Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Soy-rich infant formula may give stronger bones: Mouse study

Feeding newborns soy protein-based formulas may favourably boost the bone strength later in life, according to a new study with mice.

Enhanced microencapsulation for probiotic strains reported

Double encapsulation of bacterial strains with potential probiotic activity may enhance the shelf-life and offer protection against harsh stomach conditions, says a new study.

Consumers look to health and wellness in recession

Focusing on health and wellness and building brand awareness are the most successful strategies for weathering the global economic storm, according to a Frost and Sullivan analyst.

Turmeric is safe, says Sabinsa

New Jersey-based botanicals player, Sabinsa Coprporation, has published a paper in defense of its turmeric extract after the herb’s safety was questioned in an article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

US government creates databases for supplement info

US government agencies have joined forces to create a database of dietary supplement ingredients and brands, designed to provide publically available information on the levels of different ingredients in supplement products.

News in brief

Yakult probiotic drink poised to be a market leader, claims firm

Probiotic firm Yakult is once more expanding its presence in the US market, taking its branded dairy beverage into Texas – one of the nation’s largest regional markets.

Barry Callebaut welcomes new cocoa anti-depressant link

Barry Callebaut is a step closer to boasting about the antidepressant properties of cocoa on its product labels after a study funded by the company found that it could have a mood-lifting effect.

Vitamin E, selenium may alter genes in prostate cancer: Study

Selenium and vitamin E may offer protection against prostate cancer by changing the expression of certain genes in prostates linked to tumours, says a new study from Texas.

Lupin-enriched bakery may slash blood pressure, boost heart health

Bread enriched with lupin kernel flour at the expense of wheat flour may reduce blood pressure and boost heart health, says new research from Australia.

Multinationals adding more fiber to their food, says Datamonitor

New data released today from Datamonitor finds that food manufacturers are increasingly adding fiber to their products, in a move described as going “back to basics”.

Beauty from within is going mainstream, says Euromonitor

Danone may have pulled the beauty yogurt Essensis from French shelves but a Euromonitor analyst insists that the ‘beauty from within’ trend is still heading mainstream on both sides of the Atlantic.

Calcium may slash colorectal cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of calcium from the diet and supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 23 per cent in women, says a new study from the US.

Forget C, D may be the vitamin for cold and flu protection: Study

Increased levels of vitamin D may protect against common respiratory infections such as cold and flu, according to new findings from the US.

News in brief

Diana reports good preliminary data for cranberry ingredient

Brittany-based Diana Naturals is building the science behind its cranberry ingredients’ efficacy against urinary tract infections, according to preliminary results.

FWS examines sustainable ginseng harvesting

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) yesterday examined the sustainable harvest, trade and regulation of ginseng, in a public meeting on the latest research on the root.

GMA extols irradiation’s virtues for food safety

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has been at pains to reassure consumers that it does not consider irradiation a replacement for current food safety procedures, but it could be incorporated into the food safety system to minimize risk of food-borne illness.

Probiotics and the campaign to maintain credibility

Probiotic suppliers are increasingly stepping in to provide quality and efficacy guidance for the ingredients, as a lack of a legal framework continues to put the market at risk.

Find time for tea to slash stroke risk: Study

Drinking three or more cups of green or black tea a day may reduce the risk of stroke by 21 per cent, says new research from UCLA.

B vitamins may prevent female blindness: Study

A combination of folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women by 34 per cent, says a new study.

How the US stimulus bill impacts food: Part II

Indirect benefits of the economic stimulus bill signed by President Obama earlier this month are set to filter through to manufacturers of food, beverage and supplement products – especially the smaller players.

Blueberries may reduce childhood cancer risk: Study

Extracts from blueberries may reduce the size of tumours primarily found in infants and children, and improve survival, suggest new findings from a study with mice.

Weekly comment

Turning the key on new food technologies

Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the United States – General Mills and Dannon – to reformulate their dairy product lines. It is a decision that will have immediate implications on the dairy market as a whole, but could also mark a turning point in the use of new technologies in food production in general.

How the US stimulus bill impacts food: Part I

The economic stimulus bill signed last week by President Obama is expected to promote food production and consumption through its provision for a nutrition supplementation program, according to an expert on food legislation.

Dannon puts probiotics in emerging market-middle ground

As a number of manufacturers announce mixed fortunes in the market for probiotic goods, one leading supplier believes the segment lies very much in the middle ground between established and emerging food products.

Probiotics perfect fit for ‘small people’

Children and infant probiotics products are booming as parents connect with the healthy bacteria’s immune system boosting benefits, according to market researcher, Euromonitor.

Egg proteins may reduce blood pressure: Study

Proteins in boiled and fried eggs may reduce blood pressure and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, suggests new research from Canada.

