Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America

Herbal ingredient gives incontinence hope

UroLogic, herbal ingredient launching in products in the US this month, could provide a new natural means of managing incontinence, after being shown to significantly improve the symptoms of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in a human clinical trial.

ADM files suit to protect soy isoflavone rights

The battle surrounding the technology rights for the production of soy isoflavones has been refired as Archer Daniels Midland files a lawsuit against a US firm for infringing patent rights.

Tea's brain health benefit link gets more support

Both green and black tea could protect against age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, says a new study, adding yet more support to the benefits of tea extract on brain health.

Forward-looking Forbes Medi-Tech racks up R&D losses

Forbes Medi-Tech is expecting future growth for its branded nutraceutical business to be borne of its milestone deal with leading UK retailer Tesco, yet is philosophical that it will continue reporting losses until one of its ventures bears sufficient fruit to outstrip R&D costs.

Antioxidants may not reduce pregnancy complications

Vitamins C and E might not reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia in high-risk women, and may even lead to under-weight babies, says a new study.

New genome deal to boost Danone probiotic R&D

France's Danone has announced a three-year licence with US-based Integrated Genomics for access to the ERGO database and genomic discovery system to enhance the group's probiotic understanding and R&D.

TM Congress extends comment period for draft model

The Traditional Medicines (TM) Congress has extended the comment period for its draft regulatory model for traditional medicines in response to requests from practicing herbalists.

Type of food affects soy isoflavone bioavailability

The body's ability to absorb and benefit from soy isoflavones is greater when taken from juice but not cookies, results that have implications for using soy isoflavones as functional ingredients.

Organic standards spark spirulina row

Two leading spirulina producers have criticised the National Organic Standards Board's (NOSB) decision to disallow the use of Chilean nitrate in organic production as unjust, and have declined to alter their process as safety could not be guaranteed.

Z-Trim Plus claims double-edged health benefits

A new line of functional fat substitutes claims to be able to cut up to half the fat content of products while fortifying them with health promoting ingredients.

Omega-3 goes condition-specific

The omega-3 market is one of the biggest trends in the supplement market today, but it seems it is crossing from general wellness towards products aimed at specific consumers and indications.

Omega-3 goes condition-specific

The omega-3 market is one of the biggest trends in the supplement market today, but it seems it is crossing from general wellness towards products aimed at specific consumers and indications.

ADHD teens calmed by omega oils

Supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 oils could improve the behaviour and the attention span of teens with ADHD, say English researchers.

Jellyfish could be key to neuroprotection

A calcium-binding protein derived from jellyfish is edging closer towards entering the supplements market, following the laboratory studies showing potent anti-aging activity on brain cells.

Grape seed extract may help lower blood pressure

A daily supplement of grape seed extract, a rich source of polyphenols, could lower blood pressure and ease the burden of metabolic syndrome, says new research.

Brand New Brands births first two companies

Last February Brand New Brands entered the functional foods arena with $15 million in funding and a plan to nurture small brands. At Expo West Jess Halliday caught up with founder and president Will Rosenzweig to discuss the first offshoots of the venture.

Study 'confirms' lignan dose for menopause supplements

A daily dose of 10 to 30 milligrams of Norwegian spruce lignans is effective to help women manage menopause, says Italian research.

Weekly Comment

Salt debate leaves bitter taste

The current debate about the levels at which the UK's food regulator has set its salt reduction targets misses the point about how healthier eating habits can be achieved.

Creatine 'exerts mild antioxidant activity'

The amino acid creatine, a favourite of athletes around the world to increase their muscle bulk, may also act as an antioxidant, says new research.

Embria hails new era of immune health with EpiCor

At this weekend's Supply Expo, Embria began speaking for the first time about its new immunity supplement, EpiCor - a high-metabolite immunogen born out of decades of experience and observation in the animal nutrition field, that could usher in a new era of immune health.

SupplyExpo makes connections in Anaheim

New friends, industry trends, innovations and Elvis impersonators. The 25th annual Natural Products Expo West and SupplyExpo drew to a close yesterday afternoon, after three days of intense industry activity and education.

Omega-3s have no benefits for heart health, cancer - new review

Intake of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and fish oil supplements has no effect on mortality, heart disease or cancer, concludes a new review, but guidelines should continue for consumption.

CS Agra becomes CS Health

Broccoli has been riding high on a wave of positive health reports for some time; now CS Agra, the company behind sgs 100, has been renamed as CS Health to better represent the benefits of its core ingredient.

