Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

AHPA opposes FDA's CAM guidance

In a case that furthers the polemic surrounding regulatory structure of the dietary industry, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has issued comments to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to withdraw its draft guidance pertaining to the CAM industry.

Astaxanthin eyed as weight loss ingredient

Astaxanthin, the carotenoid mostly associated with eye health, stopped weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet and offer an interesting alternative to the blossoming weight management market if results can be repeated in humans.

Weekly Comment

Training the salt of the earth

On International Labour Day, workers across the world will be raising a glass in honour of the salt of the earth.

EGCG from tea may prevent arthritis - study

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) extracted from green tea may inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules associated with and joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis, scientists have reported.

SunOpta to distribute the Chinese yumberry

SunOpta will be marketing juice from the Chinese yumberry fruit in North America, thanks to a supply agreement with the Zhejiang Yumberry Juice Company.

Poly-Cell secures Canadian distributor

Poly-Cell Technologies has signed a distribution agreement with Toronto-based C.K. Foods to market and sell its proprietary barley ingredients Barley Balance and Glucagel north of the border.

Makers of HeightMax ordered to pay $1.9m

As part of its assurances that it will be tough on dietary supplement manufacturers who market with false claims, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has clamped down on a company that allegedly hid assets to avert paying a full settlement.

Black cohosh may halve breast cancer risk - study

Women taking supplements of black cohosh may cut their risk of breast cancer by more than 50 per cent, suggests an epidemiological study from the US.

New collaboration aims to combat bitterness in soy protein

Solae and Senomyx have entered into a collaborative agreement for the development of new flavor ingredients intended to enhance the taste characteristics of soy proteins.

Sterols in capsules effective for cholesterol cuts

Regular use of plant sterol esters in capsules improved blood lipid levels and may reduce heart disease risk, says a new study said to be the first to examine the efficacy of sterols in capsules in humans.

NSF registers companies ahead of GMP legislation

NSF International is seeing demand from the dietary supplement industry for its Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) registration system and announced it has completed the process for 11 new facilities for the first quarter of 2007.

'Golden' potatoes engineered to give beta-carotene boost

A 250 gram serving of "Golden" Potatoes, engineered to produce high quantities of of the pro-vitamin A beta-carotene, could provide half the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, suggests new research.

Fast food turns functional with cholesterol-lowering pizza

A new pizza dough mixture which incorporates cholesterol-lowering plant sterols is set to further expand the market for functional snack foods.

Energy drink market gets rush from clubbers

The energy drink market has gotten further stimulus from club crowds who mix these functional beverages with alcohol, according to market researcher Mintel.

Scientists question benefits of polyphenols

Polyphenols, antioxidants linked to a long list of health benefits, may not be so good for you when taken in larger doses found in supplements and foritified foods, researchers have said.

Health Canada builds monograph resources for industry

Canada's Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) has issued new ingredient monographs for Ashwagandha and revised ingredient monographs for Blessed Thistle and 'Heal-All', as part of the government's efforts to compile authoritative reference material for both industry and consumers.

AHPA challenges kelp/arsenic risk assessment

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has voiced its opposition to the findings of a recently published case report concluding a kelp supplement could cause arsenic poisoning.

Special edition: Global food trade

Supplement regulations start to ease trade

Regulatory changes made in 2006 have had a positive effect on global dietary supplement trade according to the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA), but improvements are still needed in some regions to remove barriers.

Antioxidants pills may benefit chemotherapy patients

Antioxidants supplements may help increase cancer survival rates, tumour response, and the patient's ability to tolerate chemotherapy, concludes a new review.

Probiotic teams more useful than single strain - study

A combination of different probiotics strains reduces the ability of potentially pathogenic bacteria to colonise the gut more than single strains, says new research that proposes industry should look to expand research in this area.

Hispanic trade show opens doors in Texas

Players from throughout the Hispanic food and beverage industry are coming together this week for what claims to be the biggest event targeting this segment of the market.

