Epicor achieves self-determined GRAS status

Embria Health Sciences targets burgeoning immune health market, clearing self-determined GRAS status for its new immunogen ingredient for use in functional foods.

Low-carb diet could improve cholesterol levels, say scientists

A new clinical trial from the US has reported that a low-carb diet improves cholesterol levels, as a second study in a week reports health benefits for this once bright...

Appetising advertising linked to obesity - study

Cambridge scientists have shown that the reward centres of some peoples' brains are more sensitive to appetising food cues, and may help explain compulsive eating disorders.

More support for pistachios' heart health benefits

Adding pistachio nuts to your daily diet could be an easy way to improve cholesterol levels, say researchers from Turkey, the world's fourth biggest pistachio nut producer.

Herb-drug reaction studies contribute to debate

Two new studies have added weight to arguments in the debate over whether or not interaction between herbal remedies and prescription drugs poses a significant threat to the public.

Xalar salmon oil plans to conquer US market with freshness

Fish farming multinational Marine Harvest aims to push recently launched Xalar salmon oil into the US market as a functional food ingredient over the next year.

Probiotics could target causes of liver cancer

A daily supplement of probiotics could reduce the risk of liver cancer caused by fungal toxins in foods, a leading cause of the disease in some of the world's most...

Rapeseed proteins seen as potential functional ingredient

Using rapeseed proteins as ingredients in 'functional' sausages boosted taste and aroma of the finished product, as scientists continue the search for novel functional ingredients.

Could micronutrients be the future of diet design?

Planning diets around key micronutrients like amino acids could be the future of diet design and a way to help the fight against obesity, says research published in Science.

Studies draw attention to nutraceuticals at Canadian medical conference

Studies presented at the North American Research Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine point to the medical establishment's growing interest in alternative therapies - counterbalancing recent denouncements against the field.

ZeaVision to source zeaxanthin from Kalsec

ZeaVision is planning to support the latest licensee of its zeaxanthin patent, fulfilling some of its requirements for its EyePromise supplement line from Kalsec.

Elderly men may benefit from vitamin D, calcium too

Elderly men, a population that is often overlooked in bone health studies, could also benefit from daily supplements of fortified milk, says new research from Australia.

National Starch pinpoints projects for health innovation

Cleaner labels, health claims and satiety are amongst the projects in the pipeline at ingredients giant National Starch Food Innovation, which will be looking for food firms to partner with...

Blueberries could stop liver cancer growth

US scientists report that blueberry extracts inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells in the lab, potentially adding to the growing list of health benefits for the 'superfood'.

Cyanotech hoping to ride BioAstin wave

Annual sales at Cyanotech dropped by three percent, as a 27 percent hike in fourth quarter sales was not enough to offset issues that beset the Hawaiian microalgae producer in...

Glanbia turns whey into functional, nutritional emulsifier

Modification of whey protein concentrates with high phospholipid proportions could turn standard emulsifiers into functional health promoting ingredients, results that could have important implications for the food industry.

Report examines untapped potential in soy

Around a quarter of US consumers feel they do not get enough soy in their diets, while almost half are still not aware of the health benefits linked to the...

Flaxseed could boost lung health, animal study

A dietary supplement of flaxseed, a rich source of lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, could prove useful to reduce lung inflammation and oxidative stress, if results from a mice study...

Canadian regulations breed consumer and industry confusion

Confusion over the exact jurisdiction of Canada's Natural Health Products Directorate does not bode well for nutraceutical food and drinks seeking the federal stamp of approval that can lead to...

Nutraceuticals in China: adopt strategy for growth

China is usually regarded as the stiff competition for Western ingredient firms, but a new report from Frost and Sullivan indicates that the Chinese are increasingly avid consumers of nutraceutical...

Omega-3 enriched milk could protect against metabolic syndrome

Dietary supplementation with an omega-3 enriched milk could be a simple and tolerable way to ease cardiovascular risk factors linked to metabolic syndrome, say Spanish researchers.