ONC names microencapsulation solution Powder-loc

Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) has revealed the double-shell technology underlying its Powder-loc microencapsulation for omega-3.

Forbes Medi-Tech expects Reducol revenue leap

Canada's Forbes Medi-Tech has issued revenue guidance for 2006 that shows an anticipated increase in sales of its Reducol cholesterol-lowering ingredient of up to 67 percent.

Australia accepts vitamin preparation alternative

The Australia and New Zealand food regulator has approved the use of medium chain triglycerides for the production of vitamins in infant formula, an allergen-free alternative to commonly used vegetable oils.

Omega-3s might stop spread of prostate cancer

Eating a diet with omega-3-rich oily fish could stop the spread of prostate cancer, but omega-6 fatty acids appear to promote the spread, says new research.

Carotech invests $40m in new tocotrienol plant

Malaysian vitamin E supplier Carotech is investing US$40 million in a new plant, in response to demand for its non-GMO tocotrienol complex as consumers start to become aware of the different forms of vitamin E.

Nurture announces new US distributor

Ingredients firm Nurture has found a distribution partner on America's west coast for its OatVantage product, as consumers turn to heart-friendly soluble fiber supplements.

Wholegrains better than refined grains to lower bad fats

Wholegrains, but not refined grains, could lower blood triglycerides, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, say researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service.

Cherry marketers work to placate FDA

Makers of cherry-based supplements are seeking to meet FDA marketing standards on their websites by ensuring that any claims linking cherries and health are 'two clicks' away from sales pages.

Angels use vitamin A for gift of sight

American nutrition charity Vitamin Angels has launched a new campaign to distribute vitamin A supplements to the world's poorest children at risk from blindness and is relying on corporate aid for success.

Healthy eyes linked to healthy diet and lifestyle

A healthy diet containing plenty of antioxidants and fish can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), says a new study from Harvard Medical School.

More support for grape seed extract's health benefits

Masquelier's grapevine seed extract could reduce free radical damage of blood vessel cells by 85 per cent and protect against heart disease, says new research.

Martek introduces DHA in powder form

Martek Biosciences is seeking to open up uses of its algae derived DHA, with a new microencapsulated powder for use in foods and drinks that require dry mixing.

Fruit and veg may cut adult asthma risk

A diet rich in vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots and leafy vegetables, could cut the risk of adult asthma by about 20 per cent, says new research.

Inventory groups nanotech supplement launches

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars has taken its research into nanotechnology for consumer products a stage further, by launching a database of the most recent launches on the market.

Keratec unveils synergistic skin health ingredients

Keratec is introducing a new duo of skin health ingredients - one topical, one oral - which could help traditional supplement companies move into skin care, and cosmetics companies cross over into supplements.

AOAC call for ingredient priority for validated test methods

The AOAC Task Force on Dietary Supplements has issued a call for industry, government or academia to prioritize ingredients that need validated methods.

ONC aims high-DHA Meg-3 at young mothers

Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) is launching a new version of Meg-3 with an higher ratio of DHA:EPA that will help companies develop products for young mothers concerned about infant nutrition.

AOAC call for ingredient priority for validated test methods

The AOAC Task Force on Dietary Supplements has issued a call for industry, government or academia to prioritize ingredients that need validated methods.

Soy products pose no threat for infants, experts say

Scientific evidence says that consumption of soy from the diet or as supplements should not cause alarm despite negative reports about risks, a view that has been supported by a major US industry group.

Von Eschenbach to be nominated as permanent commissioner

A permanent commissioner could be on the cards for FDA after President Bush signalled yesterday that he intended to nominate Andrew von Eschenbach for the job on a permanent basis - an appointment that could help smooth regulatory issues for the supplements industry.

Folic acid fortification linked to lower stroke death rates

The number of deaths from stroke in North America has dropped by five per cent since the introduction of folic acid fortification, while figures in the non-fortifying UK have not changed.

Tocotrienols may stop the spread of cancer cells

Tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, could stop the spread of cancer cells, adding to previous studies and drawing attention to this least studied form of the vitamin.

Zila profits stall as sales fall

Zila has reported a 12 per cent drop in net revenue, as the nutraceuticals division failed to recuperate from a lavish marketing spend amid declining factory sales.

Broccoli trend gains momentum

Cyvex Nutrition is expanding its range of broccoli ingredients after a series of studies revealing the cancer-fighting benefits of the wonder veg has increased popularity.

ONC licenses Meg-3 brand in Australia

Ocean Nutrition Canada has signed a trademark licensing agreement with Australia's YourHealth Group for the use of its Meg-3 omega-3 brand on complementary medicines.