Prebiotics again studied as probiotic encapsulators

Adding the prebiotic inulin to yoghurt boosted the growth of probiotic bacteria and, when used in a novel double-microencapsulation, extended the survival rates of the friendly bacteria.

Debate on chondroitin's effectiveness goes on

A Spanish chondroitin sulfate manufacturer has weighed in on the debate over the negative results of a meta-analysis recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Whole grain promotion should be doubled - meta-analysis

The consistent evidence linking the consumption of whole grain to significant decreases in the risk of cardiovascular disease should push policy-makers to redouble their efforts to get the public eating more of the grains, scientists behind a new meta-analysis have said.

Cognis hires omega-3 pioneer to boost fish oil platform

Cognis Nutrition & Health is bolstering its foray into the omega-3 ingredient market with the hiring of a scientific adviser specialized in this category.

Ginseng Cold-fx to be used by Canadian emergency crews

In a new claim to fame, CV Technologies announced that Canada's sixth largest city, Edmonton, will stockpile Cold-fx for emergency workers as part of a broad pandemic preparedness plan.

Infant formula with leptin may cut obesity

Adding the hunger hormone leptin to baby formula may protect against obesity later in life, if results from a rat study can be translated to humans.

Nestle Nutrition achieves 10 per cent growth target

Nestle has reported strong overall organic growth in its first quarter, said to be fuelled by the move towards nutrition, health and wellness and a strong basis on which to reiterate its full year targets.

Fortitech expands on premix demand

Fortitech reports demand for its premixes has reached its highest point to date, spurring it to expand into larger facilities with greater capacity.

Weekly Comment

Ditch the marketing madness

Marketing strategies - two words that incorporate everything from pseudo scientific research to shock value advertising campaigns. But shouldn't honesty be the best policy?

Pizzeys Milling doles out '3 omega-3s' flaxseed-fish oil

Canadian company Pizzey's Milling has launched a flaxseed fish oil combo it says provides the full array of omega-3 benefits.

Marine derived ingredients prove popular in cosmetics

It comes as no surprise that a main theme of In-Cosmetics 2007 was 'Natural and Organic' ingredient alternatives. However, it was noticeable that many manufacturers were starting to diversify in this category - highlighting the benefits of Marine biology.

Study links obesity to protein in infant formula

The results of the EU Childhood Obesity Programme indicate that low-protein content in infant formula may have metabolic, endocrinal and developmental benefits for babies - which may also have an impact on obesity at a later age.

Ocean Nutrition doubles capacity with Alicorp deal

Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) is teaming up with Peruvian edible oil and food manufacturer Alicorp S.A.A. in a joint venture the omega-3 supplier says will double its capacity.

Are fruity cocktails a healthy drink?

Strawberries with alcohol may lead to an increase in antioxidant capacity, says new research from Thailand and the US that suggests a daiquiris could be classed as a health drink.

Sabinsa scores distribution deal with Degussa

Sabinsa has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Degussa Goldschmidt Personal Care for botanical extracts.

Exclusive interview

Inside Nestle's R&D brain centre

In the first of a new series of exclusive interviews, Professor Peter van Bladeren, Nestlé's director of science and research, tells Stephen Daniells how collaboration is key to innovation at the Nestlé Research Center.

Canadian trade show kicks off

According to the Canadian Health Food Association, over 550 companies are displaying their products and developments at the CHFA Expo West which kicks off today in Vancouver.

Kemin reports strong evidence lutein's skin health benefits

Oral supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin provided a four-fold increase in protection from UV radiation-induced skin damage, says a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled, multi-centre study, co-funded by Kemin Health.

Nutrition 21 appoints board for its condition-specific focus

As part of its push towards condition-specific and scientifically-backed finished products, Nutrition 21 has announced the formation of a scientific advisory board.

