Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

News in brief

DSM builds China presence

DSM has linked with the North China Pharmaceutical Group Corporation in three separate projects that will see DSM take a minority 10 per cent share in the Chinese company.

Tocotrienol build-up in tumours ‘critical’ for anti-cancer benefits: Study

Tocotrienols, members of the vitamin E family, may exert their anti-cancer benefits by accumulating in cancer cells and delaying tumour growth, says a new study from Japan.

Cypress selenium gets GRAS for use in foods

Ingredient firm Cypress Systems has received FDA-reviewed GRAS status for its selenium yeast product, opening up the use of the ingredient in foods and beverages targeting a range of health conditions, including cancer risk reduction.

Vitamin K and prostate cancer – study supports benefits

An improved vitamin K2 status may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, suggest results from German scientists that build the science linking the vitamin to improved prostate health.

News in brief

Research alliance to reveal shifts in American purchasing decisions

Market researchers The Hartman Group and GfK Custom Research North America have teamed together to conduct a survey on consumer spending habits during the recession.

Education central to nutrition label success - dietician

American attitudes to nutrition labeling have been thrown under the spotlight with new research suggesting just a fraction of a consumers pay attention to dietary information available at some major restaurants.

African extracts employ nanotech processing

Fledgling South African ingredients firm, AfriNatural Corporation, is using a patented encapsulation process it says will improve the salability of its offerings in the North American market.

Early soy intake may slash breast cancer risk later in life

High intakes of soy during childhood may reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer later in life by 58 per cent, according to a new study.

Flaxseed proteins may have blood pressure lowering potential

Proteins from flaxseed may reduce blood pressure and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, suggests new research from Canada.

Weekly comment

Obama’s veg plots point the way to healthy eating and more

“If you don’t plan to plant a garden in Lake Wobegon in the spring, it means you plan to be planted yourself.”

New review breaks down consumer perception of health claims

Health claims appearing on food and beverage products may not influence consumer purchasing behavior as much as price and taste, suggests a new review.

Omega-3 supply debate rages on

The marine versus plant-derived omega-3 debate continues in the wake of recent studies that found in favor of one or the other on environmental or physiological grounds.

News in brief

Drug-supplements trade group appoints new board

CHPA, a trade association representing both over-the-counter drug products and nutritional supplements, has appointed new members to its board, including a representative from supplements firm Nutrition 21.

Cosucra: prebiotic fibres equally well tolerated

Inulin-type fructans are well tolerated regardless of whether they have a short or long chain, says new data from Cosucra.

Sodium limit too high for most Americans, says CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has claimed that the current recommended limit for sodium intake may be too high for as many as two-thirds of Americans and has proposed a lower limit of 1,500mg.

Canada takes risk-based approach to food-drug borderline

The Canadian food and drugs regulator has issued guidance to assist the classification of those foods that, due to their associated health benefits may be classed as medicines, with an emphasis on case-by-case risk-benefit analysis.

Scientists develop juice fermentation process for diabetics

Scientists in China have developed a new method to produce a vegetable juice suitable for diabetics by using lactic acid bacteria to remove carbohydrates while retaining the vitamins and nutrients of the vegetables.

Carotenoids linked to fewer hip fractures

Increased intakes of antioxidant pigments from plants may lower the risk of hip fracture in older men and women, according to a 17-year study from the US.

Beer and wine in moderation could aid bone density - study

Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages could have benefits for bone health, though any potential impacts may be lost upon continued drinking, according to new research.

Omega-3 science review criticized for bias

The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) statement that ALA only converts to DHA in the body at negligible levels, has drawn criticism for bias toward marine sources.

Cranberry industry develops standard PAC testing method

The US cranberry industry has teamed up with a group of scientists to develop a standardized test that can be used to measure proanthocyanidins (PACs) – the antioxidants in cranberries that are thought to be responsible for the berries’ antibacterial benefits.

News in brief

GTC Nutrition to distribute omega-3 in US and EU

Australian omega-3 supplier, Nu-Mega has appointed Colorado-based GTC Nutrition as distributor for its fatty acid powders and liquids portfolio in the Americas and Europe.

Science supports vitamin D to fewer broken bones

Daily supplements of vitamin D may cut the risk of fractures by up to 20 per cent, according to a new meta-analysis.