Diet success depends on consistency, not diet type, says research

The most successful way to lose weight is not the type of diet chosen, but actually sticking to it, according to research published by the ARS, which also reveals that people are most likely to stick to calorie and portion restriction diets than fat and carbohydrate restriction diets.

Pepper extract could stop prostate cancer growth

Capsaicin, the compound that gives red pepper its heat, could stop the spread of prostate cancer, claims a new study.

Vitiva expands rosemary extract distribution

Slovenian rosemary extract firm Vitiva has completed a marketing deal for the US and Canada, following on from last month's ambitious expansion into the UK and Irish markets.

Fruit and vegetable waste rich with extractable antioxidants

Fruit and vegetables waste products offer a cheap and practical source of potent antioxidants that could be used as functional ingredients, says a Spanish-German study.

Pigs give more support for fruit and veg rich diet

An intake of antioxidants from different fruit could be more efficient at protecting against the effects of oxidative stress than single fruits, says new research using pigs.

PepsiCo ups functional drinks push

PepsiCo has launched a range of flavoured waters enriched with vitamins across the US, in a further sign that functional drinks are pushing their way into the mainstream soft drinks sector.

Potential probiotics isolated from dairy sources

Greek researchers have isolated three strains of bacteria from dairy sources that have desirable probiotic properties and could be applied in the food industry.

Scientists create super-nutritious strawberries

Researchers have developed a method for enhancing the nutritional value of alpine strawberries - which could prove popular with consumers anxious to increase their vitamin intake.

Forbes Medi-Tech completes sale of Phyto-Source share

Forbes Medi-Tech has completed the sale of its 50 percent share in Phyto-Source, its sterol manufacturing joint venture with Chusei (USA) to Chusei Oil Co for US$25 million, and plans to use the proceeds to develop more nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients.

Scientists to evaluate potential dangers of soy

An independent panel of scientists is to meet this week to review recent scientific data on the soy compound genistein. The scientists expect to reach conclusions as to whether or not the consumption of genistein could have a negative impact on human development or reproduction.

B-vitamins 'not beneficial' to high-risk heart patients

Supplements of B-vitamins lowered homocysteine levels but did not reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke for high-risk patients, report two new studies - findings that cannot be applied to the general population.

Neptune clears barrier to NKO functional foods

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources has announced that it has overcome the barriers to developing functional foods using Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) in alliance with Terepia, with the introduction of three fruit-flavored custards.

Flax lignan market predicted to continue bullish growth

Annual sales of specialty supplements containing flax lignans are set to continue to rise, and were reported to be up by over eight percent in 2004.

Calcium supplements could reduce severe pregnancy complications

Daily supplements of calcium might reduce serious complications during pregnancy by 25 per cent, reports a multi-centred WHO study.

NNFA urges FDA to target 'unscrupulous' companies

In the aim of generating awareness of the difference between dietary supplements and illegal drugs, the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) has today reinforced its stance against amending the present legal framework that defines FDA's relationship with the dietary supplement industry.

US companies 'take risks over EU regulations'

Many overseas companies selling nutraceuticals in Europe are risking having their products removed from the market as they have not gone through the correct regulatory channels, warns a consultant to the natural products industry.

Vitamin E - the need for perspective

Conflicting study results concerning the benefits and safety of vitamin E are causing confusion amongst consumers, even though they are open to debate from fellow scientists and members of the supplements industry.

Cholesterol-lowering foods - the sum greater than the parts?

A combination of foods like soy, plant sterols, almonds and viscous fibres, could reduce LDL-cholesterol levels by 20 per cent, and work better together than independently, says a new study.

Lignans may protect against prostate cancer

A diet rich in lignans could reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 26 per cent, says a new study from Sweden, news that has been welcomed by a leading lignan manufacturer.

New 'deodorized' soybean to rid soy of 'beany' taste?

A new soybean variety claims to allow food manufacturers to develop products that have all the health benefits of soybeans but less of the beany taste.

Global formula launches boost Martek results

Martek Biosciences continued its recovery from the impact of stockpiling in first quarter 2006 with a better-than-expected set of results thanks to its infant formula clients rolling out products on a global basis.

Vitamin C could reduce inflammation

A diet rich in sources of vitamin C could cut the level of markers for inflammation by 45 per cent, a result that needs verifying by supplementation studies, says a new study.

CRN discusses AERs on Capitol Hill

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is today rallying support for potential legislation that would mandate reporting of serious adverse events for dietary supplements and over-the-counters to the Federal Drug Administration.