Martek expands science behind DHA's Alzheimer's protection

A pre-clinical study, supported by Martek, shows that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may cut the build-up of a certain protein linked to Alzheimer's, said to be the first such study to show report such results.

Chondroitin for arthritis same as placebo - meta-analysis

Chondroitin, one of the most popular supplements for joint health, has the same effect as placebo for osteoarthritis in the hip and knee, says a new meta-analysis.

Exclusive interview

Inside Nestle's R&D brain centre

In the first of a new series of exclusive interviews, Professor Peter van Bladeren, Nestlé's director of science and research, tells Stephen Daniells how collaboration is key to innovation at the Nestlé Research Center.

Quaker Oats to soften label claims, says CSPI

According to the Center for Science and the Public Interest, the Quaker Oats Company is dropping certain claims from its labeling, underscoring the sensitive nature of health claims for the functional food industry.

Canada gives Cargill's Oliggo-fiber green light

Cargill's proprietary Oliggo-fiber inulin has been approved for use as a dietary fiber in Canada, adding to the number of companies allowed to list inulin in this category on labels.

Lipogen to launch PAS complex for stress

Israeli supplier Lipogen is launching proprietary Lipogen PAS in the United States for mental and psychological stress control.

Clinical trial boosts omega-3's ADHD benefit claims

Omega-3 supplementation of children with learning and behavioural problems led to significant improvements, adding important data to this high profile subject.

NSF International plugs its certification program as industry solution

NSF International has joined the debate on how best to conduct third party testing for the dietary supplement industry so as to ensure credibility for products.

BI Nutraceuticals gets Halal certified

BI Nutraceuticals announced hundreds of its food and dietary supplement ingredient offerings have been Halal certified by the Islamic Foods and Nutritional Council of America (IFANCA).

Low vitamin D levels again linked to cancer risk

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of cancer, researchers have told attendees at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, with results from a clinical trial hoped to show benefits of high-dose vitamin D replacement in individuals with high risk of lung cancer.

ADM to produce NutraCea stabilized rice bran

NutraCea has entered into an agreement with Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) for the production of its stabilized rice bran - a significant accomplishment for the young company as it brings its nutritious ingredient to the mainstream market.

Broccoli, soy anti-cancer benefits suggested

Consumption of broccoli and soy has been linked to lower risk of certain cancers, and researchers have now proposed a mechanism to explain how such foods may offer protection.

Cooperative methods form drive behind ARC

Analytical laboratory experts are grouping together to form the Analytical Research Collective (ARC) to develop validation methods that will boost product quality in the dietary supplement industry.

Weekly comment

Food contamination: time for action

At a time when so many resources are being pumped into improving consumer health through food, it is pitifully ironic that more and more people are getting sick or dying from what they eat because of safety slips.

Guest article

US foreign filing license - passport for your inventions

The most successful nutraceutical companies operate in a global economy and protect their intellectual property in many different countries. While the Internet makes it easy to communicate seamlessly across national borders, these companies must be careful not run afoul of U.S. laws that restrict the export of technology, including the U.S. Foreign Filing License requirement for patent applications filed abroad.

Flavonol-rich diet may slash pancreatic cancer risk

A diet rich in flavonols from foods such as onions, apples and berries may cut the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by about 25 per cent, scientists have told attendees at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

AHA fat campaign warns consumers to be wary of trans free

The American Heart Association (AHA) has launched a new educational campaign to help consumers limit the amounts of trans fats in their diets, while not defaulting to more saturated fats.

Fish-diabetes pollution link may boost supplements

A new study linking pollutants found in fish to insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes may further turn people off fish and boost the omega-3 supplements market.

Report sets out supplements role in fighting malnutrition

Increasing use of food supplements and fortification would play a key role in reducing vitamin and mineral deficiencies around the world, says a new report that sets out a 10-year strategy for addressing the problem.

Low-dose Carnipure tartrate promotes exercise recovery - study

Low dose supplementation with L-carnitine tartrate may reduce muscle damage and boost recovery after exercise, says a new study partly funded by Lonza.

