Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Supplement market nears maturity, nutraceuticals report

The US, Europe and Japan will continue to drive the global nutraceuticals market, although growth in dietary supplements is expected to slow, according to a new report.

New botanicals launched for chronic health diseases

Indian firm Avesthagen has launched seven new botanical bioactives which are targeted at specific degenerative conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Obese children may benefit from CLA: study

Supplements of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), previously reported to have benefits for weight in adults, could also help children, and possibly aid in the fight against childhood obesity.

High cranberry demand drives Decas expansion

Decas Cranberry Products is to expand its cranberry production facilities in a bid to meet growing industry demand for the healthy berry ingredient in foods and beverages.

Study raises concerns over vitamin E and lung health

Long-term and high dose supplementation with vitamin E may result in a "small increased risk" of lung cancer, most notable amongst smokers, says new research.

The global weight loss market

Constantin Dallas from Fytexia tells NutraIngredients.com about the differences between the US and European weight loss markets, and the areas of potential his company has identified.

Give up multivitamins, Harvard warns

A report has suggested people should stop taking multivitamins while further work is carried out on folic acid's relationship to cancer.

Health drives increased protein sales, report

Sales of protein ingredients are expected to top the $18bn mark by 2010, mainly on account of their association with a healthy lifestyle, according to new research from Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

GRAS granted for Aminogen protein digestion ingredient

An enzyme desgined to improve protein digestion has been granted GRAS status, opening up the market for its use in functional foods and beverages, said its manufacturer Triarco.

Gingko may boost memory - if you remember to take it

Supplements of ginkgo biloba may boost the memory and memory function of the elderly, so long as people comply and take them as instructed, according to the results of a new randomised clinical trial (RCT).

Broccoli sprouts linked to bladder cancer protection

A concentrated extract from broccoli sprouts may cut the development of bladder cancer by more than 50 per cent, according to results of an animal study.

Blueberry extracts may cut food intake, reduce obesity

Rats fed extracts from blueberries gained up to 10 per cent less body weight than their furry counterparts not consuming the extracts, says new joint research from New Zealand and the US.

New gum blend adds fiber to foods, sauces

Gum Technology is introducing a new gum blend that helps bring fiber to a range of processed foods, while also delivering texture benefits.

Clinical trial boosts EpiCor's efficacy for immune health

Supplementation with a yeast fermentate can boost the immune system and reduce the occurrence of cold and flu symptoms by 21 per cent, according to the results of randomised clinical trial.

Fenchem commits to boosting US sales

The Chinese firm Fenchem has said it is making an extra push into the US functional food market with its range of antioxidants and fibers - a move which will increase competition among Western firms.

Functional foods booming despite consumer scepticism

The $72.3bn (€48bn) functional foods and beverages markets of Europe, the US and the Asia Pacific will grow by a buoyant 5.7 per cent per year until 2012 as a broader demographic seeks out their health-boosting potential, according to a new report.

Sabinsa gets Canadian patent for ForsLean

Sabinsa Corporation strengthened the patent net for its ForsLean weight management ingredient, announcing yesterday that it has secured a patent in Canada.

Vegetables, but not fruit, may slash diabetes risk

A higher intake of vegetables, rich sources of fibre, antioxidants, and magnesium, may reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by almost 30 per cent, suggests a new study.

Smiling Bob legal action comes to an end

Legal action against Steve Warshak - the owner of Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals - has ended after he was found guilty of misleading customers, lying to banks and hiding profits.

Cargill's barley betafiber achieves heart health claim

Cargill's barley beta concentrate is set to receive a new health claim from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linking the ingredient to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Magnesium linked to fewer gallstones

Increased intake of magnesium from dietary supplemental forms may decrease a man's risk of developing gallstones, suggests a new study from the US.

Wild brings joint health ingredient to foods

A joint health ingredient is set to make its entry into the US food and beverage arena following a new partnership between Wild Flavors and Diversified Natural Products (DNP).

Glucosamine ineffective for hip osteoarthritis: study

Glucosamine sulphate, one of the most popular supplements for joint health, has the same effect as placebo for osteoarthritis in the hip, Dutch researcher report.

FDA gets tough on rogue health claims

Two companies have signed an agreement that prohibits them from claiming any of their products can cure, treat, mitigate or prevent diseases after making unauthorized health claims.

Curcumin may cut heart failure risk says research duo

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, may protect against heart failure - in mice at least - suggests a new study from Canada.

Weekly Comment

Supplements - do we ask too much?

Taking a range of supplements from vitamin A to zinc is becoming part of everyday life. But as the latest study is published questioning their efficacy, people could be left wondering do they work?

