Orange juice may protect against bad effects of high fat meals

Flavonoids from orange juice may neutralise the detrimental effects of consuming a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal, says a new study from the US.

Martek works on a vegetarian source of chondroitin

Martek is developing a vegetarian source of chondroitin – a popular joint health ingredient that is normally sourced from animal cartilage.

Fytexia launches water-soluble ingredient versions to target US beverages

Natural ingredient supplier Fytexia has announced the release of a water-soluble high purity version of its flagship Sinetrol ingredient for weight control, as the company eyes the functional drinks market.

Omega-3s show heart benefits for non-fish eaters

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the risk of heart disease and heart attack in people with low fish intakes, says a new study from The Netherlands.

Baby Boomers prefer healthy ingredients & supplements

American Baby Boomers, aged 45 to 64, are much more likely to choose healthy ingredients and supplements than younger or older consumers, according to new research by market research group Decision Analyst.

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Making the food industry fair for SMEs

No race should have rules that favour the strongest competitors. But unless the capabilities and interests of SMEs are taken into consideration before the starting gun is fired for new...

Coconut water tipped to redefine sports drink market

A new market report predicts that coconut water is set to redefine the sports drinks market after Coca-Cola and PepsiCo both put their weight behind the new niche last year.

Special edition: Vitamin D

Science: Enlightening consumers to the benefits of vitamin D

Barely a week goes by without a new study supporting the benefits of vitamin D and calling for increased intakes. In the final part of our series on the sunshine...

Vitamin K may reduce cancer risk: EPIC study

Consuming foods rich in vitamin K2 may reduce the risk of cancer, says a new study supporting the potential anti-cancer benefits of this emerging nutrient.

Sports drinks suffer sales volume slump in US

Sports drinks appear to have suffered a severe reversal of fortune in the US with volumes going through the floor in 2009.

NPA votes to close two 'unviable' regional offices

The Natural Products Association (NPA) has axed two of its regional operations and is creating a state government relations position to fill the gap.

Global upswing for probiotic and prebiotic food and beverages

World sales of probiotic and prebiotic foods and beverages climbed 12.5 per cent to reach about $15.4bn in 2008 compared with the year before, according to research group Packaged Facts.

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Verdure Sciences gets GMP registration to support QA

Indiana-based Verdure Sciences has achieved Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Registration through NSF International’s Dietary Supplement Certification program.

Multivitamins during pregnancy may boost infant health

Daily supplements of multivitamins during pregnancy may improve the growth of the baby in the womb, says a study with African American women.

Special Edition: Vitamin D

Suppliers surmounting vitamin D fortification challenges

In many countries foods such as milk, yoghurt, margarine, oil spreads, breakfast cereal, pastries as well as bread are fortified with vitamin D, and in the third part of our...

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Probi takes immune health supplements into South Africa

South Africa’s Camox Pharmaceuticals has signed an agreement to sell Probi’s dietary supplement for immune health on the South African market.

‘Rich in antioxidants’ takes the claims cake

US research has found that antioxidants claims that choose wording such as “rich in antioxidants” are much more likely to draw a response from consumers than "antioxidants added".

Omega-3-fortified dairy effective for heart health: Study

Consuming dairy products fortified with omega-3 fatty acids does benefit heart health, and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, says a new study from Germany.

Special Edition: Vitamin D

Markets: Global vitamin D boom remains elusive

Scientists have linked Vitamin D to a wide variety of health benefits in recent years but outside the US this buzz has yet to translate into a market boom.

Hatch, Harkin and co. win NPA champion awards

Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Jon Tester (D-MT) and Michael B. Enzi (R-WY) along with House of Representative members, Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Jared Polis (D-CO) have...

Lutein players see eye to eye on patent dispute details

Lutein rivals Kemin Food and OmniActive Health Technologies have issued a joint statement clarifying terms of the lutein processing patent dispute they settled late last year.

Vitamin K may benefit bones for transplant patients

Supplements of vitamin K2 may improve bone health in people following organ transplants, says a new study that adds to the growing list of benefits of the vitamin.