FDA confirms barley/heart health claim

The FDA has confirmed the qualified health claim linking whole grain barley to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, which could help raise awareness of the grain amongst heart...

Cognis and WILD team up to innovate

Cognis and WILD are joining forces to form a powerhouse of food and beverage product innovation, combining Cognis' store of ingredients with Wild's formulation expertise.

More evidence for natto/ vitamin K bone health benefits

Natto, the traditional Japanese fermented soybean and a rich source of vitamin K2, could reduce bone loss in post-menopausal women by as much as 80 per cent, says research from Japan.

Natrol has NADH exclusive in US market

A new stabilized NADH, a form of B vitamin niacin also known as coenzyme 1, is set to enter the US market under an exclusive patent licensing agreement between Natrol...

Weekly comment

Hacks v Lab-Rats: who's at fault for consumer confusion?

The relationship between journalist 'hack' and scientist 'lab-rat' must be developed if science is to get a fair deal in the press, and for consumers to be presented balanced and...

Martek to supply Mead Johnson worldwide with exclusive deal

With its new supply agreement with Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Martek Biosciences solidifies its position in the world market for DHA and ARA, as alternative omega-3 sources are approved for infant...

Study sheds light on lutein's anti-inflammatory effect

Lutein, the carotenoid associated with eye health, protects the retina from damage by inhibiting inflammation, according to a new study from Korea.

Heart awareness breeds marketing opportunities

Heart health is a preoccupation of almost half of adult Americans, according to data from the Natural Marketing Institute that flags up the considerable opportunities for healthy and functional food-makers.

New study strengthens obesity-cancer link

Obesity has again been linked to an increased risk of cancer, findings that constitute yet another building block in the wall of pressure being built around the food industry.

Guest article

Preserving intellectual property before a patent is issued

The nutraceuticals industry has a dynamic technology landscape where a product life cycle may be abbreviated. Amid the constant pressure to drive new products to market and the struggle to...

Caffeine and infant health: two studies

The role of caffeine in the health of premature and low birth weight babies has come under scrutiny with two studies, one investigating the impact of mothers' intake during pregnancy...

NIH calls for more science for multivitamins/minerals

An 'impartial, independent panel' has called for more science before strong recommendations about multivitamin/mineral supplements can be made, conclusions welcomed by industry associations.

Grape skin could enhance foods' cachet and healthy appeal

Canadian ingredients supplier CK Foods is introducing a grape skin powder that could be used to enhance bakery and cheese products to capture the attention of health conscious gourmets.

Policosanol's lipid-lowering activity doubted

The ability of the waxy sugar-cane extract, policosanol, to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels have been called into doubt by a new clinical trial, but a poor delivery system undermines the studies'...

Health concerns drive emulsifiers market, says report

Rising health concerns and demand for low-fat foods is set to drive demand for food emulsifiers, according to a recent report by market researcher Frost & Sullivan.

Lonza buys Larex's arabinogalactan assets

Swiss biotech company Lonza has announced the latest move to expand its nutritional ingredients portfolio, with the acquisition of the larch arabinogalactan assets of US firm Larex Inc.

WHI study not waste of money, says women's health group

Negative reports surrounding a study that was interpreted by many media outlets as questioning the link between calcium and bone health has led to an exercise in damage limitation; women's...

More fruit could mean less asthma in adults

People with an antioxidant-rich diet could reduce their risk of developing asthma in adulthood, say Cambridge researchers - adding to a growing body of science on the subject.

Canadian nutraceutical industry to benefit from $15m investment

Canada's AFMNet is supporting the scientific foundations of its functional foods and nutraceuticals industry by committing itself to a three-year, C$15m, research and development investment.

FSANZ promises to speed up food approvals

Food and beverage companies working in Australia and New Zealand will see a faster response to applications for new food ingredients and products from next year, the authorities say.

