporation has agreed to acquire intellectual property from Research in Nutrition and Nutraceuticals for a United States patent pending process that, among other things, extends the shelf life of canola oil in functional foods.

Black soy may offer weight management potential

Researchers from Korea have reported that peptides from black soy bean could have a role as a nutraceutical to combat obesity, after a study on rats in which they curbed weight gain.

Weekly Comment

Turning advertisers into educators

Instead of trying to hide confectionery from children by restricting advertising, chocolate-makers should be encouraging them to make the same health-conscious choices as adults when it comes to confectionery they're sure to buy anyway.

Omega-3 market to climb to $7bn

With its United States market value swelling from approximately $100m to more than $2bn in four years, omega-3 enriched foods make up the strongest sector of the functional foods market - and there is still room for significant growth.

Cevena weighs in on beta-glucan market potential

Canadian ingredients developer Cevena Bioproducts is investing into researching the weight loss potential for its patented beta-glucan ingredient based on the promise of strong market potential in this category.

Olive leaf juice could be edible oil antioxidant

Olive juice, obtained by pressing olive leaves, may act as an antioxidant to prolong the frying life of frying oils, suggests a study using sunflower oil.

Omega-3 again linked to lower colorectal cancer risk

Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids may cut the risk of colorectal cancer in men by a whopping 66 per cent, but only in men not taking aspirin, suggests new research.

More fibre in coffee than orange juice?

Coffee, a well-established source of antioxidants, may also be a richer source of soluble dietary fibre than orange juice, researchers in Spain have reported.

More evidence that vitamin D may cut falls amongst the elderly

A daily vitamin D supplement of 800IU may cut the number of falls among nursing home-dwelling elderly people by 70 per cent, says a new study.

More herbs being cultivated than wild-harvested, AHPA

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has highlighted sustainability of herbal harvesting as a key movement in the industry, as part of its 2004-2005 Tonnage Survey of North American Wild Harvested Plants.

NutraCea boost capacity to meet market interest

Stabilized rice bran maker NutraCea is increasing production at its Montana plant by 50 percent to meet what it says is growing market interest in its value-added ingredient.

LycoRed courts US cosmeceuticals market with lycopene

LycoRed is promoting its tomato lycopene complex for skin health benefits, as it seeks to draw more attention to the ingredient amongst US makers of supplements for 'beauty from within'.

LycoRed courts US cosmeceuticals market with lycopene

LycoRed is promoting its tomato lycopene complex for skin health benefits, as it seeks to draw more attention to the ingredient amongst US makers of supplements for 'beauty from within'.

Honeydew honeys top antioxidant ratings

Honey produced by bees feeding on honeydew have more than double the radical scavenging activity than honeys from nectars, says new research from Spain.

Harvard urges consumers to scrutinize supplement marketing

A new report from Harvard Medical School draws positive attention to science-backed marketing, but does not look favorably on novel sourcing of ingredients.

Combined ingredients may cut cholesterol levels

Combining plant stanol esters and beta-glucan reduced levels of LDL-cholesterol by almost ten per cent, says a new study from the Netherlands.

Taiyo's expands sunfiber self-affirmed GRAS

Ingredients supplier Taiyo International announced it has expanded self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status for its partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) through an independent panel of scientific experts.

Flavonoid, lignan-rich diet linked to lower breast cancer risk

A flavonoid and lignan-rich diet may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women by about 35 per cent, suggests a new study.

Heart association removes folic acid for prevention

The American Heart Association (AHA) has removed folic acid from its recommendation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women and also dismissed antioxidant supplements for primary or secondary prevention.

C$13.5m bioresource research facility opens in Canada

A C$13.5m-facility for research into bioresources for functional purposes has opened on Atlantic Canada's Prince Edward Island, as part of an incentive for industries - such as those specialized in functional food and nutraceutical ingredients - to find new uses for local resources.

Emulsified omega-3 more bioavailable?

Emulsification of omega-3 fatty acids may boost bioavailability of nutritionally beneficial eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by over 60 per cent, compared to non-emulsified oil, suggests new research.

