Probiotic milk may alleviate fever: Yakult study

Milk fermented with Lactobacillus casei may help to alleviate fever caused by norovirus gastroenteritis by correcting imbalances of intestinal microflora, according to a new study.

Omega-3 may slash levels of heart disease risk factor

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with lower levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, an amino acid linked to increased risks of heart disease and dementia, says a...

Academic rejects ‘fuzzy math’ claim in spat over curcumin bioavailability

The authors of a recent study into curcumin bioavailability have rejected claims by a cancer researcher that “fuzzy math” led them to overestimate the absorption of the anti-inflammatory agent curcumin...

April 2011 in pictures: Twinlab, gut health & Japan

As April draws to a close we look back at a month of news, which saw Twinlab appoint a new chief executive, FTC crack down on bogus acai-weight loss claims,...

Former Vitamin Shoppe boss takes hot seat at Twinlab

Dietary supplements and sports nutrition giant Twinlab has appointed former Vitamin Shoppe chief executive Tom Tolworthy as its new president and chief executive.

Not all beta-glucans are equal for immune health: Study

The ability of beta-glucan to modulate immune function is related to the specific form of the beta-glucan, with not all beta-glucans offering the same benefits, says a new study in...

ERC boss: I’ll keep filing prop 65 notices until you get your house in order

The man behind a recent surge in controversial ‘prop 65’ violation notices targeting the dietary supplements sector claims he will not stop until the industry gets its act together on contaminants.

News in brief

Coconut water brand to hit GNC stores in May post PepsiCo deal

New fortified coconut water products under the Phenom brand will hit shelves at nutrition and dietary supplements GNC from next month following a recent tie-up with PepsiCo, bosses at GNC...

Verdure gets 2 more patents for pomegranate extract

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted two patents covering the Pomella pomegranate extract brands, Indiana-based Verdure Sciences has announced.

Special edition: Inflammation

Nutrigenomics is key to next generation of anti-inflammatories, says Frost & Sullivan

There is “definitely a market niche” for products tackling chronic inflammation based on a growing understanding of the interaction between diet and genetics, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Softgel capsules equal tablets for folic acid dose: Study

The availability of folic acid from softgel capsules or standard tablets is approximately the same, says a new study that supports both delivery forms for a daily folic acid dose.

Centrum multivitamin passes NASA space stability test

B vitamins from Wyeth’s Centrum multivitamins are stable over four months of storage on the International Space Station (ISS), says a new study from NASA that has positive implications back...

Gumlink takes 50 per cent stake in Canadian probiotic gum maker

Danish company Gumlink’s acquisition of a 50 per cent stake in Canadian probiotic and nutraceutical gum maker, Tab Labs Inc will allow the joint venture to focus on patented nutraceutical...

Yerba mate extract may provide ‘new raw material’ for dietary supplements

An extract from yerba mate, a traditional drink from South America, may offer an antioxidant-rich alternative to the brewed tea for use in supplements, suggests a new study from Brazil.

Frutarom to launch immune ingredient

The US immune health segment has a new entrant, as Frutarom USA announces the launch of a standardized Pelargonium root extract, for use as a stand-alone or in more extensive...

‘Really outrageous’ claims on the wane in print/TV, says CRN

False and misleading claims – particularly on the web – continue to dent consumer confidence in supplements, but there are “fewer really outrageous claims on print and on TV today...

Special edition: Inflammation

Inflammation: The expression of a very modern malady

Extra-curricular inflammation of the human body is very real and costing healthcare providers billions globally. But where did it come from and are current efforts helping it go away?

Grape polyphenols show anti-diabetic potential: Study

Antioxidant compounds from red grapes may prevent the build up of fat in muscle tissue and favorably affect the body’s response to insulin, hormone responsible for sugar and fat metabolism,...

US still #1 for sports nutrition products: Leatherhead report

The US is still the leading market for sports supplements, foods, and beverages, with the supplements market in particular showing growth of about 5 percent, says a new report from...

Special edition: Inflammation

Market for products tackling systemic inflammation has potential, but consumer education is key

A growing category of dietary supplements claiming to tackle the systemic inflammation believed to be at the root cause of multiple health problems is starting to emerge as firms attempt...

Resveratrol shows anti-diabetes potential: Study

Daily supplements of resveratrol may improve how the human body responds to insulin, the hormone responsible for sugar and fat metabolism, Hungarian researchers report for the first time.

Sea-sourced calcium shows bone boosting health benefits: Study

A plant-derived calcium supplement, also containing strontium, magnesium, and other minerals, may increase bone density by about 2 percent per year, says a new study.