Botanical council pledges to boost herbal database

The American Botanical Council (ABC) has said it will further develop a popular herbal database HerbMed, which offers a useful research tool for academics, health care professionals and companies

Antioxidants fail to benefit children with Down's Syndrome

Antioxidant supplements may not help children with Down's syndrome, says a new study that challenges previous reports of benefits to language and psychomotor development.

Black tea may slash Parkinson's disease risk

Drinking at least 23 cups of black tea a month, or about three-quarters of a cup a day, may slash the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by a whopping 71 per cent, suggests new research from Singapore.

NutraCea to supply healthy edible oil from rice bran

NutraCea is to enter the lucrative edible oil market, following the completion of its purchase of South America's largest rice bran oil processing facility.

New cranberry protein looks to compete with soy, whey

A new cranberry protein powder can allow food and drink companies to add protein to their products without turning to the usual dairy or soy sources, says its manufacturer.

Industry to examine DHA-EPA opportunities

DHA and EPA omega-3 will be the focus of two events to be held next month, which will aim to provide food and supplement makers with key issues affecting the industry.

Co-Q10 may ease fatigue after exercise: study

Supplements of coenzyme Q10 may boost physical performance and reduce feelings of tiredness associated with exercise, Japanese researchers have reported.

War over right to grow healthy hemp rages on

An appeal has now been lodged to overturn a ban on growing commercial hemp in North Dakota - which if successful could see the US pitted against Canada in producing the protein rich oil.

BI Nutraceuticals chooses Canadian distributor

BI Nutraceuticals' customers in eastern Canada will be supplied exclusively from CK Foods, following a distribution agreement signed between the two companies.

Fat-free milk may lower blood pressure

An increased intake of calcium and vitamin D from non-fat dairy could reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, suggests new research from Harvard.

Rating system will help consumers pick nutrient-rich food

The use of independent nutrition rating systems being rolled out in scores of US grocery stores has been welcomed by the industry.

SunOpta investors file lawsuits over 'misleading performance'

Natural food group SunOpta is facing class action law suits alleging overstated earnings and lack of internal financial controls.

Meta-analysis supports zinc for childhood diarrhoea

Supplements of zinc may help children with acute and persistent diarrhoea, according to a meta-analysis of 22 studies involving about 17,000 children.

Folate may cut male smokers' stroke risk

An increased intake of folate may reduce the risk of stroke by 20 per cent for male smokers, suggests a new study.

MRI minerals receive GRAS for foods

Mineral Resources International (MRI) has received GRAS status for its mineral ingredients, opening up the products to the US functional food and beverage market.

Calcium pills effective for boosting bone health in teenage girls

Supplements of calcium effectively increased the build up and bone mineral content in teenage girls, but the benefits are undone if the supplementation stops, suggests a new study.

Lycopene's anti-cancer benefits extend to colon: study

The carotenoid lycopene from tomato may interfere with levels of a hormone associated with an increase in the risk of colorectal cancer, suggests a Dutch study.

West Africa offers supplement potential for Optihealth

A Canadian supplement manufacturing and research company has landed a deal to see its products distributed in 15 West African countries - and access to a market which is set to boom in the next few years.

DHA, ARA supply to customers unaffected, says Martek

Martek Biosciences Corporation said customers of its flagship DHA and ARA ingredients will not be impacted in any way by a new major licensing agreement with Numico.

New natural slimming ingredient set to enter US

French ingredient firm Fytexia is this year positioning itself to enter the US dietary supplement and functional food market with its fruit-based weight-loss ingredient Sinetrol.

Antibodies from egg to become major focus for biotech firm

IRI Separation Technologies has signed a distribution agreement to allow the firm to fully focus on the extraction of antibodies from eggs.

Lipoic acid and carnitine combo show diabetes potential

A combination of lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine may boost the function of mitochondria - the cell's power stations - suggests research with implications for diabetes and obesity.

Fortitech, BASF dissolve premix venture

The divestiture of a joint venture between BASF and Fortitech will have no impact on customers, said Fortitech, which confirmed that it will continue to make its nutrient premixes with the same ingredients.

Weekly comment

Making a meal out of saturated fat

The food industry across Europe needs to make a big effort to reduce saturated fat in food regardless of whether national agencies set targets - and it should not wait around for governments to do all the awareness-raising with its consumers.

Finnish study supports sterols' safety

The consumption of nonesterified plant sterol-enriched food is safe, suggests a new study from Finland that adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the ingredients.

The emerging beauty foods trend

Israel's LycoRed discusses the origins and opportunities of beauty from within, and product categories that are suitable for appearance-enhancing ingredients

AFS replacers can cut salt by up to 50 percent

Advanced Food Systems (AFS) has said it has developed a way of reducing sodium in food products by as much as 50 percent without affecting the flavor.