Curcumin's anti-cancer mechanism proposed

Scientists from the University of Alabama have reported a mechanism by which curcumin, the active ingredient in the turmeric spice, may protect against cancer.

Pharmachem strikes deal to develop more hop-based ingredients

Pharmachem is teaming up with John I Haas (JIH) to develop more extracts and derivatives from hops for use in supplements in the US market.

Cocaine drink is a drug, not a supplement - FDA

Cocaine, the energy drink marketed as a dietary supplement, is a drug, says the FDA, in a move sure to be welcomed by the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA).

Lipid Nutrition builds science behind Clarinol CLA

Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced body fat mass particularly in the legs, and had positive effects on lean body mass, says a new clinical trial supported by Lipid Nutrition.

Consumers believe one thing but eat another, says report

Most Americans are trying - but failing - to achieve a more healthful and balanced diet, according to a new Mintel report, which suggests a discrepancy between what people believe and what they actually eat.

Normal calcium intake during weight loss saves bones - study

Pre-menopausal women trying to shed kilos should maintain normal to high calcium intakes to ward off the threat of osteoporosis, suggests a new study.

WellGen announces results for human trials of tea ingredients

Nutrigenomics specialist WellGen has announced the completion of a human trial for its proprietary black tea theaflavin ingredient.

Nutra companies target marathon runners at Boston Expo

Several nutraceutical companies are this week drawing attention to the potential benefits of their products for serious athletes such as marathon runners, in advance of participation in the Boston Marathon Expo next weekend.

Naturex offers certified Hoodia for growing weight management market

French plant extract supplier Naturex has added Hoodia gordonii to its list of botanical extracts, and provides certification of quality for the ingredient with increasing demand.

SOD supplement may protect against sunburn from within

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement, GliSODin, reduced the severity of redness associated with sunburn by almost 10 per cent, researchers from France have reported.

Studies champion omega-3s for slowing mental decline

Increased bloods levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA could "postpone" age-related cognitive decline that may precede dementia and Alzheimer's disease, suggest two new studies.

Weekly comment

You cannot judge a juice by its cover

Have you heard this one before? There are two blackcurrants, one has a high vitamin content and the other - well it doesn't.

Meta-analysis boosts cocoa's blood pressure lowering effects

Polyphenol-rich dark chocolate could reduce blood pressure to the same extent as beta-blockers, suggests a new meta-analysis from Germany.

Embria announces B&D as US distribution partner

Iowa-based Embria Health Sciences has announced a United States distribution agreement with B&D Nutritional Ingredients for its EpiCor and eXselen ingredients.

Ephedra risk-benefit analysis endangers supplements, NPA

The most recent court ruling on ephedra blurs the distinction between supplements and drugs and could force the industry to conduct clinical tests, says the Natural Products Association, which has filed an amicus curiae with the Supreme Court.

Dietary fibre colon cancer risk link still unclear, says study

A diet rich in fibre could cut the risk of developing colon cancer by about 40 per cent, but appears to have no significant effects against rectal cancer, says a new study that highlights the need for clarification.

Meta-analysis supports isoflavones for bone health

Increased intake of soy isoflavones can favourably boost bone health, says a new meta-analysis from China and Japan.

Is your supplement stolen enough?

The controversial company behind Enzyte, has made use of a novel promotional approach and reported its sexual enhancement supplement is one of the most stolen products in its category.

Study reports arsenic in kelp supplements

University of California Davis researchers analyzed nine over-the-counter herbal kelp supplements and reported finding higher than acceptable arsenic levels in eight of them.

Nestlé builds science to support cocoa polyphenol claims

The polyphenol content of many chocolates varies greatly around the world, scientists from the Nestlé Research Center (NRC) report in an article that adds to the company's ability to validate potential nutritional and health claims for it cocoa-based products.

