Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Cargill looks to take slice of omega-3 market

Cargill has announced its plans to enter the omega-3 ingredient market - a development likely to cause concern for smaller companies already cashing in on the popularity of these fatty acids.

Nestle to investigate BLIS probiotic for respiratory health

Nestle Nutrition has signed an agreement with BLIS Technologies to investigate the use of probiotics to combat upper respiratory tract infections in infants, for which there is said to be no effective prevention at present.

Added benefits drive growth for Symrise flavours and nutrition

German fragrance and flavours group Symrise saw a strong increase in sales and profits for its Flavours and Nutrition Division in full year 2006, largely attributed to innovations like its 'and' range of products.

Pro bono work supports industry association goals

The goals of not-for-profit groups in the herbal and dietary supplement industry are hampered by financial constraints, but this strain is diminished thanks to the help of a few external supporters who offer their work pro bono.

Companies talk science of slimming ingredents

New results and breakthroughs took centre stage in Berlin at the First International Conference on Innovations and Trends in Weight Loss and Weight Management.

Zinc pills may cut infections in the elderly

A daily zinc supplement may significantly reduce infections in the elderly, says a new trial from the US that may have implications for boosting "healthy ageing".

Sabinsa unveils weigh management LeanGard

Sabinsa Corporation is combining the forces of three of its established patented ingredients in the unveiling of a new weight management ingredient LeanGard.

Review supports olive oil as nature's super food for the heart

The benefits of olive oil for heart health go way beyond just reducing levels of LDL ('bad') cholesterol, says a new review that looks set to further bolster the healthy image of the oil.

Forbes Medi-Tech sees revenue up in fiscal 2006

Forbes Medi-Tech has reported in its year-end financial report that sales of Reducol continue to increase and offset operating losses.

Nexgen Pharma secures Organic Certification

California-based Nexgen Pharma announced one of its facilities has been given organic certification, thereby giving the manufacturer one more advantage in an environment where consumers are looking for increasingly value-oriented products.

Scientists cook up antioxidant-rich pizza

US scientists have produced a pizza with enhanced antioxidant content in the crust, aimed to boost antioxidant defences and protect against oxidative stress.

FDA seeks tougher conflict-of-interest test for advisors

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tackled escalating concerns about the independence of its advisory committees by proposing more stringent criteria for avoiding potential conflicts of interest when considering potential committee members.

More support for beta-glucan against high cholesterol levels

A "practical dose" of the soluble fibre beta-glucan from oats significantly lowered cholesterol levels in high-risk patients, says a new randomised interventional trial.

NPA brings issues to Capitol Hill for Natural Products Day

The Natural Products Association (NPA) engaged with legislators yesterday in Washington as part of its tenth annual Natural Products Day activities.

Guest article

What to do when FDA shows up at your door

Being prepared for a US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) inspection requires advanced and effective planning and, for nutraceutical companies whose products do not require FDA pre-approval, it may be their first hands on experience with the Agency.

Grape seed extract may protect against skin cancer

Proanthocyanidin-rich extracts from grape seeds may prevent skin cancer by boosting the immune system, says a new study that used hairless mice to model human sun exposure.

American Chemical Society showcases cancer-fighting foods

The American Chemical Society (ACS) brought the cancer-fighting potential of food to the forefront Sunday as part of its national meeting.

SunOpta expands supply of organic fruit

SunOpta Fruit Group has announced new agreements with players in the South American fruit industry, which the firm says will expand its supply of organic and natural frozen fruit.

Vitamin D, calcium, dairy linked to lower colon cancer risk

High intake of vitamin D and calcium from the diet and supplements may cut the risk of colorectal cancer by over 30 per cent, suggests a new study.

Supply of antioxidant-rich grapefruits rebounds

Florida's flagging grapefruit industry is showing signs of rebounding, after the market was hit by a sharp drop in supply, says a grapefruit grower cooperative, meaning the market should see increased availability of the anti-oxidant rich fruits.

Functional Diet Coke anyone?

Coca-Cola North America has announced its plans to launch Diet Coke Plus, a carbonated calorie-free beverage with the added value of vitamins and minerals, that could put the concept of functionality at the front line of the soft drink category.

