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News > April 2004

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29-Apr-2004

Chr Hansen link up in Canada targets women's health

Leading cultures firm Chr Hansen has entered a strategic alliance with a Canadian research company to offer probiotic bacteria specifically targeted to the substantial women's health market.

Z-trim given the thumbs up

Z-Trim, the all-natural, zero calorie fat replacement that reduces calories and increases healthy insoluble fiber in a variety of products does not alter the original recipe's taste, no matter what...

Lean beef for essential iron uptake

Diets rich in lean beef can help teenagers maintain their levels of useable iron and contribute to balanced eating habits, say researchers at the University of Iowa College of Public...

Global soy stocks still vulnerable

Health food manufacturers using soy ingredients may face new price rises if soybean supply continues to be hit by unprecedented demand in China and drought in major producer countries.

Kangaroo meat 5 times more CLA than lamb

The meat of Australia's bush kangaroo may be the highest known source of the healthy fat CLA, an Australian scientist has discovered.

28-Apr-2004

New potato-based resistant starch targets low-carb market

Spearing growth in the speciality starch and health ingredients domain MGP Ingredients links up with Penford Corporation to market a new potato-based resistant starch for increasing fiber and reducing carbohydrate...

GRAS approval for omega-3 fish oil

Canadian ingredients company Ocean Nutrition has received GRAS status for its omega-3 powder fish oil product, used in supplements beneficial to the heart. The award opens up opportunities for the...

Vitamin D to prevent falls in the elderly

Vitamin D supplementation appears to reduce the risk of falls among institutionalised elderly people by more than 20 per cent, concludes an analysis of the research carried out to date.

New benefits of broccoli come to light

A naturally occurring compound in broccoli, already shown to fight cancer in cells, may also be able to reduce risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke, according to...

Tonalin CLA approved for safe use in food

A second brand of the fatty acid CLA, marketed by leading health ingredients firm Cognis, has been approved as safe for use in foods, paving the way for numerous new...

27-Apr-2004

New vitamin products lift sales at Perrigo

An unusually high demand for cough and cold products, increasing sales of both OTC drugs and vitamin products, has helped consumer healthcare business Perrigo lift sales higher than expected during...

Up the spinach for adequate vitamin A

People may need to eat more beta-carotene to get enough vitamin A, say US researchers, who discovered that the nutrient is less absorbable than thought.

Advantage Logistics to operate Atkins facility in Atlanta

Low carbohydrate guru Atkins Nutritionals has opted for Advantage Logistics for the second time, to operate its Atlanta distribution centre, the firm said this week, writes Wai Lang Chu.

Calcium-rich foods cut kidney stone risk

A high intake of calcium-rich foods may reduce young women's risk of developing kidney stones, report US scientists this week, but taking calcium supplements is unlikely to offer any benefit.

Winter months up the cholesterol

Cholesterol levels - irrespective of diet - vary with the seasons, reaching their highest levels in the winter months, suggest scientists who claim their findings could lead to the development...

26-Apr-2004

Curry spice to ease fatal genetic disease

A compound in the curry spice turmeric appears to correct the cystic fibrosis defect in mice, report Canadian scientists, demonstrating the potential for treating the disease in humans.

Athlete supplements fail to meet quality standards

Some supplements targeted at professional athletes contain banned substances which are not listed on their labels, according to new research.

Forbes sees sterol demand rocketing

Canadian sterol manufacturer Forbes Medi-Tech has significantly cut its losses after sales of the cholesterol-lowering ingredient shot up more than 80 per cent during 2003.

Black women may need more folic acid

Black women may need to increase their folic acid intake, as a new report shows that higher levels of the amino acid homocysteine and less folic acid than white women...

Dietary supplement maker rejects take-over offer

Heath & Nutrition Systems (HNNS) has rolled over an attempted take-over from the firm's chief after the board of directors rejected an offer from his recently formed company this week.

22-Apr-2004

Dairy sector continues to reap rewards of functional foods

Dairy leaders are reaping the benefits of increasing consumer interest in functional foods, with both Danone and Nestlé this week reporting strong growth in probiotic and other healthy products, report...

A sprinkle of bean extract can cut carbs

An all-natural starch neutraliser designed for sprinkling directly onto foods high in carbohydrates - and thereby reducing the overall calorie content - is to be launched in the US. But...

Scientists question power of resveratrol supplements

Supplements of resveratrol, the compound found in red wine that is thought to fight heart disease, is unlikely to have any effect on preventing most cancers, said researchers this week.

Patent approval for herbal cold line

Nutritional ingredients supplier Health Sciences Group has received approval for a US patent covering the composition and method for treating the effects of colds, paving the firm's entry into the...

Nu Skin Enterprises reports record first quarter

Nu Skin Enterprises, a worldwide direct seller of nutritional supplements, has reported a good start to 2004 with a 20 per cent increase in first quarter revenue. Growth in its...

21-Apr-2004

Omega-3 demand prompts million-dollar investments

Ocean Nutrition of Canada has unveiled plans for a four-fold increase in its production of omega-3 fish oil concentrates that, it claims, will make it the world's largest producer in...

