Cranberry waste may lead to alternative ingredients

Cranberry pomace, a by-product of the juicing process, may be extruded to produce a range of polyphenol-rich ingredients for use in supplements or functional foods, says a new study.

McCain supplement reform statements are 'false'

Leading dietary supplements trade group the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has sent a letter to Republican Senator John McCain addressing serious concerns it has about floor statements the Senator...

Sara Lee accused of ‘misleading’ marketing

Sara Lee has issued a clarification statement regarding its EarthGrain-brand bread after organic farming campaigners at Cornucopia accused it of “misleading and unethical” claims.

BASF Q4 provides up-tick to an otherwise weak 2009

BASF said that an improved fourth quarter performance led to a profit, rounding off an otherwise disappointing year for the chemicals giant.

McCain defends supplements reform bill

Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona has issued a statement criticizing “lobbyists” of falsely attacking the Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010 he introduced at the beginning of the month,...

Dairy avoidance health impacts poorly understood: NIH panel

A National Institutes of Health panel has called for more research into lactose-restricted diets to better quantify their public health impacts, as more people are choosing to exclude dairy from...

High calcium intakes may improve male survival: Study

Intakes of calcium above the recommended daily levels may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer by 25 per cent, says a new study from Sweden.

Health Canada approves chromium picolinate for supplements

Weight loss and sports nutrition ingredient chromium picolinate has been approved for use in dietary supplements in Canada.

Black chickpeas show functional ingredient potential

After purple tomatoes, black garlic and golden kiwi fruit Israeli scientists now propose that rust-colored and black chickpeas are antioxidant-rich and could be functional food ingredient.

News in brief

Verdure gets patent for pomegranate extract

The US Patent Office has issued a patent for Indiana-based Verdure Sciences for its pomegranate extract, as the company seeks to strengthen it position in the industry.

Coffee again linked to anti-diabetes benefits

Consuming a whopping 12 cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of diabetes by an impressive 67 percent, according to a new study with Native Americans.

Omega-3 may boost brain function in boys: Study

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may alter the function of the brain associated with working memory, according to results of a new study with healthy boys.

Pine cone extract may reduce allergy risk

Supplement containing an extract of pine cone may enhance the specific immune response to foreign proteins and reduce the risk of allergies, says a new study with mouse.

Special edition: Antioxidants

Regulation: inching beyond implied health claims

In the final instalment in this series about antioxidants, NutraIngredients scans the regulatory landscape to see how the science backing the nutrient is being translated into law.

Omega-3, vitamins, minerals may reduce aggressive behaviour

Supplements of omega-3s, vitamins and minerals for prisoners may reduce the number of violent and aggressive episodes in prisoners, according to a new study from The Netherlands.

ChromaDex offers tea quality and safety verification

ChromaDex has launched a new verification program for tea products, to pinpoint the quantities of various antioxidants and to detect adulteration.

Comment

Banning energy drinks is a doomed shot in the dark

Energy shot drinks have come under fire from German authorities which are employing an old-school prohibition logic that history has repeatedly dunce-hatted.

Tea compounds may boost eye health: Rat study

The antioxidant compounds present in green tea and associated with a myriad of health benefits can penetrate the tissue of the eye and potentially protect against common eye diseases, says...

Technology disrupts cell structure for better bioavailability

Green Cell Technologies has developed a new technology that it says can isolate bioactive plant molecules by disrupting their cell structure, without denaturing them by using heat or chemicals.

Special edition: antioxidants

Super veg look set to walk the antioxidant red carpet

“I'm strong to the finish when I eats me spinach,” said Popeye the sailor man, and he could have snatched Olive Oyl from the clutches of Bluto with even more...

TSI granted patent for fenugreek ingredients

The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted a patent for two of TSI Health Sciences’ fenugreek-based insulin management ingredients, Promilin and PromilinPro.

Valensa signs joint health ingredient agreement

Valensa is taking the next steps in its joint health program by licensing BiovaFlex egg shell membrane ingredient for use in proprietary formulated joint health products.

Special edition: Antioxidants

Gaining benefits from leaf and bean: Antioxidants in tea and coffee

In the fourth part of our series on antioxidants, NutraIngredients looks at coffee and tea – two products seen increasingly as functional beverages for their antioxidant content.