More support that dairy could reduce colorectal cancer risk

A diet rich in dairy products could cut the risk of colorectal cancer by half, an effect that is not due solely to calcium, reports a Swedish study.

First DHA/ARA-fortified organic baby formula launched

PBM Products has launched what it claims to be the first organic baby formula containing the omega-3 fatty acid DHA and the omega-6 fatty acid ARA for nationwide distribution in the US.

NNFA aims to be heard over scientific issues

Daniel Fabricant, recently appointed VP for scientific affairs at the National Nutritional Foods Association, spoke to Jess Halliday about his new role and the role of science in the industry.

Med diet better than supplements for CVD

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet is better than taking individual supplements for cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to the current science, says a new review from Canada.

The vitamin E debate rumbles on

Gamma-tocopherol, the major form of vitamin E consumed in the American diet, and becoming more popular in dietary supplements, produces metabolites that are toxic to cells, claims a new study.

Star fruit could offer inexpensive source of antioxidants

Residues from star fruit, a waste product from the juicing process, is a rich source of extractable antioxidants, says research from Singapore.

Weekly Comment

The benzene trail

The gamble by US authorities 15 years ago to let the industry deal with benzene residues in soft drinks has failed, and instead only kept those who needed to know in the dark.

Pomegranate peel extract has 'more potential' as supplement

Pomegranate peel yields double the amount of antioxidants than the pulp, and has 'more potential as a health supplement' claim Chinese researchers.

Folic acid may reduce severity of birth defects

Folic acid from fortification and supplements may reduce the severity of birth defects, as well as preventing the rate of defects, leading experts to again call for increasing fortification levels.

Decas fortifies cranberries with omega-3

Decas Cranberry Products (DCP) has fortified sweetened organic cranberries with omega-3 - an enhancement that could help formulators improve the nutritional profile of foods.

Omega oils influence mood, impulsivity and personality

People who have high intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are more agreeable and less impulsive, says a new study from Pittsburgh.

Authorities under pressure over benzene in soft drinks

More soft drinks will be tested for cancer-causing chemical benzene in the UK after it was revealed some drinks contain up to eight times the legal limit for drinking water.

Authorities under pressure over benzene in soft drinks

More soft drinks will be tested for cancer-causing chemical benzene in the UK after it was revealed some drinks contain up to eight times the legal limit for drinking water.

Berkeley Nutraceuticals to pay $2.5m, orders court

Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals has agreed to pay Ohio and 15 other states $2.5 m, to refund customers who filed complaints and to stop making health claims they can't back with scientific proof.

Nutrigenomics - sky's the limit?

Science fiction or science fact? Could we soon be stopping off for a quick genetic test to let us know which foods and supplements to take to reduce our risks of certain diseases?

Rice bran supplements could lower blood pressure

Including a rice bran fraction in dietary supplements or functional foods could lower blood pressure, says Japanese researchers who have developed a new method of rice bran extraction.

New beta-carotene, DHA enriched diabetic drink launched

PBM Products have launched the GlucoBurst drink, fortified with beta-carotene and omega-3 DHA specially formulated to enter the $120m US diabetic nutritional market.

Berkeley Nutraceuticals to pay $2.5m, orders court

Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals has agreed to pay Ohio and 15 other states $2.5 m, to refund customers who filed complaints and to stop making health claims they can't back with scientific proof.

Soy protein, not isoflavones, lower blood lipids - study

Soy protein isolates (SPI), and not soy isoflavones, are associated with lowering blood fat levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), claims a new study.

Soy protein, not isoflavones, lower blood lipids - study

Soy protein isolates (SPI), and not soy isoflavones, are associated with lowering blood fat levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), claims a new study.

Black cohosh/St. John's wort could ease menopause symptoms

An herbal cocktail of black cohosh and St John's wort significantly eases the symptoms of menopause in women, according to a German study.

CRN to foster debate with Day of Science

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has announced the date for its second Day of Science, with the focus on science and regulation that will foster debate between industry, government and academia.

GNC Year-End revenues down two percent in 2005

GNC Corporation reported a loss of over 2 percent in revenue for 2005, compared with 2004 earnings, due to a $58.0 m decrease in diet product sales.

CRN to foster debate with Day of Science

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has announced the date for its second Day of Science, with the focus on science and regulation that will foster debate between industry, government and academia.

UK food watchdog discovers benzene in soft drinks

Britain's food safety watchdog says initial tests on 230 soft drinks show benzene levels above the UK limit for water, as the industry tells BeverageDaily.com how it controls the issue.