Cinnamon may improve blood sugar levels: Study

Consumption of three grams of cinnamon a day may improve people’s control of blood glucose levels, Scandinavian scientists have reported.

Peanut-gate: Will consumers still trust American food – your views

The salmonella contamination of peanut products has brought American food safety under scrutiny causing some to question the value of the Made In America brand.

News in brief

Solae builds quality assurance bulk

Soy ingredient firm Solae is extending its internal food safety and quality assurance capabilities with two new specialists, in line with growing expectations from consumers.

Climate change threatens medicinal plants, says ABC

A new review has found that changing weather conditions are threatening the existence of some species of medicinal plants, which could have a knock-on effect on supplies and prices of extracts used in dietary supplements.

News in brief

Cranberry group seeks 'cran'sparency

Three European cranberry extract suppliers have formed a new association with the explicit aim of clarifying standards governing the manner in which proanthocyanidins (PACs) content is communicated to consumers.

Vitamins may prevent hearing loss: Animal studies

Antioxidant-rich supplements may reduce noise-induced and perhaps even age-related hearing loss in humans, if human trials can echo promising results from animal studies.

More zinc may mean less diabetes in women: Study

Increased intakes of zinc may decrease the risk of type-2 diabetes by 28 per cent, according to a new study from Harvard.

Coffee may reduce women’s risk of stroke: Study

Increased intakes of coffee do not increase the risk of stroke, and may actually reduce the risk, according to new research from Spain and the US.

News in brief

Naturex Foundation progress in Morocco, Peru

Naturex has reported the first benefits of the Naturex Foundation, flagging up social contributions in Morocco and Peru.

New US firm brings African plant extracts to market

South African plant extract firm Afrinatural is introducing its ingredients to the North American supplement and functional foods markets, following the establishment of a subsidiary in the United States.

Give (probiotic) cheese a chance, says probiotic big cheese

One of the world’s leading probiotics specialists says consumers are interested in probiotic cheese products but cheese manufacturers and probiotic suppliers need to get their scientific house in order and clarify their marketing messages.

Probiotics may protect children against infections: Study

Daily supplements of the probiotic bacterial strain Lactobaccilus casei rhamnosus may boost the immune health of children, and prevents many infections, says new research.

Kraft: probiotic cheese is a disappointment

Kraft US has confirmed what many market analysts have been saying for some time – probiotic cheese is not winning over the public.

NYT asks if vitamins are really “worth it”

A study published last week that found no link between multivitamin usage and lower risk of some diseases in women has prompted another round of supplement questioning in the consumer media.

Anti-aging water could hit US shelves, says Frutarom

Flavors and fine ingredients company Frutarom is targeting the fast growing beauty from within market with a new anti-aging offering.

News in brief

School nutrition tour at Expo West

Southern Californian nutrition officials have been invited to visit this year’s Natural Products Expo West to discover new healthy foods for inclusion in school lunches.

Study hints at green-lipped mussel’s ‘original’ omega-3 action

Extracts from the New Zealand green lipped mussel may exert anti-inflammatory effects at a protein level, according to new results.

‘Whole grains’ popular kids’ health claim, says Mintel

Whole grains and fiber maintain a strong appeal for health-positioned food products marketed for children, according to new figures from Mintel.

Vitamin C-rich foods may boost artery health

Increased intake of vitamin C-rich foods may reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries, and ultimately protect against heart disease, says a new study from Norway.

Cyanotech increases productivity, boosts profit

Cyanotech, which produces nutritional ingredients from microalgae, has said its focus on increased productivity and cost containment has helped reverse its loss from last year’s third quarter.

Consumers going off probiotic cheese

Probiotics have had a rapid rise to public prominence in North America since Danone launched probiotic drinkable and spoonable yogurts on the US market in 2005, but probiotic cheeses have won little favor, according to Euromonitor research.

Weekly comment

Changing the tune on GM

The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot of shaking things all about, but as of yet, there hasn’t really been a turnaround and definitely no ra, ra, ra!

Natto enzyme may reduce Alzheimer’s risk: Study

Nattokinase, an enzyme extracted from fermented soy, may prevent the build up of certain plaques in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s, suggests new research from Taiwan.

SOD supplement may ease brain impairment: Mouse study

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement, GliSODin, may reduce the loss of cognitive function linked to stress, according to a new animal study from Japan.

NutraCea boosts baby cereal production

Rice bran manufacturer NutraCea is set to meet capacity expansion targets for its baby cereal plant in Phoenix, which should see production almost double by the end of the second quarter.

FDA warns against Venom sibutramine supplements

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the US public against a weight loss dietary supplement called Venom Hyperdrive 3.0 because it contains the banned pharmaceutical ingredient, sibutramine.