Bioriginal makes fish oils chewable

Canadian essential fatty acid supplier, Bioriginal, is introducing a new range of chewable flavored softgels based on market research it said points to consumers' preference for such formats.

Lipogen gears up to bring PS to foods

Israeli phosphatidylserine (PS)-maker Lipogen said it is in talks with major food companies, following the FDA approved GRAS status it obtained in 2006 and is preparing to increase production capacity for an anticipated swell in demand.

US process patent given to Keratec for wool extract

Keratec announced it has received a US patent covering its manufacturing process for extracting keratin from sheep's wool.

Nano iron could boost human bioavailability

Taking poorly soluble iron compounds down to the nanoscale could boost bioavailability by over 30 per cent, Swiss researchers have reported.

Weekly Comment

Coming clean in crisis management

In the area of crisis management, companies seem keen to repeat history by making the same mistakes -- over and over again.

ChromaDex gets GMP-ready with Alkemists

Californian testing laboratory ChromaDex has announced it is expanding its phytochemical reference standards and materials through a partnership with Alkemists Pharmaceuticals – a move the company said will allow it to become better prepared for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Flavanol-rich cocoa for brain health, say experts

Flavanol-rich chocolate may boost blood flow in the brain and reduce the risk of dementia, experts have told attendees at the annual meeting for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Healthy products breed healthy sales for Danone

Danone gave a bullish account of its 2006 performance, citing strong growth for blockbuster dairy brands and an 'outstanding' performance in beverage markets.

NutraCea places $50m in shares to fund rice bran expansion

Rice bran derivative supplier NutraCea has announced the private placement of $50m worth of its common stock, which it plans to use to finance the large-scale supply of its products.

Branding to consumers is worth the investment, say suppliers

Branding functional ingredients is a long and costly process, according to two specialized manufacturers, but is worth it in order to stay competitive and ensure the long-term success of your ingredient.

Fish intake linked to higher IQ in offspring

Eating more than 340 grams of omega-3-rich seafood per week during pregnancy was associated with higher verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in the children, says a new study.

Watercress may protect against DNA damage, cancer

A regular intake of watercress may protect against DNA damage in blood cells, considered an important trigger in cancer development, by 23 per cent, new research suggests.

Flax lignan group devises SDG testing method

The Flax Lignan Association has announced the validation of a standardized method for testing SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside) content of flaxseed ingredients.

Canada gives C$3m to bioproduct R&D facility

A Canadian bioproduct research and development facility has received a C$3m boost from the federal and provincial governments, furthering the show of support this sector has seen in the country of late.

Vitamin A-rich diet may halve stomach cancer risk

A diet rich in vitamin A (retinol) may cut the risk of stomach cancer by 44 per cent, suggests a prospective study from Sweden.

Vitamin K2 may maintain bone strength - study

Daily supplements of vitamin K2 maintained hipbone strength in postmenopausal women, while placebo led to weakening, says a study from the Netherlands.

More protein and sugar from soy

Scientists in the US have developed a new technique that could enhance the release of protein and sugar by about 50 per cent, a potentially big boost for the soy industry.

Latin Americans taking to nutraceuticals, AC Neilsen

The Latin American market is carrying the largest growth rate in certain nutraceutical categories, according to a new AC Neilsen report.

Nutrition 21 brand sales increase, ingredients steady

Nutrition 21 has reported significant operating losses in its second quarter after bolstering marketing expenses to support its shift into finished products – an effort it said has paid off in increased sales.

Jury's out on omega-3 for depression?

For those not joining in the Valentine's Day festivities, boosting omega-3 intake to ward off the possibilities of depression may be slightly premature, suggests a review.

New pre-, probiotic index may boost synbiotic research

Quantification of a prebiotic's ability to boost the growth of probiotics could enhance the identification of effective synbiotic combinations, researchers have said.

TSI Health Sciences gets Australian TGA approval

TSI Health Sciences has secured approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for manufacturing chondroitin sulfate sodium, thereby opening up another avenue of business for the Montana-headquartered company.

Scientists expand probiotic soy yoghurt potential

Canadian scientists have reported that two strains of probiotic Lactobacillus bacteria grow well in soy yoghurt cultures, opening up opportunities for an ever growing field.