ARS invests in barley, oat research

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has dedicated a new research lab to the improvement of cereal crops such as barley and oats.

Next Pharmaceuticals launches Flavoxine for cholesterol

Next Pharmaceuticals is looking to make its mark in the growing cholesterol lowering ingredient category with its new ingredient, Flavoxine.

Med diet helps kids breathe easier - study

Getting children to consume a Mediterranean-style diet may reduce their risk of asthma by up to 80 per cent, suggests new research.

Multivitamins pills may boost babys birth weight

Supplementation with multivitamins during pregnancy may boost the birth weight of newborns, and should be considered for all expectant mothers in developing countries, says a major clinical trial.

FDA proposes to relax labeling for irradiated products

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to revise its labeling regulations for irradiated foods, suggesting some irradiated foods could now be labeled as "pasteurized".

Cactus Botanicals launch 80 percent myricetin

Cactus Botanicals is introducing a potent 80 percent myricetin ingredient from bayberry bark for use in supplements in the United States.

Cognis makes lutein ester easier to swallow for formulators

Cognis Nutrition & Health is doubling the lutein ester content of its branded Xangold ingredient from 10 to 20 percent, thereby allowing formulators to make smaller capsules preferred by consumers.

Science building for chitosan weight management benefits

A team of Japanese, Bangladeshi and Kuwaiti researchers has reported that dietary supplements of chitosan cut weight gain and cholesterol levels in rats, research that enhances the limited research already performed with the ingredient.

New insect protein for fish could help address supply concerns

Aquaculture and technology group Neptune Industries has come one step closer to completing its insect-based dietary protein for fish, which the firm claims will be key to addressing the imminent shortage of world fish stocks.

AHPA provides AER Compliance course materials

The American Herbal Products Association has joined the ranks of trade associations preparing the dietary supplement industry to comply with impending adverse events reporting (AER) legislation.

Australia, NZ putting final touches to health, nutrition claims

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is ironing out the creases before finalising its proposed health and nutrition claims standard with nutrient profiling and percentage daily intakes up for comment.

Vitamin K may reverse arterial calcification - study

Arterial calcification, a process of hardening of the arteries, may be inhibited and even reversed with supplementation with high-dose vitamin K, suggests an animal study.

Bayer targets baby boomers with condition-specific

Bayer HealthCare has lent credence to the importance of both the baby boomer market and condition-specific marketing, through the introduction of a new line of nutritional supplements, Bayer Nutritional Science.

NutriScience launches glycerophosphates for sports drinks

NutriScience Innovations is launching a glycerophosphate series for mineral fortification based on client requests.

Fat intake may cut vitamin C benefits for the stomach

Vitamin C may reduce the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrogen-containing compounds in the stomach, offering protection from stomach cancer, researchers have reported.

Advitech builds R&D behind Dermylex

In the latest plug for its psoriasis ingredient and product Dermylex, Advitech has closed a private placement for a total of $884,128.

Omega-3 EPA linked to heart disease protection

People with high cholesterol levels and taking statins reduced their frequency of major cardiac events by about 20 per cent when supplemented with the omega-3 of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), researchers have reported.

Slimming Ingredients awards science in Berlin

Lipid Nutrition was celebrating Friday when PinnoThin was awarded most innovative ingredient at the First International Conference on Innovations and Trends in Weight Loss and Weight Management.

Kyowa Hakko U.S.A hikes L-amino acid prices

Kyowa Hakko has announced a ten percent price increase for its line of L-Amino acids owing to increased demand combined with shrinking margins.

NutraCea reports revenue growth for 2006

NutraCea reported a more than threefold increase in revenue for the fiscal year ending December 2006, following the first steps of expansion into the food industry with its stabilized rice bran.

Weekly comment

Wanted: testing for supplements

The dietary supplement industry needs an independent testing program that is recognizable to consumers in order to enhance the credibility of its products as well as encourage solid science and sourcing.