How the Health Care Reform Bill affects industry

Industry groups are highlighting benefits that may flow to the dietary supplements and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) sectors as a result of the landmark Patient Protection and Affordable Care...

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Organic co-op splashes omega-3 milk

Twenty-three-year-old North American organic cooperation, Organic Valley Family of Farms, has launched an omega-3 milk containing 50mg of fish oil-sourced DHA and EPA per serving.

‘Free Speech About Science Act’ introduced

A Bill has been introduced to Congress backing the right of healthy foods and dietary supplements to cite scientific studies demonstrating health benefits.

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Seaweed fibres show weight management potential

Fibre-rich extracts from seaweed may reduce the uptake of fat from the diet by an impressive 75 per cent, according to new findings from the UK.

CLA shows weight management benefits for children

Daily consumption of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) may reduce the body fat mass and total body weight in healthy but overweight and obese children, says a new study.

Antioxidants show benefits for over-50 sporty-types

Supplements containing antioxidants and arginine may boost athletic performance for the over-50s, says a new study from the US.

First US CLA milk launched to 'local' Acclaim

A Wisconsin start-up has launched the first Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)-fortified chocolate milk in the US, making it the third localized release, CLA food or drink product to hit the...

Health Canada allows synthetic caffeine into more soft drinks

Health Canada has given beverage makers more freedom to add caffeine to their products after extending the authorised use of the stimulant to all carbonated drinks.

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Perrigo pays $808m for infant formula brand

Virginia-based pharma player Perrigo has acquired $300m-per-year infant formula brand holder PBM Holdings for $808m in an “adjacent category” for Perrigo.

Study finds wide variation in antioxidant content of infant cereals

A new study into the antioxidant content and smell of infant cereals claims to have uncovered helpful data for the development of novel products.

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Sabinsa debuts capsicum extract

New Jersey botanicals supplier Sabinsa has launched a capsicum extract it says supports, “cardiovascular health and wellness, healthy skin aging, and normal immune functions.”

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Supply chain transparency only answer to hostile campaigns

Food companies must ensure their supply chains are transparent and socially responsible in order to prevent backlashes from consumer activists and non-governmental groups on Facebook or Twitter, which could have...

Carbery launches whey-omega-3 blend

Irish supplier Carbery Ingredients has debuted a whey protein concentrate (WPC)-omega-3 combination ingredient it says is the result of “extensive development work” in the area.

New cranberry-probiotic mix 'guarantees' quality UTI products

A combination of cranberry powder and probiotic bacteria for the management of urinary tract infections (UTI) has been released by Lallemand Health Ingredients and Institut Rosell-Lallemand with guaranteed extended shelf...

Danone: EFSA is damaging reputation of scientific peer review process

The president of Danone Baby Nutrition (DBN) says European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claim assessment methodologies are threatening the reputation of the scientific peer-review process and sections of the...

HFCS education slows demand decline

Nationwide programs to educate consumers about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) appear to be working, as HFCS producers report a slowing in declining demand.

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Naturex wins NutrAward for brain health herb

French supplier Naturex has won the Supply Expo NutrAward 2010 gong for Best New Ingredient of the year for its American ginseng, brain health offering, Cereboost.

Selenium may decrease diabetes risk: French study

Increased blood levels of selenium may decrease a man’s risk of abnormal blood sugar metabolism, and maybe protect against diabetes, says a new study from France.

Council of Canada chooses NSF for supplements testing

NSF International has become the first US certification body approved by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to offer dietary and sports supplement testing for all nutritional products.

Health Canada clarifies folic acid advice

Public health organization Health Canada has clarified its advice to care providers recommending high rates of folic acid supplementation to pregnant women.

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Chr Hansen reshuffles board

Ingredients firm Chr Hansen has announced two new additions to its board, as one members step down.

NASA examines omega-3 for bone health during space flight

Supplements of omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) may protect against bone loss during weightlessness, according to a new study from NASA.

'Revolutionary' cranberry product targets UTI market

Low-calorie natural management of urinary tract infections (UTI), yeast health, digestive health and immune function are claimed for a new women’s health product launched last week at Expo West.