BASF signs with US e-distributor

BASF has selected ChemPoint as a "preferred" partner for distributing its nutritional ingredients in the United States.

AC Neilsen places health as top seller

Yet another market survey has placed healthy items at the top of the food and beverage growth list, with yoghurt-based drinks again shining as the star performer.

Sabinsa expands facility for global market

With the announcement of a new extension to its manufacturing and distribution facility, Sabinsa Corporation is preparing to take its business into new global markets.

Lifelong selenium intake may slow age-related cognitive decline

Low levels of selenium throughout life have been linked to lower cognitive function, says an epidemiological study based in China.

Vitamin B12 linked to slower mental decline

Increased levels of vitamin B12, but not folate, may reduce the rate of age-related cognitive decline and dementia, suggests a new study.

Calcium, vitamin D may reduce stress fracture risk

Daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D, long linked to improving bone health, may also reduce the risk of stress fractures during exercise, scientists have reported.

Canada's new Food Guide includes dietary supplements

For the first time, Canada's official Food Guide has made provisions for supplements. A trade association has endorsed these changes though it is calling on the government to give dietary supplements more play in the document.

AHPA reiterates doctors need to question patients on herbs

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has urged doctors and healthcare practitioners to ask patients about their use of herbs in an effort to foster communication on the issue.

Weekly Comment

Allergens: no room for mistakes

It would be a mistake for governments and industry to misinterpret the recent progress in food allergen labeling as a final solution: there is much that yet remains to be done, for the well-being of both consumers and manufacturers.

Caffeinated drinks may protect elderly against heart disease

Over-65s who drink four or more caffeinated beverages every day may reduce their risk of heart disease by a whopping 53 per cent, suggests research from the US.

Prairie Orchard Farms to branch into omega-3 chickens

A Canadian meat producer is trying to yoke together omega-3 fatty acids to add to chicken in a way that will boost the meat's functional value without affecting taste, as the company strives to label its products accordingly.

Pine bark extract shows promise for slowing sugar uptake

Extracts from French maritime pine bark may inhibit an enzyme linked to glucose absorption 190 times more than a synthetic medication, says new research from Germany that could offer significant benefits for diabetics if the results can be translated from the lab to humans.

ADM launches functional wheat protein isolates

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has launched a range of functional wheat protein isolates designed to enhance the taste, texture and appearance of cereal products.

Soy and whey build muscle equally - in rats at least

Protein from soy or from whey is equally effective for synthesis of muscle protein after endurance training, suggests an animal study that may challenge the perception that athletes should avoid soy if reproducible in humans.

Synbiotics effective at reducing colon cancer markers

A synbiotic supplement comprising the prebiotics inulin and oligofructose, and a mixture of two probiotics, successfully reduced several markers of colon cancer, say results of a major Europe-wide study.

Olive oil may protect against stomach ulcers and cancer

Polyphenols found in olive oil, a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet, may prevent infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, said to be the cause of millions of cases of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease each year.

Probiotics lead functional category, Datamonitor

All categories of functional food and drink are on the upswing according to a new report from Datamonitor, but probiotic drinks and yogurts are leading this category.

FTC to continue policing marketers, with focus on health fraud

The Federal Trade Commission has said that it will continue to prioritize policing dietary supplement marketing practices, thereby sending out a warning to companies making exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims.

Inter Farma introduces certified chondroitin sulfate brand

Inter Farma is branding its South American bovine-sourced chondroitin sulfate as Dynatin CS, and is marketing it on the dual platforms of US Pharmacopoeia certification and hailing from a BSE-free country.

A drink to turn on your sex life

A new 'energy' drink containing an array of natural herbs claims it can help consumers improve their performance in the bedroom.

Next Pharmaceuticals launches Citrofen for osteoarthritis

Next Pharmaceuticals has announced the results of a clinical study on Citrofen it said indicate that the proprietary ingredient may reduce stiffness by a half for participants with knee osteoarthritis.

Canadian regulations hamper functional food innovation

A Canadian industry association has singled out functional foods as a potentional savior of the country's manufacturing sector. However, it insists Canada will miss out on this unless its heavy regulatory environment is loosened.