Antibody yoghurt stymies stomach ulcers, say researchers

Yoghurt fortified with antibodies extracted from chicken eggs, can battle bacteria that cause gastritis and stomach ulcers, according to preliminary findings from Japanese researchers.

Omega-3 may protect prostates from cancer: Study

Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids may protect against advanced prostate cancer, according to new research from the University of California San Francisco.

ALA-DHA conversion negligible, say fatty acids experts

Alpha-linolenic acid, (ALA) does not convert to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at levels that confer any physiological benefit, according to a summary of omega-3 research conducted by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL).

Mood foods are on the way up, confirms Mintel

Mood foods are set to nudge their way into the spotlight as the science linking diet and behavior continues to emerge, says market researcher Mintel.

News in brief

Indian and Chilian suppliers sign bioactives pact

Indian supplier, Avesthagen, has teamed up with Uxmal, a Chilean biotech firm, to commercialise nutrients derived from South American plants in functional foods and other healthcare products.

Rise in gut hormone levels key to satiety factor in low GI foods: Study

With satiety food formulations on the rise, breakthrough research from British scientists offers a deeper insight into the role of gut hormones on appetite and why a low GI (glycaemic index) meal, such as a morning bowl of porridge, keeps consumers feeling fuller.

Pea protein may cut blood pressure and help kidneys: Study

Proteins from pea may reduce blood pressure and improve kidney health, says a new study from Canada.

Cargill shelves omega-3 (for now)

Biotech giant, Cargill, has ceased work on its nascent fish oil-sourced omega-3 offering less than two years after it debuted with a high-profile launch in May, 2007.

Mothers seek simple nutrition over trendy ingredients, survey

Mothers looking to purchase healthy foods for their children are less attracted by “trendy” ingredients like omega-3s than they are by the simple benefits delivered in nutritious food, according to a nationwide survey.

Fish oil sustainability paper generates heated response

An article published last week in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has generated a flow of criticism for its claims that fish oil is not healthy enough to warrant its depletion of global fish stocks. NutraIngredients-USA.com publishes a selection of responses.

News in brief

Leatherhead calls for fibre cardiovascular research

UK-based Leatherhead Food International is attempting to redress what its nutrition research division perceives to be a clinical trial hole in the ability of dietary fibre to benefit micro- and macro-vascular function.

Weekly comment

Omega-3: Fishing for alternatives

Short of an earth-bound deity walking amongst us and miraculously multiplying our fish stocks, industry must invest more in alternative sources of omega-3 to meet nutritional needs.

CSPI warns consumers off acai scams

Consumers are being duped into purchasing acai products with bogus credit card schemes and exaggerated health and nutrition claims, according to the healthy food advocate, Consumers for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

Omega-3 not healthy enough to eat into fish stocks, claims study

A new research paper on the production of fish-derived fatty acids has concluded that the continued promotion of omega-3s for their health benefits is irresponsible in the face of depleting fish stocks.

FDA updates its weight loss hit list

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has again expanded its nationwide alert to consumers about weight loss products that contain undeclared – and often very harmful – pharmaceutical ingredients.

News in brief

DSM earns sustainability A+

Dutch ingredients giant, DSM, has won the highest recommendation from environmental and social standards watchdog, the Global Reporting Initiative, which ranks companies on sustainability initiatives.

Yakult pushing probiotic science envelope

Probiotics are best known for their digestive health benefits, but research is pointing to benefits in unexpected areas. Shane Starling met with Yakult’s Netherlands-based science manager, Dr Jia Zhao, after she spoke at a recent conference on functional foods for the over-50s in Amsterdam.

ADA rejects food-tobacco link but questions industry influence

The American Dietetic Association has spoken out to reject comparisons between food and tobacco, but called for more checks on industry-funded research in order to retain public confidence.

Guest article

What Obama means for functional foods and supplements: Part II

The second article in a series examining the impact of a new Congress on the functional food and supplements industries takes a close look at the new FDA Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. According to industry veteran Loren Israelsen, we should expect to see more focus on quality, efficacy – and nanotechnology.

Cargill plays up Barliv drink debut

Cargill says it is working with US beverage group Bolthouse Farms to launch a new branded beverage with its Barliv betafiber ingredient, marking the ingredient's national drink debut in North America.