Martek commits to EPA, while DSM debuts infant DHA

Maryland-based Martek Biosciences will make its debut in the EPA market with an EPA/DHA blend “by year’s end”, NutraIngredients-USA.com learnt at Expo West last week.

News in brief

IADSA to extend scientific programme

The group that represents global supplements manufacturers has committed to expanding its scientific programme to better cover substantiation of claims and botanical ingredients.

Cactus extract may help manage weight, water loss

Supplements of a cactus extract may reduce weight gain while acting as a diuretic, according to data from studies with rats and humans.

Green tea may boost oral health, reduce tooth loss

Drinking one cup of green tea may improve dental health and reduce the risk of loosing teeth by about 20 per cent, according to a new study from Japan.

Baseball players group expands supplements blacklist

The Major League Players Association has added 21 products to its ‘Dangerous Contaminated Supplements’ list to bring the total number of blacklisted products to 104.

Nutraceutical partnership targets US beta glucan market

Two Scandanavian companies have teamed up to supply a beta glucan product to US consumers who spend an estimated $80-100m each year on this market segment.

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Fenchem backs SAM-e with boosted production

Chinese supplier Fenchem Biotek will boost production for of SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) to 30 tons in the next two years, with patent-pending tablet technologies at the forefront of its efforts.

Coffee’s anti-diabetes benefit strengthen

Regular coffee drinking may reduce levels of inflammatory markers linked to diabetes, according to new findings from a human study.

Omega-3-rich meals have blood vessel benefits: Study

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may improve blood vessel health following a meal, says a new study from the UK.

Readers Digest vitamins article misleads millions of Americans: CRN

An article about vitamins published by Readers Digest has mislead millions of Americans about the important contribution dietary supplements can make to a healthy lifestyle, warns the Council for Responsible...

InterHealth builds safety of joint health ingredient

A patented collagen ingredient intended as a once-a-day, joint-health ingredient, is safe across a range of safety tests, says a new study from the US.

Magnesium may decrease colon cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of magnesium may reduce a man’s risk of colon cancer by over 50 per cent, says a new observational study from Japan.

Nutrigenomics point the way to anti-inflammatory supplements

A supplement containing nutrients selected for their anti-inflammatory action may lead to significant metabolic changes in overweight people, as shown by new nutrigenomic research.

CoQ10 bioavailability boost from cyclodextrin complex

Delivering co-enzyme Q10 complexed with beta-cyclodextrin may increase the bioavailability of the nutrient, with the benefits experienced by all, according to a new study.

Dry powder application allows wider range of Omega-3 use

Ocean Nutrition Canada, specialists in omega-3 food and dietary ingredients, has launched MEG-3 dry powder designed to allow the wider consumption of EPA and DHA in a variety of dry...

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McCain turns to NDI guidance after dropping Bill

Arizona Senator John McCain will push FDA to announce publicly guidance for awaited new dietary ingredient notification after backing off from the controversial s3002 bill.

Berries may reduce risk factors for metabolic disorders

A diet rich in berries may reduce levels of inflammatory markers associated with liver health and metabolic syndrome, says a new study from Finland.

Japanese dairy firm obtains GRAS notice for 1960’s probiotic

Morinaga Milk Industry has obtained GRAS with FDA non-objection for a probiotic strain that the Japanese firm has used in its own products for over 30 years.

Omega-3 suppliers confirm standards following Prop 65

US-based omega-3 suppliers have been emphasising their standard credentials in the face of legal action mounted in a San Francisco court.

News in brief

Livestrong talks up the benefits for probiotics

Consumer understanding of the benefits of probiotics may receive a fillip following publication of a highly supporting article on Livestrong.com, website of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Vitamin A’s role in energy production identified by scientists

Vitamin A may play a critical role in production of energy in our cells, says an international team of researchers who claim to have solved the “nearly 100-year-old question” of...

Resistant starch ‘dose’ controls satiety effects: Study

The ability of resistant starch to promote the feeling of fullness is dependent on the size of the ‘dose’, according to a new study from Canada.