Science stacks up for choline's health benefits

Increased dietary intake of choline and its metabolite betaine may lead to a reduction in markers of inflammation linked to a range of diseases, reports a new study from Greece.

Supplements not a steroid scapegoat, says senator

The sports industry should take full responsibility for abuse of performance-enhancing substances rather than blaming dietary supplements and government regulation, according to a Utah senator.

Selenium bioavailabilty higher from Brazil nuts, says study

Consuming only two Brazil nuts every day can raise blood selenium levels by about 65 per cent, suggests a new study from New Zealand

Cyanotech astaxanthin helps boost Q3 sales

Cyanotech has reported an increase in sales for its third quarter, but the firm continues its focus on cost-reduction initiatives as it focuses on increasing resources.

Bell releases top ten flavor forecast for 2008

Mango has come out as the top sweet flavor trend for 2008 according to Bell Flavors and Fragrances.

SourceOne develops heart health platform

Ingredient supplier SourceOne Global Partners has grouped together its heart health ingredients under one brand, a move the company hopes will help it leverage increased demand in the marketplace.

Probiotics give endurance athletes' immune boost: study

Supplements of probiotics may boost the immune health of long distance runners, protecting them from respiratory illnesses, suggests a small study published today.

Robinson Pharma upgrades for more efficient encapsulation

Robinson Pharma, a leader in soft gel encapsulation in the US, has initiated a series of upgrades in its facility, which the firm says will improve speed of delivery and quality assurance.

Berries and pomegranate - the ultimate Valentine's combo?

Are berries and pomegranate more appropriate for lovers than flowers and chocolates? Recent studies suggest benefits on heart health and in the bedroom.

Proliant announces permeate plans for dairy re-entry

Proliant, a manufacturer of proteins for the food and nutrition industry, has announced its re-entry into the burgeoning dairy ingredients market with the construction of a new whey-based permeate plant in the US.

Heart health tops US functional food launches

Food and beverage products targeting cardiovascular and digestive health have shot up in popularity, according to data provided by Mintel.

Olive extract may protect against AMD

A polyphenol from olives may protect against macular degeneration associated with age or the damaging effects of chemicals in tobacco smoke, suggests a new study.

Pomegranates beat apples for antioxidant boost: study

The juice of pomegranate is more effective than apple in boosting the body's antioxidant defences, which decline naturally with age, reports a new study.

Guest article

How to respond to a Cease & Desist Letter

Legal experts form Foley & Lardner suggest a strategy to help nutraceuticals companies respond to an accusation of infringing patent rights.

Green tea extract's Janus Effect on stomach health: study

The green tea polyphenol (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) may slash the risk of gastric cancer among women by 75 per cent, suggests a new study from Japan.

Canada examines science behind health products

A conference on natural health products to be held in Canada next month aims to examine the latest research advances and product introductions in the arena.

Sterols play major role in dietary portfolio for hearts

Almost one-third of cholesterol reductions achieved by consuming a heart-healthy diet are due to plant sterols, suggests a new study from Canada that supports the ingredient's efficacy.

Whole grain and low fat drive Kellogg innovation

Kellogg Company's new product launches are designed to meet the continuing trend for healthy indulgence, with kids' cereals that embrace whole grain and more varied healthy adult cereals.

Hartman outlines supplement trends for 2008

Healthy aging, balanced energy and inflammation are the three core health concerns that consumers try to address with dietary supplements, according to a new report.

Lycopene, zinc linked to better prostate health

Lycopene, zinc and vitamin D show a 'weak association' for protection 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.

Weekly Comment

The ethical cocoa confusion

While most consumers agree that ethically-sourced cocoa is no bad thing, an ever increasing number of different schemes risks muddying the issue and puzzling chocolate fans.

CRN to examine supplement science

Supplements for disease management and ensuring the integrity of ingredients will be the focus of the forthcoming scientific symposium organized by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Anthocyanins show potent anti-obesity potential: study

Anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments from fruit and vegetables, have a "significant potency" against fat cells and could be used for the prevention of weight gain, suggests a new study from Japan.

Maternal micronutrient supplements boost baby weights

Supplements of micronutrients during pregnancy may result in bigger and heavier babies, relative to babies born to mothers taking only iron and folic acid, suggests a new study.

EAS publishes guide to EU nutritional market

A European consultancy group has published a new report designed to help manufacturers of nutritional products successfully enter the European Union market.

Sabinsa positions itself as full-service contract manufacturer

Nutritional ingredient firm Sabinsa has said its new manufacturing and distribution facility is fully operational, which the company hopes will allow it to take its ingredients into international markets.

Western diet pattern 'promotes metabolic syndrome'

The high calorie, low fibre dietary pattern associated with the Western diet is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, says new research from the US.