Chili peppers deliver red hot weight control potential

Carotenoid specialist, OmniActive Health Technologies, is moving ahead with its chili extract preliminary research indicates can burn 278 calories more than placebo in exercising subjects before, with dietary supplements manufacturers coming on board.

Snack Size Science: Coffee stirs up gut health promise

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we spill the beans on the potential of coffee to boost levels of beneficial bacteria in our guts.

Study identifies new class of functional foods

Stressing plants to induce their natural defences could lead to a new range of functional foods enriched with a plant's natural defensive compounds, phytoalexins.

News in brief

Embria expands global distribution with Brazil team-up

Embria Health Sciences has teamed-up with Rio de Janeiro’s Pharma Nostra to exclusively distribute the company's dietary supplement ingredients in Brazil.

Why omega-3 nutrient claims are important, GOED

A proposed ruling to prohibit the use of omega-3 nutrient content claims would generate consumer confusion by limiting the ways in which manufacturers can communicate meaningful omega-3 references on their products, says the Global Organization for EPA and DHA (GOED).

Omega-3 nutrient content claims valid until at least 2012

Foods fortified with omega-3 will be able to continue using a nutrient content claim until at least 2012, despite FDA’s proposed prohibition of the claim.

Mark Whitacre – The Informant

ADM whistleblower pays heavy price for freedom

Mark Whitacre was the US corporate world’s highest level executive whistleblower when he exposed a price fixing scheme at ADM in the mid-90s. Now the subject of a Hollywood film called The Informant starring Matt Damon, the selenium biochemist came clean about coming clean to Shane Starling at Expo West.

Grape polyphenols may protect against obesity: Study

Antioxidant-rich supplements containing polyphenols from Chardonnay grape seed may protect against oxidative stress linked to obesity, suggests a new study with hamsters.

CoQ10 gets formulation boost in beta-cyclodextrin

Coenzyme Q10 may have enhanced solubility in water, and stability to heat and light if complexed with beta-cyclodextrin, says a new study from Slovenia.

Soft drink big boys driving nutraceutical interest - report

The nutraceutical soft drinks segment is expected to maintain growth through the economic downturn, with sales expected to rise at high single digit rate until 2013 due to a growing international focus by multinationals, says a new report.

Dispatches from Expo West

Reading between the omega-3 aisles at Expo West

Shane Starling takes Michael Chubb, the sales director at Canadian fatty acid specialist, Bioriginal, into the organic and natural product extravaganza that is Expo West for a real-time spec of end-product omega-3 ingredient innovation and application.

Genetic test could provide insight into supplementation needs

Interleukin Genetics – a genetic testing company – has updated its nutrition risk assessment test, designed to gauge an individual’s vitamin B metabolism and oxidative stress levels.

News in brief

Vitamin D not related to feeling SAD

Low levels of vitamin D are not linked to the symptoms of depression associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), says British researchers.

News in brief

Cherry extracts seek superfruit status

Australian Functional Foods has released two cherry-based extracts for which it is promoting on high antioxidant content.

Electrospun fibres could expand bioactive encapsulations

Beta-carotene, a food colour and antioxidant, can be nano-encapsulated in special spun fibres, offering formulators a fresh approach to adding value to products.

Coffee may boost gut health: Nestle study

Moderate consumption of an instant coffee may boost the numbers of certain bacteria in the gut with reputed health benefits, says a study from the Nestle Research Center.

News in brief

Burcon files for more Clarisoy patents

Burcon NutraScience Corporation hopes to protect the use of its soy protein ingredient in powdered beverages with additional patent coverage in the US.

The cost and carbon savings of solar installation for food firms

Food and supplement manufacturing firms in the US are set to benefit more than ever before by installing solar panel energy systems at their facilities, as the benefits of tax cuts and grant programs start to take effect.

PNI launches plant-sourced omega-3 for beverages

Proprietary Nutritionals Inc (PNI) has launched a microencapsulated version of its plant-sourced omega-3, which the firm says allows it to be used in beverage applications.

Calcium may boost weight loss, but only if you’re deficient

Calcium supplements for obese people with low calcium levels could produce weight loss of up to six kilograms, says a new study from Canada.