Study links pain relief and improved nerve health linked to agmatine

Agmatine, the natural metabolite of the amino acid arginine, may alleviate pain and benefit nerve health, according to a clinical study published online in the journal Pain Medicine.

SunOpta Q4 loss narrows on health and wellness trend

Canadian natural and organics group SunOpta has reported a narrower loss in the fourth quarter of 2009, attributing improvement to restructuring and continued consumer interest in health and wellness.

Gut health linked to excessive weight gain during pregnancy

The link between gut microflora populations and weight may also extend to pregnancy, with a new study revealing that women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy have different microfloral profiles.

Cocoa compounds may ease exercise-related heart function

Consumption of a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols may boost blood flow to the muscles and ease the demands on the heart during exercising, says a new study from Australia.

SoluBlend turns fatty ingredients into water soluble lipids

Newly founded company SoluBlend Technologies claims to have created a cost-effective alternative to encapsulation for adding healthy fat soluble ingredients to food and beverage products.

Acai Roots plans expansion after Brazilian investment

California-based acai berry company, Acai Roots claims it is poised for big expansion after a group of Brazilian investors invested a significant but undisclosed sum in the company’s business.

Scientific Food Solutions and Sabinsa extend agreement for ‘next generation’ vitamin C products

California-based Scientific Food Solutions and Sabinsa Corporation have announced the extension of a license agreement to use BioPerine in high dose vitamin C formulations.

Most Americans want government help with healthy eating, says survey

There may be huge controversy about whether the government should tax soda, but there are plenty of other areas in which Americans would welcome government involvement, according to a new...

Low vitamin D may mean fatter, weaker muscles: Study

Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may be associated with the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, leading to lower muscle strength, says a new study.

McCain 'revisiting' supplements reform Bill

Arizona Republican Senator, John McCain, has indicated he may withdraw support for the Bill he sponsored in February that would have severely amended the way the US dietary supplements industry...

Bioenergy puts energy into marketing Ribose ingredient

Bioenergy Life Sciences has unveiled a new formulation center to help food and drink manufacturers use its Ribose energy enhancement ingredient.

News in brief

DuPont to build soybean facility in Missouri

DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred has announced plans to build a new soybean facility in New Madrid County, Missouri.

United Natural profits from demand for natural and organic

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has reported a 15 percent increase in profits for Q2 of the current fiscal year compared to the equivalent 2009 period, on the back of...

Vitamin D may play key role in immune system activation

Insufficient levels of vitamin D may reduce our immune system’s ability to react to infection, says new research from Denmark.

Pom Wonderful: Our claims are ‘true’

Pomegranate leader Pom Wonderful has issued a statement about the warning letter it received from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding antioxidant-based health claims being made on two of...

Cognis to submit article 13.5 lutein claim ‘within months’

Cognis Nutrition and Health has joined fellow lutein supplier, Kemin Health, in committing to sending the European food science agency a reworked lutein dossier to support its eye health claims.

Echinacea herbal remedies receive a plant-breeding boost

The range and efficacy of Echinacea herbal remedies could be boosted by plant breeding, according to an article published in the March 2010 issue of Agricultural Research (AR) magazine.

Study thickens the science of cocoa’s heart benefits

Regular consumption of cocoa flavanols may decrease blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, but only at high doses, says a new study from Australia.

Pine bark extract may benefit blood pressure-related kidney health

Supplements of an extract from French maritime pine bark may improve kidney health by improving blood flow and reducing the risk of hypertension-related kidney damage, says a new study.

News in brief

CRN strengthens American Society for Nutrition ties

The Washington DC-based Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), has become a Sustaining Member of the American Society for Nutrition, after joining the non-profit organization in 2008.

‘We are in full compliance’: Sued omega-3 suppliers

Texan omega-3 supplier Omega Protein Corporation says its offerings meet international regulatory requirements, including the strict contaminants rules set out in California’s Proposition 65.