Weekly Comment

Swallow your tongue

Fluffy language is increasingly clogging up the information air passages, and the food and drink industry must accept blame like everyone else.

Citrus extracts get cholesterol-lowering boost

Hesperidin and naringin, compounds found in oranges and grapefruit, cut cholesterol levels by about 25 per cent in lab animals, says a study that may boost interest in these citrus flavonones.

Blueberry compounds linked to colon cancer prevention

Pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries, may prevent the development of tumours in the colon, if results from an animal study can be translated to humans, researchers have said.

Watermelon juice may be novel amino acid source

Watermelon juice may provide a novel source of the essential amino acid arginine, says a new study that shows the juice is a rich source of its metabolic precursor.

Health Canada approves Denomega oils for food

Denomega Nutritional Oils has announced the Health Canada approval of its omega-3 ingredients for use in most foods, thereby opening up another market to the company.

Study boosts Biocell Collagen II safety rep

A new study has indicated the safety of Biocell's Collagen II, the dietary ingredient for boosting joint health - an important result, says the company, as it moves on to getting GRAS certification.

Hershey builds on health portfolio

US chocolate manufacturer Hershey is adding to its health-boosting chocolate range with two new products designed to capitalise on cocoa's antioxidant properties.

Herbalife to enter Chinese direct sales market

International dietary supplements marketer Herbalife said it has received its direct-selling license from China's Ministry of Commerce, following a period when the government prohibited direct sales companies.

More support that lignans may cut breast cancer risk

High intake of lignans from the diet could reduce the risk of breast cancer by almost 30 per cent, suggests a new epidemiological study from France.

Folic acid fortification could be safely doubled, says study

With the impending introduction of folic acid fortification in Ireland and the UK, a new study reports that double the US level of folic acid can safely be used in flour.

AHPA urges dietary supplements for underprivileged

The American Herbal Products Association is backing two bills introduced to Congress to expand the use of food stamps to include nutritional supplements, as well to provide tax breaks for some products.

FDA confirms GRAS status of Suntheanine

Ingredients supplier Taiyo International said it has received a 'letter of no objection' from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the self-affirmed GRAS status of its L-theanine brand Suntheanine.

NIH launches creatine-Parkinson's clinical trial

The NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is launching a large-scale clinical trial to assess whether the ingredient creatine can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Low-dose omega-3 linked to lower blood pressure

Low doses of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) successfully reduced diastolic blood pressure by 3.3 mmHg in a clinical trial, backing up previous results with higher doses.

Pharmachem to distribute Lactium anti-stress ingredient

Pharmachem Laboratories has acquired the exclusive United States, Mexico, and Canada distribution rights for patented Lactium, shown to reduce the effects of stress and promote relaxation.

Cocoa polyphenols may offer diabetes benefits - study

Dietary supplementation with cacao liquor proanthocyanidins (CLPr) reduced blood glucose levels in obese diabetic mice, and may offer human diabetics significant benefits, says a new study from Japan.

Mangosteen juice is here to stay, Xango

In 2006, Datamonitor categorized the mangosteen juice category as one of the top ten trends to watch in its online ProductScan, but according to manufacturer and marketer Xango, the category is here to stay.

Lack of funding blocks creation of independent testing body

The biggest obstacle holding dietary supplement companies back from creating an independent testing body is funding, according to industry trade associations.

Cactus Botanics rolls out high purity lutein

UK-based Cactus Botanics has announced its high purity lutein completed its initial bulk production and is now available to industry.

Probiotics may protect against food poisoning

Irish scientists report that a combination of five probiotic strains may reduce food poisoning by salmonella, if results of their pig study can be translated to humans.

Functional stabilisers nanoengineered for foods

Dairy proteins and polysaccharides can be nanoengineered as new functional stabilisers for foods and packaging, according to scientists working on a project in Finland.

Vitamin D again linked to lower breast cancer risk

Increased vitamin D levels during youth, from the sun and the diet, may reduce the risk of breast cancer later in life by over 30 per cent, suggests a new epidemiological study.