Exclusive interview

From supernova to supermarket: How NASA nutrition science can benefit consumers

Lessons learned from improving the quality and nutritional content of food for astronauts could open up opportunities for the food industry back here on earth, says Dr Michele Perchonok, manager...

Special edition: Inflammation

Chronic inflammation? Most consumers don’t get it (yet), say branding experts

Scientists increasingly recognize inflammation as a key contributor to chronic disease and supplement firms have tried to cash in with tailored products, but getting consumers to part with hard-earned cash...

Omega-3s may not give kids 20/20 vision, says study

Supplements containing the omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) during pregnancy may not improve the eyesight of the infants, says a new study from Australia.

It’s about time, says acai expert as FTC cracks down on bogus weight loss claims

‘Frustrating’ and ‘intolerable’ attempts by fraudsters to hijack antioxidant powerhouse açai as a miracle weight loss ingredient are finally being tackled by the authorities, but only after causing huge damage...

Chondroitin remains one of ‘most adulterated supplements in the market’

Chondroitin remains one of the most adulterated dietary supplements on the shelf despite attempts by responsible companies to tackle the problem, according to a leading analytical testing firm.

CRN: Phytosterol health claim should allow dietary supplements

The FDA’s proposed changes for a phytosterol-based coronary heart disease (CHD)-lowering health claim should allow for powdered dietary supplements containing free phytosterols, says the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)....

‘No evidence’ for folate-colorectal cancer risk: American Cancer Society

Increased intakes of folic acid from fortified foods and dietary supplements are not linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, says a new study from the American Cancer Society.

Big Interview: Marc Stover, Twinlab

Twinlab predicts double-digit growth in 2011 on back of ‘aggressive’ new marketing push

Dietary supplements and sports nutrition giant Twinlab grew sales more than 10% last year and predicts another year of double-digit growth in 2011 as it aggressively ramps up marketing following...

Lawyer: Tidal wave of prop 65 claims should serve as ‘wake up call’ to industry

Many dietary supplements firms remain surprisingly clueless about controversial Californian statute Proposition 65, according to a Sacramento-based legal firm preparing to host a seminar on prop 65 compliance following a...

Probiotics may reduce cold/’flu symptoms for male athletes: Study

Daily supplements of probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum may reduce the duration of symptoms of respiratory tract infections in male athletes, says a new study from Australia.

Prop 65 is turning into legalized blackmail, warn experts as notices pile up

A Californian statute with the laudable aim of protecting consumers from potential carcinogens has in practice exposed even the most responsible players in the dietary supplements sector to the constant...

Antarctic krill harvest under scrutiny after penguin study

Renewed scrutiny of the sustainability of krill harvesting off Antartica is likely following a new study linking falling penguin numbers to declining krill populations.

Using modern science to re-assess traditional ingredients: Vitafoods preview

There is huge potential in producing food ingredients from traditional and natural sources. These ingredients may deliver health benefit or offer functions in processed foods, removing the need artificial chemicals,...

Vitamin D and calcium supplement usage up, reveals govt survey

New government data on dietary supplement usage has revealed a sharp rise in calcium and vitamin D supplementation amongst American women over 60 and a steady increase in multivitamin usage...

Study support Stratum’s chitin-glucan for weight management

Dietary supplementation with chitin-glucan may beneficially alter the gut microflora and improve metabolic processes associated with obesity, suggests new data from a mouse study.

Acai juice shows joint health potential: Monavie study

A daily glass of acai juice was associated with a reduction in joint pain measures, and this was correlated with improved blood antioxidant levels, says a new study using MonaVie...

Baobab: Powdered nutritional dynamite coming to a shelf near you …

A steady stream of products containing free-radical-busting powder from the pulp of the African superfruit baobab is set to hit US supermarket shelves from the third quarter of this year.

DC judge rules 'as expected' in GMP challenge case

A case challenging the dietary supplement good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations has been dismissed by the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

USDA analysis questions green tea supplements as alternatives to tea leaves

The chemical composition of commercially available green tea-based dietary supplements is not the same as green tea beverages, and some contain non-tea ingredients like fenugreek, says a new analysis from...

CRN: Don’t force consumers to choose between organics and good nutrition

An ‘overly restrictive’ policy on the fortification of organic foods with non-organic functional ingredients such as omega-3s could stifle innovation in the organic sector and damage consumers, the Council for...

Vitamin D linked to lower eye risk in young women: Study

Higher blood levels of vitamin D may be associated with a decreased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women, says new research.

Bacteria supplements may affect weight gain: Rat study extends microflora-obesity link

Early exposure to bacterial strains during pregnancy, breast feeding, and early life has a profound impact on weight gain in the offspring, says a new study with rats.

Free Speech About Science is admirable, but could it re-open DSHEA to amendments?