Lack of vitamin D could lead to fatter teens: Study

Adolescents with high intakes of vitamin D may have lower overall body fat and lower amounts of abdominal fat, says a new study from the Medical College of Georgia, US.

FDA approves vitamin D fortification of soy foods

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended its food additive regulations to allow for soy-based foods and drinks to be fortified with vitamin D.

USDA says American ginseng must be COOL

All ginseng entering the US market is now required to be labeled with its country of origin after a US Department of Agriculture final rule kicked in today.

Obama picks Hamburg to head FDA

President Obama has named his pick for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner: Food safety and bioterrorism expert Dr Margaret Hamburg.

Weekly comment

Could sugar shake off its bad boy image?

Sugar could be shedding its bad boy image to take a surprise spot on the public’s list of trusted ingredients, as manufacturers look to appeal to more savvy consumers.

Antioxidant focus

Antioxidants: The rise of polyphenols

For many consumers, antioxidant doesn’t go beyond vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene, but as understanding of the antioxidant compounds in fruit and vegetables increases, more research is pointing towards the potential of polyphenols.

Omega-3 EPA could be sourced from biodiesel: Researchers

Fungal treatment of a biodiesel byproduct can produce the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), offering a potentially economical source of EPA from microbes.

News in brief

One in seven US teens vitamin D deficient: Cornell researchers

One in seven American adolescents is vitamin D deficient, says a new study by Cornell researchers, with better education of consumers critical to boosting levels of the vitamin.

News in brief

Ocean Spray promotes from within for new research manager

Cranberry giants Ocean Spray have appointed Dr Christina Khoo to the position of manager of research sciences, emphasizing the company’s continued drive of science.

Juice additive criticism stirs label concerns

As the addition of herbal products and antioxidants in products like juices comes under the scrutiny of consumer groups, one supplement association says some drinks may require detailed labelling to offset potential safety concerns.

Proliant obtains GRAS for ImmunoLin

Proliant Health and Biologicals’ bovine globulin ingredient, ImmunoLin, has achieved self-affirmed generally-recognised as safe (GRAS) status, paving the way for its use in functional foods and beverages.

Calcium and vitamin D may protect against diabetes: Study

Increased intakes of calcium and vitamin D may improve insulin levels, and offer protection against diabetes, independent of dairy intake, suggests a new study.

Dispatches from Expo West

CRN: GMP blind spots remain

The staggered implementation of America’s controversial GMP rules is underway and due for completion in June, 2010. For the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s VP of regulatory and scientific affairs, Andrew Shao, PhD, the bill may be progressing but much remains to be resolved.

Antioxidants focus

The contradictory science of antioxidants

Apparently conflicting results from randomized clinical trials and observational studies abound in the scientific literature. In the third part of a four-part series on antioxidants, NutraIngredients looks to get behind the contradictions.

Virun debuts shelf-stable, H20 soluble, nanotech omega-3

A patent-pending production process employing nanotechnology is allowing omega-3s into shelf-stable beverages such as juices and waters for the first time, according to biotech firm, Virun.

News in brief

AHPA honors herbal champions

The American Herbal Products Association’s (AHPA) annual AHPA Awards has honored Nature’s Way’s Gordon Walker, Health Canada’s Dr. Philip Waddington, and Sabinsa for positive and substantive contributions to herbal products.

Study raises concerns over folic acid and prostate cancer

Daily folic acid supplements may double the risk of prostate cancer amongst men, according to a new US study that raises questions about fortification with the vitamin.

News in brief

Indena collects ABC award

The Texas-based American Botanical Council (ABC) has recognised the contribution made by global herbal extracts leader, Indena, to the botanicals sector by presenting the Italian company with the Varro E. Tyler award at Expo West at the weekend.

Antioxidant focus

Cracking the code on antioxidant testing

The list of tests available to assess antioxidant activity may look like a page ripped from a World War II code book, but understanding how the results are complementary is vital for the continued success of antioxidants.

Dispatches from Expo West

Israelsen: 'You wouldn’t know there is a recession'

At Expo West recently, Shane Starling sat down with industry stalwart, Loren Israelsen, to discuss the Obama effect, Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois, the “flyspeck” that is the Dietary Supplements and Health Education Act (DSHEA), GMPs, oh, and the economic situation.