Omega-3 may prevent obesity-related complications: Study

Increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may protect against obesity-related damage of the liver, which may lead to diabetes, says a new study from Spain.

Recession-proof BioGaia doubles 2008 profits

Swedish probiotics specialist, BioGaia, has turned in an impressive set of financial results for 2008, maintaining the 30 per cent-plus growth it has achieved annually for the best part of this decade.

News in brief

Pregnancy association teams up with Nordic Naturals for omega-3

The American Pregnancy Association had named Nordic Naturals’ omega-3 as the official omega-3 of the association.

Cranberry extracts may prevent colon cancer: Lab study

Extracts from cranberry may prevent colon cancer via an anti-inflammatory mechanism, according to results of a cell study from Canada.

One-shot energy drinks here to stay, says researcher

High premiums and broadening consumer interest is driving growth in one-shot energy drinks in North America, according to beverage market researcher, Zenith International.

Science central to AHD International at SupplyExpo

Clinical research will top the bill for AHD International at next month’s SupplyExpo event, where it will present a range of studies on the weight management potential of its dietary fiber products.

Vitamin K2, but not K1, effective for heart health benefits: Study

Increased intakes of vitamin K2, but not vitamin K1, may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women, says a new study.

Vitamin D may be critical to reduce multiple sclerosis risk

Supplements of vitamin D at ‘critical time periods’ may be key to reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis, according to a new study from the UK and Canada.

BPA levels in soft drinks are low, claim researchers

Consumer exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) from consumption of canned soft drinks is low, claims a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

NIST develops multivitamin reference for GMP compliance

A new reference material for assessing the amounts of vitamins, carotenoids, and trace elements in dietary supplements has been developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Phosphorus additives pose ‘hidden’ danger to kidney patients

Patients with kidney disease may be at danger from a ‘hidden threat’ of phosphorous additives found in processed and fast foods, says a new study from the US.

Probiotics and prebiotics boost ‘quality of life’ for IBD sufferers

A combination of probiotic and prebiotics may improve the ‘quality of life’ for sufferers of a type of IBD, says a new study from Japan.

Give omega-3 to the poor, says UK researcher

A paper published in a British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) journal has called for omega-3 supplements to be made available to lower socio-economic groups because low income earners have the most to gain from using them.

News in brief

Sabinsa’s sustainability effort gets F&S recognition

Frost & Sullivan have honored Sabinsa for its green efforts, quoting the company’s balanced green product offering and sustainable marketing practices as key to success.

NAD balls Dannon over healthy yogurt marketing

French dairy giant Danone’s US subsidiary, Dannon, has been told to alter advertising for a yogurt product by the voluntary advertising watchdog, the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (NAD).

News in brief

EBF debuts new website

The European Botanical Forum (EBF) has revamped its website to better convey scientific, regulatory and technological advancements in the botanicals area.

Multivitamins fail to protect women from cancers and heart disease: Study

Multivitamin supplements have “little or no influence” on a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer, according to results of the Women’s Health Initiative.

Sea cucumber extract may protect against the common cold

Extracts from sea cucumber may one day be making waves in dietary supplement circles, if science from Scandinavia continues to yield positive results.

FTC cracks down on ‘negative option’ marketing

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has settled with two weight loss dietary supplement companies it found to be exploiting consumers by offering them free trials that led to unwanted product commitments.

Lutein-fortified milk passes bioavailability test: Study

Fortifying fermented milk with lutein may be a suitable vehicle to boost intakes of the compound, according to a new study from Spain.

Weekly comment

No room for functional foods gloom

Last week’s withdrawal of a high-profile functional food in France is disappointing for the company concerned and maybe for the healthy/functional foods industry, but you may be led to think differently if you happen to be a reader of the UK broadsheet, The Financial Times.

Soy food better than tablets for isoflavone dose: Study

Soy foods could be a better source of isoflavones than supplements, according to a new study from Stanford.

News in brief

NPA seeks 2010 awards nominees

The clock is ticking for nominees for the Natural Products Association’s 2010 awards program, with the deadline of March 31, 2009 fast approaching.

Yakult increases US probiotics exposure

Probiotics pioneer Yakult Honsha has gained a major supermarket distribution deal in the US that sees it building its presence in the western states where it launched in September, 2007.

Weekly comment

Failure of Danone beauty yogurt is a learning opportunity

Danone pulled beauty yogurt Essensis from French shelves last week and left behind a lesson in how not to market edible cosmetics.

Lignans linked to healthier, thinner women: Study

Women with increased intake of lignans, and subsequently levels of metabolites in the blood, tend to have lower BMIs and total body fat mass, says a new study from Canada.