Boswellia extract scores well in COX-2 comparison

Boswellia serrata extract performed as well as a selective COX-2 inhibitor in a controlled clinical study to assess its effect on relieving osteoarthritis pain, researchers report in the Journal of Indian Pharmacology.

Americans not eating enough veggies - study

Americans are still not eating enough fruits and vegetables, according to two recent studies.

Weekly Comment

Rise and shine: the GM wake-up call

News that a variety of GM corn produced signs of liver and kidney toxicity in rats should be a wake-up call for better testing and more transparency from biotechs, if GMOs are to be accepted by increasingly sceptical consumers.

Scientists explain luteins anti-inflammatory role

Scientists in the US have identified a mechanism that may explain how lutein acts against inflammation, research that deepens understanding of the nutrient's benefits.

Vitamin C linked to lower mouth cancer risk

Increased intake of vitamin C from the diet, but not supplements, may slash the risk of mouth cancer by 48 per cent, says a epidemiological study.

Get tested to protect sports nutrition category, says Ultimate

Ultimate Nutrition, one of the sports nutrition manufacturers whose products were tested under the Natural Products Association's TruLabel program, has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the industry to have products tested to prove they are contaminant-free.

BDS offers new steam sterilization service

Californian raw materials supplier BDS Natural Products has added a new H2O Express steam-based system to its Natural Products Sterilization Services, which it says will shorten lead times for its customers.

Ginkgo's brain benefits questioned

The popular herbal gingko biloba did not improve the mental performance of healthy subjects, says a new study, but the high level of cognitive function of the subjects to start with may undermine the conclusions.

Zinc supplements may cut deaths among low-income kids

Daily zinc supplements reduced the risk of death among children aged 12 to 48 months by 18 per cent, says a clinical trial set in Zanzibar.

Does seawater improve a tomato's antioxidant punch?

Growing tomatoes in diluted seawater significantly increased the levels of antioxidant vitamins C and E, says new research from Italy.

HMRLignan may offer cardiovascular protection

Linnea's HMRLignan, the plant lignan isolated and purified from the Norway spruce (picea abies), reduced markers of inflammation linked to heart disease, says new research from Italy.

Packaging chemical linked to male fat and insulin resistance

Phthalates, a class of chemicals used in some plastic food packaging and linked to reproductive problems, has now been implicated in causing abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in adult males.

Zymes solubilizes omega-3 using Ubisol-Aqua

Bioscience company Zymes says it has successfully solubilized omega-3 fatty acids by reducing them to a nano-scale, making the essential fatty acids more bioavailable and opening up more uses in product formulations.

Soy in diet may improve metabolic syndrome symptoms

Replacing red meat with soy in the diet improved several features of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women, says a joint Iranian-American study that offers insights into managing this growing condition.

High fiber may cut marker for inflammation

High fiber intake, from the diet or from fiber supplements, significantly reduced levels of a protein that is associated with inflammation, diabetes and heart disease, say scientists, giving yet more support for high-fiber diets.

'Phoods' could take away from supplement market, report

Functional foods are growing into a substantial niche within the food industry, according to market researcher Packaged Facts, and is likely to be eating into sales of traditional dietary supplements.

SOD supplement may protect against atherosclerosis

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement, GliSODin, in combination with diet and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, French researchers have reported.

NutraCea taking rice bran to big food players

NutraCea is looking to branch into the mainstream food market with its stabilized rice bran ingredient as part of a business model that would prop up the humanitarian arm of the company.

Cargill announces GRAS status for non-animal glucosamine

Minneapolis-based Cargill has announced that its Regenasure ingredient, the only non-animal glucosamine available on the market, has been determined generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Dairy calcium may reduce fat absorption from meals

Calcium from dairy sources, but not supplements, decreased excess levels of fat in the blood after eating, says research from Denmark that is yet another twist to the calcium-dairy weight loss debate.

Sports supplements pass NPA's Trulabel testing

As part of its Trulabel program for randomly testing supplements, the Natural Products Association (NPA) has announced it found eight popular sports supplements had no steroid or stimulant contamination.

Garlic plus vitamin C may reduce blood pressure

A combination of garlic supplements and vitamin C reduced blood pressure back to normal levels in people with mildly elevated levels, says a pilot study.