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Fluorescent lighting may make spinach healthier

New research indicates that fluorescent lighting typically found in supermarkets could boost the levels of vitamins C, K, E and folate in spinach, as well as carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.

ChromaDex wins US government contract for scientific services

Phytochemical reference standards and contract testing services company ChromaDex has won a five-year contract to supply federal agencies with scientific services.

Red clover may counter depressive symptoms in older women

Post-menopausal women taking supplements of a red clover extract may experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, says a new randomised trial from Austria.

Omega-3 suppliers hit back at ‘misguided’ Proposition 65 attack

Groups representing fish oil suppliers have defended the safety record of the multi-billion dollar omega-3 source in the face of legal action mounted in a San Francisco court.

Heart health ingredient benefits weight management and digestion

A new hearth health fiber ingredient made from vegetarian sources may also benefit weight management and digestive health.

FDA says Pom Wonderful antioxidant claims not so wonderful

The Food and Drug Administration has issued pomegranate juice market leader, Pom Wonderful, with a warning letter over antioxidant claims it says are unauthorized drug claims.

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Martek revenues up three percent as non-infant food booms

First quarter revenue for 2010 rose three percent to $89.8m at Maryland-based DHA specialist Martek Biosciences Corporation, with revenue jumping eight percent to $10.4m when costs associated with its acquisition...

Increasing skepticism, but food labels still influence decisions

Consumers are reading nutrition labels more often but are increasingly skeptical of front-of-pack health claims, such as ‘high fiber’ or ‘low fat’, according to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)...

Omega-3 may boost lung function during sport

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may improve lung function of athletes during and after exercise, suggests a new study from Germany and Iran with wrestlers.

Apple fibres may boost immune health: Study

Soluble fibres like pectin from apples may reduce the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system, says a new study from the US.

Sabinsa debuts 'water soluble' joint health herb

A new joint health Ayurvedic herbal extract from Sabinsa Corporation is being marketed on its ability to offer relief to arthritis sufferers in a format the company says has boosted...

Valensa adds astaxanthin to krill oil in new ingredient

Valensa has teamed up with Aker BioMarine to launch a krill oil ingredient for supplements that bolsters the astaxanthin levels in krill oil.

‘Drank’ spanked by FDA over melatonin content

The Food and Drug Administration has told a Texas start-up its melatonin-containing beverage breaches the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because the nutrient associated with promoting sleep is not...

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Omega-3 gains US yogurt and pasta sauce launches

Leading omega-3 suppliers Martek Biosciences and Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) have debuted their marquee ingredients in a pasta sauce and frozen yogurt, respectively.

Berries antioxidants pass bioavailability test

Consumption of antioxidant-rich berries may double levels of polyphenols in the blood, says a new study from Finland that supports the fruit as a source of bioavailable compounds.

Milk’s fat content may influence tea’s antioxidants

The choice of adding full-fat or skimmed milk to tea may influence the antioxidant capacity of the beverage, says new research from the UK which may have public health implications.

New Codex is tool for ethical practice, says USP

Food manufacturers aspiring to ethically sound practices should seek ingredient quality assurance, says US Pharmacopeia, the standards-setting authority behind the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC).

Lutein supplier calls for unity to win European eye health claim

The world’s leading lutein suppliers should work together to build a winning eye health dossier, Indian player OmniActive Health Technologies has said after the European food science agency turned down...

LA Times gets it wrong, but so does the FDA?

An LA Times article drawing attention to FDA-approved labeling has stated that the FDA does not regulate, “vitamins, herbs or other dietary supplements”, and quoted an FDA official stating ‘health-promoting’...

Vitamin combo may delay ageing: Mouse study

A cocktail of vitamins, minerals and herbals may delay the major aspects of the ageing process and extend lifespan by 10 per cent, according to a mouse study from Canada.

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Unilever welcomes positive weight management claim

The newly announced positive opinion from EFSA has been welcomed by Slim.Fast producer Unilever as confirmation of the product’s efficacy.

DHA brain benefits may extend to middle age

Increased intakes of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenonic acid) may improve mental function in middle age people, suggests a new study from the US.