OmniActive pushes lutein patents worldwide

OmniActive Health Technologies has extended a patent for technology, which it claims provides high levels of lutein, to a growing number of additional global markets to meet demand for products targeting eye health.

Vitamin C may slash gout risk in men: Study

Higher intakes of vitamin C may reduce a man’s risk of gout, the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis in adult males, by up to 45 per cent, says a new study.

Antioxidant focus

The growth of brand 'antioxidant'

From berry extracts to tea bags, the term antioxidant is being used as a marketing tool for products. In the first part of a four-part focus on antioxidants, NutraIngredients reviews the rise of a branding tool.

One ingredients size fits all, says BASF

Ingredients giant BASF Nutrition has launched a program to band some of its primary human nutrition ingredients together in a move it says will simplify the supply chain for its global customers.

Daiwa test double dosages with rice bran launch

Daiwa Health Development (DHD) may strengthen its hand in the market for supplements claiming immune boosting benefits with further launches of what it calls a convenient Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC).

Dispatches from Expo West

FDA: we will enforce GMPs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been criticized for not enforcing Good Manufacturing Practises, but according to the FDA’s Brad Williams, boosted funding means FDA inspectors may be about to “saturate the field”. He spoke with Shane Starling at Expo West.

News in brief

DSM wins gong for blood pressure ingredient

DSM’s re-branded peptide, tensVida, won its second major award in six months when the blood pressure-controlling ingredient took the NutrAward at Expo West/Supply Expo in Anaheim on the Saturday.

Green tea may protect gums against disease

Consuming green tea may offer protection against gum disease, a condition that may affect over 30 per cent of the population, suggests a new study from Japan.

Four times current vitamin D doses needed for winter levels: Study

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D during winter months requires a daily dose of 20 micrograms, four times the current recommended dose, says a new study.

News in brief

Omega-3 pills could boost birth weight: Study

Low maternal consumption of fish, and subsequently omega-3 fatty acids, may raise the risk of low birth weight babies, says a new study from India.

Weekly comment

Cargill vs Chavez: Clash of the rice titans

Clutched to the president’s chest like a medal of nationalisation, Cargill Venezuela cannot be sitting very comfortably this week as it awaits the fate of its rice plant.

Dispatches from Expo West

ExpoWest innovation not slowed by economy

The dark economic climate seems to have had little impact on one of the major US trade shows for the functional foods industry, where exhibitors and attendees reported ongoing healthy business.

Dispatches from Expo West

What NutraIngredients-USA took away from Expo West

Signs of the current economic recession were largely absent from the Expo West trade show in Anaheim, California, this year, with continued innovation in the field of functional foods and supplements.

Ganeden and Heartland take probiotics into sweeteners

Heartland Sweeteners is looking to make table top sweeteners a vehicle for probiotics, partnering up with Ganeden Biotech to use its patented strain in products.

Beta-carotene, lung cancer study flawed: Experts

A population-based study reporting concerns over beta-carotene and other carotenoids and lung cancer in smokers was based on invalid methodology, questionable statistical evaluations, and speculative explanations, says a German professor.

News in brief

Scientists propose new marker for blood omega-3 levels

US scientists have reported that the stable nitrogen isotope 15N may be a suitable biomarker to analyse blood levels of EPA and DHA intake in clinical and epidemiologic studies.

Omega-3 DHA boost for heart health in high-risk men: Study

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may reduce compounds associated with inflammation by up to 20 per cent, says a new study.

Why US glucosamine sales are slow

Slowing US sales of the joint health ingredient glucosamine are primarily a result of a dip in prices rather than a loss in demand, according to Euromonitor analysts.

Dispatches from Expo West

GOED prepares petition for omega-3 RDA

Omega-3 trade group Global Organization for EPA and DHA (GOED) is preparing to petition the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) to establish a recommended daily allowance for the nutritional lipid. Shane Starling catches up with the organization’s executive director Adam Ismail at Expo West 2009.

Strong sales reflect non-US interest in DHA, says Martek

Omega-3 supplier Martek Biosciences has reported a strong performance in the first quarter, indicating a growing interest in DHA despite the tight economy.