DHA alone can lower triglycerides, says study

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition concluded that the American Heart Association's recommended cardioprotective dose of omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglycerides in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) - whether the lipids come in the form of DHA combined with EPA or just DHA alone.

Omega-3-rich flaxseed oil may lower blood pressure

A diet rich in the plant omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) reduced blood pressure by up to six per cent, says new research from Greece.

Raising vitamin D intake could lower breast, colorectal cancer risk

Increasing the daily intake of vitamin D to 2000 International Units could halve the risk of developing breast and colorectal cancer, two studies have reported.

Herbalife gets investors' confidence in proposed buy-out

Dietary supplements marketer Herbalife received a $38-a-share offer from private-equity firm Whitney & Company - who already own 27 percent of its stock - and Monday the company's shares had already inched up to $40.12.

FDA due to expand oat heart health claim

Oat products with a higher fat content could be eligible to carry a heart health claim, according to a new proposal by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A drink to turn on your sex life

A new 'energy' drink containing an array of natural herbs claims it can help consumers improve their performance in the bedroom.

Academic comes down on vitamins and current regulation

An American Journal of Clinical Nutrition article, based on last year's NIH State of the Science conference, has suggested that building scientific standards into supplements legislation could be a way to reward companies making science-based marketing.

Gencor protects patents, files two suits

Gencor Pacific is taking a stance to protect its patents and has announced it filed suit against Federal Laboratories Corporation and Nature's Thyme.

Inulin recommendations match efficacy, shows study

The ability of the prebiotic fibre inulin to boost the population of 'friendly' bifidobacteria in the gut works at both low and high doses without side effects, says new research.

Cherries get promotional plumping

Cherry Marketing Institute is seeking to promote cherries for use in health foods on the basis of their antioxidant properties, signalling a new direction for a fruit most commonly associated with fat-laden pies and desserts.

Weekly Comment

Food versus fuel: is a happy ending possible?

The era of biofuels is here but this does not necessarily mean unending food price shocks or a critical diversion of agricultural production away from food.

Selenium plus multivitamins may slash prostate cancer risk

Increased selenium intake in combination with a daily multivitamin may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by about 40 per cent, suggests new research.

Selenium supplements could slow age-related cognitive decline

The decline of mental function that naturally occurs with age may be increased by falling selenium levels, suggests new research from France.

Lipid Nutrition looks to expand US client base

Lipid Nutrition has entered into an exclusive distribution and customer service agreement with Tempo Canada for the United States.

Review supports chromium picolinate's diabetes benefits

Chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement for diabetics does have a significant positive effect on blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol levels, says a new review.

ADM enters flax lignan market with NDI-notified Beneflax

The FDA has accepted Archer Daniel Midland's new dietary ingredient (NDI) filing for Beneflax after it passed the 75-day notification period, meaning the flax lignan concentrate will soon be available for use in dietary ingredients.

Dietitians to provide consumers with whole grain info

Another push has been made this week to promote the consumption of whole grains, with a new fact sheet sent to thousands of dietitians around the nation aiming to provide people with simple information and advice about the grains.

Cognis responds to CLA study communication

Following the juxtaposition of two CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) studies in a communiqué from Ohio State University, Cognis and the lead author have spoken out to clarify what they say is a misrepresentation of the results.

SunOpta offers $47.25m common shares to cover debt

SunOpta has announced it is issuing 4,500,000 common shares to repay outstanding indebtedness.

Humanetics granted 7-Keto weight loss patent

Humanetics Corporation said it has received notification from the US Patent and Trademark Office that its flagship weight loss ingredient 7-Keto has been granted a patent for modulating basal metabolic rate and affecting weight loss, when administered in combination with a diet.

Creatine may boost strength in muscular dystrophy sufferers

Creatine, the popular nutritional supplement used by athletes to boost performance, may increase muscle strength in people with muscular dystrophies by about nine per cent, says a new review.

Tangerine tomatoes - better source of lycopene?

The lycopene content of orange tomatoes is more bioavailable than the form of lycopene found in the red variety, says new research from the US.

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