Science builds for cardiovascular benefits of dairy proteins

A combination of milk proteins may reduce hardening of the arteries, says a new study from Valio that support the cardiovascular benefits of the dairy peptides.

Very high omega-3 intakes linked to big health benefits

Intakes of omega-3 exceeding levels consumed by the general US population may significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease, suggests a new study with Yup'ik Eskimos.

News in brief

Naturex Foundation reports progress in Morocco, Peru and India

The Naturex Foundation, an initiative of French ingredients firm Naturex, has reported good progress on its three ongoing community projects in places from where it sources raw materials.

Lipid Nutrition gains US CLA food debut

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) player, Lipid Nutrition, has launched its first GRAS (generally recognized as safe)-certified food in the US with a yogurt that has launched in the Minnesota area....

FTC flags 11 omega-3 players but on what grounds? asks CRN

The fact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued warning letters to 11 companies over the marketing of omega-3 supplements is potentially concerning, says the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN),...

Special Edition: Antioxidants

Supply: Beta-carotene club and beyond

In the second part of our antioxidants special, NutraIngredients focuses on the carotenoids where the vitamin A converter, beta-carotene, is still lording it over lutein and lycopene and DSM and...

News in brief

CRN International cements global reach with Swiss HQ

In a move to enhance its long-standing international presence, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has established a new wholly-owned subsidiary headquartered in Manno, Switzerland.

Bilberry extract shows anti-diabetes benefits: Mouse study

Consumption of bilberries may reduce the levels of glucose in the blood, and provide a means of reducing the risk of diabetes, say the results of a study from Japan.

Vitamin D may cut elderly heart disease and diabetes risk

Middle aged and elderly people with high blood levels of vitamin D may be at a 33 per cent lower risk of developing heart disease, says a new review from...

Sara Lee targets kids with low-dose DHA omega-3 bread

Illinois-based food multinational, Sara Lee, has made its first leap into the functional bakery, omega-3 space with a DHA-fortified white bread aimed at children that has been backed by the...

NutraCea agrees to sell cereal business to Kerry

Rice bran ingredients supplier NutraCea has agreed to sell its cereal ingredients business and certain related equipment to Kerry Group as part of its restructuring strategy.

Probiotics for mum during pregnancy may cut obesity in child: Study

Taking probiotics during pregnancy may lead to less diabetes during pregnancy and reduce the risk of obesity later in a baby’s life, says a new study.

Gel innovation promises weight management pill

A simple pill containing a gel based on cellulose may swell in the stomach and promote the feeling of fullness, says new research from Italy with implications for weight management.

Hydroxycut liver problem link confirmed by study

A small study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology has confirmed links between the herbal weight loss supplement Hydroxycut, and liver problems.

Increased AER reporting welcomed by Health Canada

National public health association Health Canada has backed a report which recommends closer monitoring of adverse reactions to Herbal Medicinal Products (HMP).

Science builds for Kyowa’s dipeptide for endurance performance

Supplementation with a ‘high tech’ amino acid dipeptide may enhance fluid regulation in healthy, active individuals during endurance and high intensity exercise, says a new study.

News in brief

Provexis and DSM close to global rights deal

UK-based start-up Provexis has signed a Letter of Intent with its biggest shareholder, DSM, that will give the nutritional products division of the Dutch company exclusive global rights to Provexis’s...

News in brief

FAO launches Haiti food security tool

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has launched a new tool to help aid agencies and NGOs measure the food security situation in Haiti following last month’s earthquake.

Magnesium supplements may boost lung health for asthmatics

Daily supplements of magnesium may improve lung function in asthmatics, and improve their quality of life, says a new study from America.

Seaweed extract shows joint health promise

An extract from brown seaweed may reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis by up to 52 per cent, suggests results from phase I and II clinical trials from Australia.

Industry calls on Senators to block McCain’s supplements bill

The US dietary supplements industry has launched a fight back against Senator McCain’s proposed Dietary Supplement Safety Act (DSSA), which they say poses an unnecessary threat to existing legislation.

Hoodia supplements found not to contain hoodia

Californian authorities have issued an injunction against a supplements manufacturer in the state for marketing a hoodia gordonii extract-based appetite suppressant, after testing revealed it in fact contained no hoodia.