Study supports beta-carotene concerns for smokers

Long-term supplementation with beta-carotene may increase a smoker’s risk of lung cancer says a new population-based study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Snack Size Science: The ABC - and D - of common cold control

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at the potential of vitamin D to prime the immune system and offer protection against colds and the flu: A ray of scientific sunshine on a dark winter day.

Dispatches from Expo West

Approaching Expo West

As the doors open today on Expo West, the year’s major trade show for the natural, organic and functional food industries, Shane Starling shares his thoughts on what he expects to find – from 36,000 feet in the air.

Dispatches from Expo West

Expo West in a tight economy

The economic climate is not slowing activity in the natural and organic marketplace, but manufacturers and suppliers will likely be looking for new ways to build business relationships, claim the organizers of one of the industry’s largest trade shows Natural Products Expo West.

Natural antioxidant targets flavor and odor-sensitive foods

Kalsec has expanded its natural antioxidant range with what it claims is a near-tasteless and odorless rosemary extract designed to target new applications including edible and frying oils, baked goods and snacks.

Sabinsa gains new patents for GarCitrin

Sabinsa has been awarded a new patents for its combination of hydroxycitric acid (HLA) and garcinol, which is aimed at the weight loss market.

News in brief

Raisio sees sunny future for green labelling

Finnish ingredients supplier and Benecol brand owner, Raisio, has diversified its green labelling scheme to incorporate its Elovena snack drink, Sunny.

Low maternal B12 levels may increase risk of defects in babies

Women with low blood levels of vitamin B12 are at increased risk of having a child with neural tube defects, according to the findings of a new study.

Vitamins may help coeliac disease management: Study

Daily supplements of B vitamins may improve the overall health of people with coeliac disease by reducing levels of an amino acid linked to heart disease, says a new Dutch study.

Kids count in growing Hispanic sector

Children’s opinions are much more likely to be considered in food purchasing decisions amongst America’s growing Hispanic population, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

GAO supplements report generates mixed response

Consumer activists claim a GAO report on the oversight of dietary supplements confirms that regulatory loopholes plague the industry, while trade bodies say the report makes unrealistic recommendations to improve regulation of the products.

Consumers recognize Cognis heart ingredient, finds survey

Cognis says consumer awareness of its branded plant sterol ingredient has increased in the past year on the back of the launch of several high-profile products containing the heart healthy ingredient.

Broccoli sprouts may reduce asthma: Study

A naturally occurring compound in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against asthma and other conditions due to respiratory inflammation, says a new study.

Polyols choice critical for nutritional bar acceptability

Adding the polyol glycerol to a whey protein based nutritional bar maintains the soft texture and consumer acceptability of the product during storage, says a new study.

PureCircle partners with Cerilliant for Reb A quality testing

PureCircle has announced it has entered into a partnership with Cerilliant to develop and supply certified reference materials for its stevia-derived sweeteners, responding to demand for high quality Reb A.

GAO supplements report calls for tighter regulation

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made significant progress in regulating dietary supplements, but the agency is still lacking basic information to keep the products – and consumes – safe, according to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Most Canadian kids are omega-3 deficient: study

North American children do not receive enough omega-3 in their diets, according to new research which found only 22 percent of young children received adequate amounts of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA.

US glucosamine grows slow, lags global sales

Glucosamine supplements in the US have steadily grown in popularity over the past five years, although the market still lags behind overall global sales increases, reveals new data.

News in brief

IADSA hosts Latin American supplements event

Global dietary supplements regulations and their relation to markets in South America was the theme of an event of a congress hosted by the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) in January.

Weekly comment

Twitter could leave bitter taste in Pepsi’s mouth

“The new cartons stink.” Customer responses to new product developments seldom come clearer or more direct than that.

Prebiotic formula may reduce infant infections: Study

Adding prebiotics to infant formula may reduce the number of gut infections and reduce the use of antibiotics, according to a new study from Italy with 'major implications'.

Lutein may protect eyes against long-term computer use: Study

Supplements of lutein, long-reported to have benefits for eye health, may also protect against the detrimental effects of long-term computer display light exposure, says a new study from China.

Enviga (alone) doesn’t promote weight loss

Coca-Cola and Nestle have agreed to alter the marketing for their energy-burning, green tea-based energy drink, Enviga, after agreeing a settlement with a number of US states that protested its weight loss messaging.