Policing your competitors

Full disclosure, keeping your company's affairs in order and challenging competitors who aren't so judicious is one way of avoiding trouble with federal authorities or losses to your bottom line, said Expo West panelists.

Hydrolysed casein formula may slash eczema in infants

Infant formula containing hydrolysed casein proteins reduced the development of eczema by 33 per cent, says a three-year study from Germany.

Weekly comment

GM: A healthy debate

The development of genetically modified crops to improve human health could be the golden ticket for advocates to persuade the wary public that GM is not a wholly nefarious idea after all. But will a new, healthy spin be enough to counter deep-rooted fears that genetic modification, by its very nature, poses an equal and opposite threat to human health?

Science stacks up for flavonoids for heart health

A diet rich in flavonoids, compounds in fruit, vegetables, coffee, tea and chocolate, could slash the risk associated to cardiovascular disease, says a joint Norwegian-US study.

Energy drinks outperform all other beverages, report

Energy drinks last year stormed the US beverage market, outperforming all other categories, while one sports drink inched its way into the nation's top five trade marks by displacing a popular soda brand, according to a new report.

Should cocoa flavanol be classed as a 'vitamin'?

Epicatechin, a flavanol found in cocoa, tea and wine, could be so important to the diet that it should be classified as a vitamin, says a Harvard researcher.

ABC raises funds to get herbal message out

The American Botanical Council (ABC) is armoring a fundraising campaign to plug between $5m and $10m to protect the future of herbal medicine for the long term, and is looking to industry and beyond for donations.

Independent testing program would bandage industry reputation

The dietary supplement industry needs to gather together and form its own voluntary self-policing body like other industries have if it wants to gain more credibility in the eye of the consumer, panelists told Expo West trade show attendees Saturday.

More evidence for Pycnogenol endometriosis benefit

A new study examining the potential of Pycnogenol to reduce endometriosis has yielded positive results, building the data to support the antioxidant pine extract's use in addressing the condition.

Vitamin D level reassessment high priority, say experts

International agencies should reassess as a matter of high priority dietary recommendations for vitamin D, experts have said, because current advice is outdated and puts the public at risk of deficiency.

NIH-funded clinical trials misguided for supplements

The traditional scientific model does not always apply to dietary supplements, nor does the objective of government-funded clinical trials in testing them necessarily suit their common applications, according to NutraCon panelists.

Artemis builds berry extracts with Linnea

Artemis has signed an agreement with Linnea for the promote and sale of its berry extracts and PhytoSolutions formulations, in order to extend distribution in North America and the rest of the world.

Industry must step up as alternative to America's 'diseasification'

The dietary supplement industry needs to push to get its message heard by the public and medical practice to counteract pharma companies setting new disease definitions and making more people think they need medication, a Nutracon speaker told attendees yesterday.

Soy isoflavones linked to lower prostate cancer risk

Increased intake of soy isoflavones significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer amongst Japanese men by as much as 50 per cent, says a new study.

Omega-3s boost bone mass in young men - study

Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are linked to increased bone build up in young men, says a new study.

Fortitech builds new capabilities in US, Asia, Mexico

Fortitech has announced significant new capital investments in several of its key markets, as it reaches out to growing markets with its custom nutrient premix services.

Monsanto, Solae joint forces for omega-3 from GM soy

Monsanto and The Solae Company have announced a collaboration over the development of omega-3 from genetically-modified soy beans, which could speed up the availability of the healthy ingredient from new non-marine sources.

Do shopping lists promote healthy choices?

A new study has examined a quirky aspect of consumer behaviour: Do shopping lists promote or prevent healthy choices?

Consumers confused by conflicting science

The health and wellness market needs to focus on avoiding consumer confusion as a result of an abundance of scientific information, according to a new report from Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com.

Cocoa may reverse blood vessel damage, study

Smokers should be encouraged to indulge their sweet tooth, judging from the results of a new study into how daily consumption of a specially-prepared cocoa beverage benefits blood vessel function.

Breakthrough technology

Probiotic encapsulation: Body armour for the bugs

From double coating with soy peptides, to protection with whey proteins, encapsulation of sensitive gut-friendly bacteria is breaking new ground for probiotic food applications.