GOED calls for omega-3 IOM petition support

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) wants interested parties to throw their support behind a campaign to establish omega-3 dietary reference intakes (DRI) in the US for...

Gut microflora and diabetes: Study suggests role for pro-, pre-biotics

Bacterial populations in the gut of diabetics differ from non-diabetics, says a new study from Denmark that may open up a potential role for modify gut microflora with probiotics and...

Rye beats laxatives for constipation relief: Study

Consumption of fibre-rich rye bread may ease constipation and perform commercial laxatives, according to a new study from Finland.

Study adds to 'compelling' CLA safety evidence

Daily intake of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) does not affect kidney and liver function, says a new study with humans that adds compelling support to the safety of the ingredient.

Vegetarian chitin-glucan gains global deal

Missouri-based Novus International offshoot, Stratum Nutrition, has signed a global deal with biotech firm, KitoZyme, to exclusively distribute the Belgian company’s vegetarian, chitin-glucan ingredient in the nutra space.

New Zealand pumps $1m into omega-3

A New Zealand business is reaping the benefits of government intervention, after it received $1m from a government group to help it commercialize omega-3 technology developed by a local university.

Prebiotic-soy combination may boost heart health: Study

Combining prebiotics and soy protein may lower cholesterol levels and boost heart health, effects not seen when prebiotic or soy were taken separately, says new research from Canada.

News in brief

DHA omega-3 set for London celebration

Omega-3 pioneers from across the globe will meet in London in May to celebrate 40 years of research on the fatty acids, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in particular.

DSHEA needs a rethink: medicine academic

“The time has come for lawmakers to re-evaluate the DSHEA,” is the conclusion of a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine academic in a recent report published in the Archives...

Resveratrol market unfazed by Pfizer’s null results

The growth in resveratrol in the dietary supplements space is unlikely to be fazed by a null result from pharma giants Pfizer for resveratrol and related compounds, say leading players.

News in brief

HP Ingredients launches Maqui powder

Florida-based supplier HP Ingredients is promoting new powdered versions of Maqui berry extract targeting functional beverages.

Canadians back CLA after pondering ban

The recent Health Canada-issued conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) monograph is not perfect, but a great relief to suppliers of a nutrient that the agency came close to banning last summer.

Herb attack scientist fails to get facts straight: ABC

The University of Adelaide scientist behind a study highlighting dangers of mixing botanical products and pharmaceuticals, has a limited understanding of the herbal sector, according to the American Botanical Council...

Tea science stacks up for weight management, but concerns continue for extracts

Leaf through the scientific literature and the benefits of tea, green and black, for weight managements garner much support, but more research is needed before the beverage and its extracts...

Flavonols may slash stroke risk in women: Study

Increased intakes of flavonol-rich foods may reduce a woman’s risk of stroke by 20 per cent, according to a new meta-analysis involving over 110,000 people.

News in brief

DVA pushes into North America

German supplier, DVA International has opened a US branch called DVA America Corp to distribute its vitamins, sweeteners and nutraceuticals in North America.

Exclusive interview

Bruce Ames: Vitamin insufficiency boosting age-related diseases

It is literally all about living for today. By understanding that nature favours survival today over tomorrow, a theory that vitamin inadequacy is behind the rise in chronic diseases “makes...

DHA and eye health: Study supports omega-3 in formula

Adding the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to infant formula may improve the visual acuity of the infants, says a new clinical trial from the US.

Health Canada issues CLA monograph

More than four years after it first applied for a product license under Canada’s then-new Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD), CLA player, Lipid Nutrition, is one company set to benefit...

DSM to open US Nutrition Innovation Center in 2011

DSM Nutritional Products and DSM Food Specialties are combining their expertise in a New Jersey-based Innovation Center that will open in 2011 with a focus on dietary supplements, beverage, bakery,...

Carotenoids may reduce breast cancer risk in women: Study

Increased dietary intakes of alpha- and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of breast cancer among female smokers, suggests a new study from Sweden.

News in brief

Aker reports growth as krill oil sales increase

Increased sales of its krill oil have helped Aker BioMarine post a 50 per cent increase in sales for Q4 2009.

Omega-3 may combat mouth bacteria, boost oral health

The dental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids may include anti-bacterial effects, extending the benefits beyond inflammation, says a new study from the University of Kentucky.