Soy chips to aid weight-loss

From health to weight-loss, following findings from a small study, US soy food maker Revival Soy claims its soy chips snack can be used in combination with a healthy diet...

Rare Chinese mushroom gives energy to the middle-aged

A supplement derived from a rare Chinese mushroom could boost energy levels and stamina during exercise in middle-aged adults, reported researchers this week.

Macronutrient rush from fatty meals harms body

A high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal causes a rush of inflammatory factors into the bloodstream, overwhelming the body's natural inflammation-fighting mechanisms, report US researchers in a medical journal this month,writes Dominique Patton....

FDA looking out for new ephedra cases

The booming market for herbals to enhance weight loss could be hit by future FDA actions to heighten consumer safety.

20-Apr-2004

Supplement use growing among children and adolescents

New figures published today reveal nearly half of young children and almost a third of adolescents in the United States have used a dietary supplement, potentially increasing the health risks...

Tea polyphenols to combat prostate cancer

Natural treatments for prostate cancer are fast gaining scientific evidence for their efficacy in human patients.

Trans fats increase risk of heart disease, new findings

New evidence to suggest that a diet high in artery-clogging trans fats could accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease comes from a recent study in the US. Findings compound imminent...

Supplement raises fertility stakes

A dietary supplement containing a mixture of herbals, vitamins and amino acids may help boost fertility in women who have difficulty conceiving, according to a US researcher, writes Dominique Patton.

DSM to double ARA output

DSM Food Specialties is to double the volume of arachidonic acid (ARA) produced for its US partner Martek Biosciences to meet rapidly growing demand, the Dutch firm said this week,...

19-Apr-2004

New health claim for soy on the way?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing a new petition for a health claim that suggests the consumption of soy protein-based foods may reduce the risk of certain types...

Asian spice shows strong antioxidant powers

Curcumin, the spice that gives curry its yellow color, may activate a key enzyme that protects the brain against oxidation, thought to be a major factor in ageing and responsible...

Trebled revenue for Health Sciences

Health Sciences Group - a US nutraceutical ingredients supplier - has announced significant increases in revenue for 2003 despite a further slide in net profit. The recent acquisition of Quality...

Exercise, not diet, seen as obesity cause

The state of obesity in the US is due to lack of exercise rather than eating too much. In addition TV commercials encourage people to eat or drink more than...

Phenolic compounds to fight breast cancer

Three different polyphenols, compounds found in wine, beer and tea, appear to significantly decrease breast cancer cells, according to new research from Portugal, which goes against previous findings showing that...

15-Apr-2004

Breakthrough research on lycopene

Lycopene, the carotenoid found in tomatoes, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by inhibiting the male hormone's effect on the prostate, report researchers from DSM this week.

Preventative eyecare urgently needed

The prevalence of low vision and blindness is set to increase dramatically by 2020, warn researchers, prompting a call for prevention strategies that could help public health professionals fight the...

Fibre for prostate protection

Fibre-rich vegetables may protect against prostate cancer, suggests research from Italy, which also finds soluble, and particularly vegetable fibre, a factor in reducing the risk of the disease.

Vitamin A rich cauliflower rolled out to market

A cauliflower with 25 times more vitamin A than its 'regular' sister could meet the daily needs of consumers with the new vegetable now available on the market. A new...

A botanical to beat 'stress-eaters'

A small study on a botanical ingredient for dietary supplements and functional foods reveals the compound could help in weight, and stress management.

14-Apr-2004

Survey shows consumers rejecting low-carb consumption

While supporters of the Atkins plan would have us believe the diet is more popular than ever, there are signs of a growing backlash against low-carb diet plans. A new...

Ginger eases morning sickness, more findings

Australian scientists confirm that the traditional sickness remedy ginger could relieve the nausea and vomiting experienced by pregnant women to a similar extent as vitamin B6.

Vitamin C supplement to beat diabetes and heart disease

Vitamin C appears to reduce levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation and possibly a better predictor of heart disease than cholesterol levels, shows research for the first time....

Chemical switch from brown to white fat key to cutting obesity

The way newborn lambs regulate their temperature in the first few weeks of life using a special deposit of brown fat could give clues for tackling obesity in humans, say...

Cinnamon, an insulin subsitute?

Cinnamon may help alleviate type 2 diabetes by playing the role of an insulin substitute, according to new US research.

13-Apr-2004

Lonza takes court action on patent

Swiss pharmaceutical firm Lonza has filed its first ever suit for infringement of its L-Carnitine L-Tartrate patent, suing the US company Nutraceutical International.

ZeaVision settles DSM patent dispute

ZeaVision and DSM Nutritional products jointly announced a settlement this week resolving a patent dispute for the sale and promotion of the dietary carotenoid zeaxanthin.

Prebiotics bring added value to leverage margins

Science-backed health claims will be the key to strong growth for manufacturers of the gut health ingredients prebiotics looking to drive into the soaring US market.