The Natural Products Association (NPA) sympathizes with the motivations behind the Free Speech About Science Act 2011 just introduced into Congress, but fears it could be a double-edged sword.

Selenium-enriched dairy shows colon protecting potential: Study

Selenium-enriched dairy protein may produce changes in the expression of genes in the colon, and regulate the risk of developing cancer, suggests a new study from Australia.

NPA: Supplements backed by official health claims deserve tax breaks

A Bill set to be introduced to Congress for the fourth time calling for tax breaks for dietary supplements backed by official health claims has a much better chance of...

Vitamin D supplements under threat from functional foods: Euromonitor

Functional foods, multivitamins and fish oil are an increasing threat to single vitamin D supplements, as consumers seek to understand the controversy in vitamin D recommendations, says an analyst from...

Exclusive interview

EU must drive “Limited IP” vitamin D research: Bischoff-Ferrari

Vitamin D will fail to deliver on its promise to reduce healthcare spending by billions of euros until further human intervention studies are commissioned, says leading researcher, professor Heike Bischoff-Ferrari.

Wrigley targets calcium deficiency with gum launch down under

The Wrigley Company is launching a new calcium enriched gum in Australia and New Zealand, claiming its ‘on-the-go’ delivery system can help address the reported calcium intake deficiency among 90...

Omega-3 DHA safe and ‘modestly beneficial’ for infants: Study

High doses of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA in baby formula or breast milk may have ‘modest, positive effects’ on the growth of the pre-term infants, including increased length, says...

NAD probe prompts ad rethink at DSE Healthcare over cranberry supplement

DSE Healthcare Solutions has agreed to amend marketing for its new Cystex liquid cranberry dietary supplement following recommendations from the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business...

Nano-pomegranate shows anti-cancer potential

Bioactive compounds from pomegranate may self-assemble into nanoparticles with gelatin, and exhibit efficacy at stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells, says exploratory research from the University of Florida.

Congressmen launch fresh bid to change rules on science on labels, websites

The congressmen behind last year’s abortive attempt to enable supplement makers to cite scientific studies on their labels and websites have launched a fresh bid to change the rules, but...

DSM builds olive extract IP with energy & exercise performance patent

Hydroxytyrosol, a key component of olive oil, may boost the function of mitochondria and enhance energy production, according to a new patent from DSM.

Curcumin-soy formulation may boost absorption 60-fold: Indena study

Formulating curcumin with soy compounds boost curcuminoid absorption 29-fold, compared with curcumin only, say new results of a study sponsored by Indena.

South African research body seeks cash to fund fresh probe into Hoodia bioactive

Researchers in South Africa remain confident that P57 – the active component in Hoodia gordonii at the centre of an ill-fated partnership between Unilever and UK life sciences firm...

Dr Oz and Oprah effect sends astaxanthin demand ‘skyrocketing’, claims Cyanotech

Hawaii-based firm Cyanotech claims demand for astaxanthin - a potent red-colored antioxidant dubbed by some researchers as ‘super vitamin E’ - has “skyrocketed” in recent weeks following heavy exposure on...

Whole cranberry powder shows activity against recurrent UTIs

Daily consumption of a supplement containing a whole cranberry powder may reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), says a new study.

Citrus flavonoids show anti-inflammatory potential: Study

Increased intakes of compounds called flavonoids from citrus may be associated with lower levels of markers of inflammation, according to a new study from researchers at Harvard, Sweden and Singapore.

EU approves DuPont-Danisco offer – but it’s far from a done deal

The European Commission today approved DuPont’s €4.5bn offer for Danish probiotics, enzymes and ingredients giant Danisco but the deal remains in doubt as to date only 6% of Danisco shareholders...

Naturex set for “one or two” acquisitions in 2011: President

Naturex will expand again in 2011 with several “€5-20m” targets, 1.5 years after completing the €110m integration of Spanish supplier Natraceutical that made the French botanical extracts supplier the biggest...

NutraCea: Defatted rice bran could provide key to lower-fat nuggets

A raft of higher-value products targeting humans rather than animals - from an ultra-potent antioxidant-rich rice bran oil to rice lecithin and food grade defatted rice bran – will help...

‘Special’ coffee may protect against DNA damage: Study

Three to four cups of a ‘special’ coffee rich in green coffee bean compounds and roast products may protect oxidative damage to DNA and help reduce body fat, say new...

Danisco forms pine-sourced phytosterol partnership

Scandinavian ingredients giant Danisco has signed a “long term” deal to market globally the free and esterified phytosterol offerings of US firm Arboris.

Class action lawsuits set to ‘explode’ in health claims arena

A potent combination of lawyers on the make, a rise in activism from consumer lobby groups and food manufacturers pushing the envelope with more aggressive health claims is set to...