News in brief

Blue California notifies FDA of GRAS for its stevia ingredient

Blue California has notified the FDA of GRAS for its stevia-based Reb-A sweetener and has said that it is confident of receiving a letter of non-objection after two other companies received FDA non-objection last month.

Cyanotech increases spirulina nutrient levels

Microalgae producer Cyanotech has developed a new cultivation strategy for its spirulina, which the firm says improves the nutritional profile of the ingredient.

Dairy team-up leverages research towards healthy ingredients

A newly formed collaboration could see US industry, government, academia grasp the opportunities in dairy foods and ingredients, particularly for health and nutrition.

New ingredients highlight soy’s lunasin potential

Soy Labs has launched two soy ingredients aimed at the dietary supplements and functional food markets that have for the first time commercialized the soy protein component, lunasin.

Probiotic bacteria’s immune enhancing mechanism reported

Dutch scientists have reported that the potential immune system enhancing effects of probiotics may be due to an activation of specific genes in the walls of our intestines.

Study raises hopes for omega-3 and female depression

Higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids and oily fish may reduce the number of occasions that women suffer depressive symptoms by about 30 per cent, says a new study.

Mexicans seek high fiber for weight management

Mexicans are becoming more interested in healthy foods and dietary fiber, opening up new opportunities for food and beverage companies to launch high fiber products, according to research from Tate & Lyle.

Sack lunch deficiencies open innovation opportunities

Over half of the sack lunches taken to school by US children were found to be deficient in vitamin A, calcium, zinc and fiber, reinforcing the opportunity for food manufacturers in the country to develop targeted products that fill this nutritional gap.

Sweet whey targets ‘scaly skin community’

PL Thomas has launched a whey-based ingredient clinically proven to benefit psoriasis sufferers, although its marketing will feature a broader skin health sell that doesn’t venture into the territory of disease reduction.

Vitamin D linked to girl power: Study

Low levels of vitamin D may reduce the muscle power and force in adolescent girls, according to a new study from the UK.

Most children don’t need supplements, says study

A study published this week reports that many US children and adolescents who take vitamin and mineral supplements may not actually need them.

US food sector outlook is ‘pessimistic’, say analysts

The US food industry faces a negative and worsening outlook, with falling demand for key brands and bankruptcies predicted by Moody’s.

Martek and GM team up on omega-3 microencapsulation

The world’s leading vegetarian-sourced DHA supplier, Martek Biosciences, has joined with General Mills to develop encapsulation techniques for omega-3 ingredients.

Obama and financial crisis drive new consumer values, says report

Food manufacturers need to better understand consumer tactics for dealing with the economic crisis and employ palatable strategies to answer to a fresh set of values, according to a report from Packaged Facts.

Snack Size Science: Taking heart from phytosterol review

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at a review of phytosterol science. Phytosterol-enriched margarines and other foods are spread thickly on supermarket shelves, and a new review says there is no difference between stanols and sterols, or delivery in fat or non fat foods in terms of efficacy for reducing bad cholesterol levels.

Omega-3 improves menopausal side effects: Studies

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may reduce the symptoms of depression and the occurrence of hot flushes, according to two new studies from Canada.

Obama pledges ‘complete review’ of FDA

President Obama has said in a televised interview that his administration will conduct a complete review of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent future lapses in food safety.

Heart-health ingredient Sytrinol gets GRAS

Functional ingredient supplier Proprietary Nutritionals Inc (PNI) has said its branded heart health ingredient Sytrinol can be used in food and beverage formulations in the United States, following its GRAS certification.

Fish oils as popular as multivitamins: Consumerlab

A survey of 6000 Consumerlab subscribers has found fish oils are almost as popular as multivitamins, especially among older users.

Garlic’s antioxidant power pinpointed by researchers?

Canadian scientists have found that the antioxidant power of garlic is related to the organic compound allicin, research that deepens our understanding of the potential benefits of this food and supplements favourite.

Weekly comment

Nut so good - tainted US food system needs revamping

E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie were taken back from the multiple federal agencies involved and surveillance placed under one roof?

News in brief

FDA provides recall information via Twitter

The FDA has started using the social networking site Twitter to communicate its recall updates, market withdrawals and safety alerts.

Garuda nutraceutical ingredients certified organic

Californian ingredients supplier Garuda International said a range of its nutraceutical products have been certified organic.

Time to update vitamin D and calcium DRIs: CRN

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has submitted comments to an ongoing review of calcium and vitamin D being conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Fruit juices beat vitamin E for artery health: Study

Juices of blackcurrants and oranges may reduce levels of compounds linked to inflammation and heart disease, says a new study from Denmark.