Zinc supplements fail to meet quality standards

A minority of zinc supplements, one of the most popular mineral supplements in the US, which can be taken to treat the common cold, do not meet quality standards according...

Folate takes on depression

Evidence continues to mount suggesting a link between various stages of depression and low blood levels of the B vitamin folate, according to research funded by the Agricultural Research Service...

08-Apr-2004

Zinc to underpin ADHD treatment?

Zinc supplements could increase the effectiveness of stimulants used to treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common childhood behavioural disorder that affects around one in every...

Lutein improves eyesight for AMD patients, suggests study

Lutein supplements can reverse some of the damage done by 'dry' age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most prevalent form of the disease, according to a study out yesterday.

Calls for common rules on botanicals

Manufacturers took a closer look at the rules governing botanical extracts in the US, Europe and Canada at the industry's first integrative medicine and natural healthcare exhibition this month. Calls...

Enzyme supplements could improve digestive processes, new research

Taking supplements of enzymes appears to improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients suggests new research, commissioned by the US-based National Enzyme Company.

Military nutritional product now available to the public

A nutritional product designed to combat the effects of nutrient depletion is poised to penetrate the US market, targeting those who work or exercise in conditions where the body is...

Military supplement available to public

A nutritional product designed to combat the effects of nutrient depletion is poised to penetrate the US market, targeting those who work or exercise in conditions where the body is...

07-Apr-2004

Kemin introduces vegetarian-friendly lutein

Kemin foods, the US manufacturer and marketer of nutritional ingredients for the food and dietary supplement market is to launch the first vegetarian lutein ingredient onto the market. The firm...

Low carb craze exaggerated, new findings

Americans still have very healthy appetites for carbohydrates, with only one out of four people on a low-carb diet actually significantly cutting carbs, a new study claims.

Sports drinks boost profit

PacificHealth Laboratories (PHLI), a nutrition technology company, has announced a 64 per cent increase in net sales for its 2004 first quarter. The success has been attributed to the company's...

Body drinks up coffee antioxidants

Coffee contains similar levels of antioxidants to black tea and can be just as beneficial to health, according to Scottish scientists that have found coffee's antioxidants are highly absorbable by...

Immunity boosting ingredient sees sales soar

The world's largest dairy ingredients business is aiming to ramp up collection of colostrum from its suppliers to meet growing demand for the ingredient in health products.

06-Apr-2004

Increased leverage for soft herbal drink

A line of herb enhanced soft drinks will receive wider distribution in Canada with V-Net Beverage, the acquisitive supplier of Rush Cola, signing an agreement with natural foods marketer Tree...

ET Horn and Cargill in soy protein alliance

A global manufacturer and marketer of soy protein products has announced an agreement with a leading distributor/supplier to represent its line of soy protein products throughout the United States.

Salt industry questions roots of health policy

As the US advisory body on dietary advice convened in Washington, D.C. to discuss salt consumption, the Salt Institute and the US Chamber of Commerce were taking the Bush government...

Supplements: a convincing solution to weight loss?

Most dietary supplements do not have sufficient evidence to support claims for weight loss, according to two UK experts, who reviewed the evidence for a number of natural products including...

Soy impact on heart health explained

Soy protein appears to lower risk of heart disease by increasing the size of LDL cholesterol particles and reducing dangerous cholesterol, shows a new study that further examines the mechanism...

05-Apr-2004

Overseal drives into US natural colours

Natural colours UK firm Overseal Foods is set to carve a deeper position in the US market, signing a new distribution deal with US company RFI Ingredients and meeting growing...

New low-carb products add weight to fat debate

The low-carb revolution took another step in overall domination of the food market with the opening of a superstore specifically catering for the millions of Americans who are currently following...

Weight loss with grape extract

Grape seed extract could be a useful weight management supplement, suggests a small study, the first to test the effects of the extract on calorie intake in people.

WalMart takes on low-carb juice

Building up a market position through direct contact with the consumer and cashing in on the growing low carbohydrate fad, ingredients firm Arla Food Ingredients will see its low-cal, low-carb...

High protein promotes bone health

High protein diets may in fact boost bone health, shows new research, that contradicts fears by nutritionists that increasing protein intake could lead to calcium losses.

01-Apr-2004

Green tea action on leukemia

The active component in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), already shown to fight several types of cancer, also appears to kill cells of the most common form of leukemia, reports a...

Lifeway eyes Canada market

Kefir and functional dairy company Lifeway Foods could set up a manufacturing plant in Canada following strong sales growth in 2003 and a boost to its cash reserves after selling...

Maitake given go-ahead for human drug trials

The medicinal mushroom extract maitake is to be investigated for its potential as a breast cancer drug in a three-year human trial, writes Wai Lang Chu.

Natrol suffers effects of venture into direct marketing

Californian supplement maker Natrol suffered significant losses during 2003, after closing down direct marketing operations developed the previous year and refocusing on its core operations.

FDA clears walnut health claim

A raft of new food products containing walnuts will soon bear a qualified health claim as the US food watchdog gives the green light on the claim for this popular...

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