More safeguards needed for Herbal Medicinal Products: Study

Closer monitoring of adverse reactions to Herbal Medicinal Products (HMP) is recommended by a new report published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.

FDA insists H1N1 Warning Letters stop false claims

The Food and Drug Administration has rejected suggestions that its enforcement action against companies which make false H1N1 claims for their health supplements relies too heavily on warning letters and...

OPCs come out tops for heart health beverages

Cranberry juice rich in antioxidant procyanidins is effective at boosting the health of blood vessels, thereby supporting previous research supporting the cardiovascular health of such compounds.

Roquette gains further maltitol patent protection in the US

A US District Court has ruled that no dry form of maltitol from Yucheng Lujian Biological Co. or its associated companies may enter the US, in the latest chapter of...

Nutri-Grain legal challenge has ‘no merit’, says Kellogg

The Kellogg Company has dismissed a class action lawsuit filed against it in relation to health claims on one of its leading breakfast cereal products, Nutri-Grain bars.

Soy may reduce diabetes risk in overweight women

Increased intakes of soy and its isoflavones may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes in overweight women, says a new study from Japan.

Acai may boost survival, for fruit flies at least: NIH Study

The lifespan of fruit flies may be extended by consuming acai pulp, according to a new study from the US National Institutes of Health.

News in brief

Folate may protect women from pancreatic cancer

Increased intake of folate may reduce a woman’s risk of pancreatic cancer by 50 per cent, but folate levels are not associated with pancreatic cancer risk in men, says a...

New York Times debates vitamin D merits

An article in the New York Times notes that while vitamin D deficiencies in many population segments remain common, the scientific jury is yet to confirm its benefits.

FDA creates 'slippery slope' with liquid supplements advice: CRN

The Food and Drug Administration’s recently issued draft guidance on the difference between liquid supplements and beverages is confusing and may create a slippery slope of inappropriate criteria and mis-categorized...

News in brief

Ganeden inks probiotic deal down under

Ohio-based Ganeden Biotech has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Pathway International for its probiotic strain among Australian and New Zealand manufacturers.

Omega-3 may boost kidney health in diabetics: Study

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may improve the kidney health of diabetics, say results of a double-blind placebo-controlled trial from Hong Kong.

Industry defends CAMs against “biased, poorly written” study

Industry has slammed a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology that highlighted dangers of cardiovascular disease patients using herbal products and called for drug-like laws to...

Australian authorities investigating Hydroxycut

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reviewing the status of the weight loss product, Hydroxycut, which has been linked to liver problems.

News in brief

China launches new melamine probe

China has launched a new investigation after the discovery of more melamine-tainted milk products.

Vitamin B6 may affect heart disease risk: Study

Low levels of vitamin B6 may increase the risk of inflammation and metabolic conditions, and subsequently cardiovascular disease risk, says a new study.

Omega-3 may slash psychotic disorder risk: Study

Supplements of omega-3-rich fish oil may reduce the likelihood of developing psychotic disorders in high-risk people, say results of a new clinical trial.

ARS researchers track down antioxidants in oats

Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the USDA have identified factors that influence the antioxidant content of oats.

Vitamin, minerals may reduce eczema risk in children

Increased intakes of beta-carotene, vitamin E, folic acid, and iron may reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, suggests a new study from Korea.

Nielsen: Omega-3 sales grow 42 percent

Market researcher Nielsen notes omega-3 products have bucked the recession to record 42 percent growth in 2009, as consumer interest in healthy eating grows and product prices drop.

Citicoline debuts in first liquid supplement

Kyowa Hakko Bio’s US subsidiary has signed a deal with Missouri-based firm Nawgan Products to supply its brain health citicoline ingredient in a “functional health liquid supplement”.

News in brief

Health Canada warns against vitamin B and kava products

Vitamin B and kava kava-bearing products being sold in products manufactured under different brand names but ostensibly being the same product should not be consumed, Health Canada has said, due...

Comment

No bitter battle over salt science

Excess salt can cause hypertension, heart disease, death. That’s the scientific consensus behind public health campaigns to reduce consumption of sodium chloride in the diet. But not everyone reads the...

Omega-3 may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s: Rat study

The omega-3 compound ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) may improve memory and learning, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer´s disease, says a new study.