Study backs berries for heart health benefits

A diet rich in berries may boost levels of good cholesterol and improve blood pressure, indicating their potential benefits for heart health, says a new study from Finland.

NutraCea expands processing into South America

NutraCea is continuing its global expansion with the announcement that it is to buy the largest rice bran oil processing facility in South America, located in Brazil.

Study questions antioxidant vitamins for dementia

The risk of dementia may not be influenced by vitamin C and E supplements, suggests a new study from the US.

Zinc, vitamin A pills show malaria benefits: study

Supplements of vitamin A and zinc may protect children from malaria, suggest results from a new randomized, double blind trial published this week.

Danone, Yakult grants to advance probiotic science

The field of probiotics research is set to receive a boost by two new grants announced yesterday by the Global Probiotics Council (GPC).

US nutraceutical company moves into cosmetics

US-based eFoodSafety is the latest in a growing number of nutraceutical companies targeting the cosmetics industry with the release of its skin care line NumaDerm.

Antioxidants and carotenoids linked to AMD improvements

Supplements of antioxidants and carotenoids may improve retinal health in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), suggesting a role beyond prevention, suggests a new study from Italy.

Liquorice lollipop launched for tooth health

Scientists in California have developed a sugar-free lollipop, infused with a liquorice extract, that they claim can help prevent tooth decay.

Whole grain stamp adapted for Canadian market

The popular Whole Grain Stamp is to be launched in a bilingual version for use on food products in Canada, expanding its reach to more consumer groups as awareness of the healthy grains increases.

Beetroot juice may lower blood pressure: study

Drinking just 500ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce blood pressure, suggests a new study from London.

News briefs: Vital Foods, BI Nutraceuticals and AHPA

Vital Foods brings a new kiwi gut health supplement to the US market, BI Nutraceuticals makes a new appointment to boost profits, and AHPA president moves into… acupuncture.

Pharmline implements quality control in Chinese production

Nutritional ingredients supplier Pharmline is set to restart operations in China, following the implementation of new quality control measures.

Astaxanthin may boost muscle endurance and fat loss

Astaxanthin, the carotenoid mostly associated with eye health, may enhance the burning of fat during exercise and lead to improved muscle endurance, suggests a new study with mice that needs to be repeated in humans.

Low folate levels may increase dementia risk: study

Folate deficiency may increase the likelihood of developing dementia by 3.5 times, suggests a new study from the UK and Korea.

PLT achieves GRAS for vitamin K2 in dairy

PL Thomas is to market its vitamin K2 for use in dairy applications in the US, following the ingredient's GRAS designation, the company announced today.

Protein-rich flours offer potential for gluten-free foods

Adding soybean and pea proteins isolates and transglutaminase to rice flour may find potential in the rapidly growing gluten-free market, suggests new research.

Weekly comment

Branding Vs label info: who's the enemy?

Product branding and information provided to consumers on food labels are again at loggerheads, and industry doesn't seem likely to accept new EU labelling proposals without a fight.

Probiotics may ease gut problems in people with HIV/AIDS

Probiotic supplements may ease the suffering from diarrhoea and nausea amongst people with HIV and AIDS, suggests a joint study by African and Canadian researchers.

Enzymotec krill oil achieves GRAS

Israeli company Enzymotec has obtained GRAS status for its krill oil, which the company hopes will allow it to commercialize the ingredient for use in functional foods in the US.

Cancer survivors turn to supplements too soon, suggests review

Many cancer survivors report taking vitamin and mineral supplements, despite inconclusive evidence of the benefits, according to a review of scientific literature.

Folic-acid linked to fewer pregnancy complications

The risk of pre-eclampsia, which affects two to three per cent of all pregnancies, may be reduced by multivitamin supplements that contain folic acid, suggests new study.

Folic acid intake may also reduce premature births

The risk of having a premature baby may be halved if women take folic acid supplements for at least one year before conception, suggests new data.

Program to explore drug-nutrient interactions

The interaction of nutrients and drugs will take center stage at this year's DCAT Week, with Dr. Derrick DeSilva set to discuss how some prescription drugs and OTC medications may inhibit the body's ability to absorb necessary nutrients.

Frutarom eyes organics with flavor site expansion

Frutatom has announced new investment in its US flavor operations, this time radically expanding its New Jersey facility to house new R&D capabilities.

Higher vitamin D needed for diabetes benefits?

Combined supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may not reduce the risk of diabetes, suggests new research that challenges previous studies.

Green light for Cyanotech's astaxanthin claims

Cyanotech has been given approval to use 17 different structure and function claims for its astaxanthin supplement BioAstin - a move which the firm says will help spread the word about the benefits of its product.