Atkins diet best of the bunch for weight loss, suggests study

Women following the Atkins diet, the once bright star in the galaxy of diets, lost more weight than women following other diets, with no concerns expressed over cardiovascular risk factors.

Breakthrough technology

Consumers drive softgel technology

Consumer demand and the constant evolution of nutraceutical ingredients are driving soft gel manufacturers to find new technologies and sources for their products.

AOAC seeks study director for MSM validation

AOAC International has put out a call in search of a study director for its upcoming collaborative studies on standardized methods for joint health-supporting compound, MSM.

GM tomatoes to provide daily folate needs?

Tomatoes, genetically engineered to contain high levels of folate, could provide the recommended daily amount in one standard serving, says new research.

New review may demand flavonoid rethink

Flavonoids from fruits and vegetables are not potent antioxidants when eaten but may still have significant benefits by other mechanisms, says a new review of the science.

Law boutique ready to meet IP issues

A ten-person strong legal team has gathered to form an FDA, FTC and patent boutique law firm serving clients worldwide, in order to meet industry demand for such services.

Astavita uses tube to educate consumers

Astavita is bringing its antioxidant AstaReal astaxanthin directly to television viewers and consumers at large through a one-year sponsorship deal with TV series Christina Cooks.

Frutarom launches Neuravena for US stage

Frutarom is bringing its wild green oat ingredient Neuravena to the United States, where it plans to build-up the brand's awareness using the marketing recipe used for LinumLife.

More support for prebiotic, probiotics for colon health

Daily intake of prebiotics and probiotics may reduce the production of potentially toxic or carcinogenic compounds by suppressing the activity of certain enzymes, says new research from Belgium.

Alkemists to offer voluntary random analysis testing

Alkemists Pharmaceuticals has launched a voluntary random analysis service for third party botanical and natural product testing.

Wholegrain breakfasts linked to lower heart failure risk

Eating a bowl of wholegrain cereals every day could reduce the risk of heart failure by 27 per cent, researchers from Harvard have reported.

Weekly Comment

No excuses for illegal labour

There is no legitimate defence as to why some companies continue to use illegal labour. This isn't the vice trade, this is the food industry: no excuses.

Pomegranate leaf extract may be novel appetite suppressant

An extract from pomegranate leaves may offer promise for weight control after an animal study showed the extract suppressed appetite and reduced food intake for high-fat diets.

Nutritionists call for national school food standards

More than 600 school nutrition professionals will next week call on Congress to adopt national food and beverage standards for 'competitive foods' sold in schools.

Flavonoid-rich GM rice to boost antioxidant levels?

Rice genetically modified to have high flavonoid content has a 22 per cent higher antioxidant activity than untransformed rice, says a joint German-Indian study.

Vitamin D fortification needs to come from industry

Researchers are insisting that the upper limits for vitamin D content in dietary supplements need to be increased and that foods need to be fortified with the nutrient.

1in3Trinity has faith in new energy drink

The jury is out on whether a faith-based beverage called 1in3Trinity could prove a blessing or a curse for the functional products category.

Chilli extract may stop fat cell growth

Capsaicin, the compound that gives red pepper its heat, could inhibit the growth of fat cells, says a new laboratory study.

Best Formulations joins veggie softgel supply

California-based Best Formulations is the latest company to step up to the plate and announce the development of a non-animal sourced softgel, Vgel - signaling consumer demand is undeniably gearing towards vegetarian versions of traditional gelatin capsules.

SupplyExpo 2007 preview

SupplyExpo 2007 is just around the corner and nutraceutical companies have been spreading the word about their activities and focus at the event. Here is just a sample of what to expect:

Gaia Herbs/Aboca USA reinforce vertical model with distribution deal

The line between ingredient supplier and formulator has been blurred in the distribution agreement between Gaia Herbs and Aboca USA (a subsidiary of Italian Aboca Spa) – who claim the new deal will make them the world's largest collective offering of organic herbal supplements.

Science builds behind pomegranate extracts for health

Standardised pomegranate extracts lead to increased levels of bioactive compounds in the blood and boost antioxidant levels, says new research that could see the extracts start to rival the juice for boosting health.