Nutrition 21 aims to make chromium as well-known as calcium

Nutrition 21 has high hopes for the distribution of its Chromax chromium picolinate in retail outlets, with a major marketing planned for the summer, but the first fruit of commercialization...

Flavanol-rich chocolate could improve skin from within

Cocoa beverages and food rich in flavanols could thicken skin and reduce reddening by 25 per cent, say German scientists - research sure to be welcomed by Europe's burgeoning oral...

Garlic, onions could protect against stomach cancer

Garlic and onions could help protect against stomach cancer, says a massive European-based study, but total fruit and vegetable intake has no benefit for this disease.

Forbes sales slip post Phyto-Source disposal

Following a decision in its first quarter to withdraw from supply of non-branded phytosterol, Forbes Medi-Tech has revealed a projected revenue cut of up to two-thirds for 2006, but has...

Success for Solae over soy claim in Malaysia

Malaysian authorities have given their stamp of approval for food manufacturers to use soy protein heart claims in labeling following petitioning by The Solae Company - news that will further...

More magnesium, less copper could benefit health

People with more magnesium and less copper in their blood could reduce their risk of death from cancer by as much as 50 per cent, says a new study from France.

NutraIngredients.com wins food industry award

NutraIngredients.com has been named Website of the Year in the prestigious 2006 Business Food and Drink Journalism awards.

Cadbury Schweppes to face lawsuit over 'all natural' 7UP

Just a month after the reformulation of its flagship 7Up drink, Cadbury Schweppes is set to face a lawsuit that accuses the firm of deceptively advertising the product as 'natural'.

Chew delivery company seeks equity and market expertise

Newly-formed Delaware corporation Oral Delivery Technology (ODT) partners is seeking equity partners in the delivery systems sector to help further commercialization of its Actijube system for bioactive ingredients.

Firmenich taps Omega 3 demand with flavour know-how

Firmenich used Vitafoods 2006 as the platform to unveil a new microencapsulated Omega 3 ingredient innovation.

Frutarom harnesses mental health benefits of green oat

In seeking inspiration for a new ingredient for mental health, Frutarom looked to the middle ages, when green oat was traditionally used in this area - and used modern science...

Vitamin E symposium reacts to negative press

A collection of US-based scientists met last week to discuss the benefits of vitamin E, amid growing consumer confusion following television reports about the threats.

FDA blackballs green tea heart health claims

The evidence that green tea could benefit heart health are "supportive" but not "conclusive", said the FDA, leaving the door open to backing such health claims in the future. ...

Orange juice may protect against osteoporosis

Drinking more orange or grapefruit juice may reduce bone loss and decrease the risk of osteoporosis in later life, suggests an animal study from Texas.

NNFA adopts mission and vision statements

The National Nutritional Foods Association has adopted a new mission statement, and proposes changing its name to the Natural Products Association to better represent the market and challenges faced by...

Nutrition top of list when it comes to shopping, survey

Family health and nutrition concerns are increasingly influencing household food purchases in the US, according to a new study by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Prevention magazine.

CLA's body-shaping action clarified in new trial

Lipid Nutrition is today announcing the findings of a new human trial using CLA, that reinforces the fatty acid's fat mass reduction claim and shed light on the main locations...

Successful TV ads increase childhood obesity, report

A report published this month confirms that television is effective in getting children to eat the foods advertised, driving up the association between television viewing and childhood obesity.

Valensa goes nano with policosanol

Florida-based Valensa International used the Vitafoods expo in Geneva to introduce industry to its new nanodispersed policosanol, that is said to increase its functionality when used in a range of...

Weekly comment

Chasing down obesity

It is time to admit that society is fighting a part-time battle against the bulge, willingly lambasting soft drinks, burgers and chocolate, while shuffling silently away from a fairly dismal...

Replace trans-fat and save thousands of lives, says review

Over a quarter of a million coronary heart disease events could be avoided by replacing trans-fats in foods, says a new review - calls that have been welcomed by a...

Isoflavone may not help hot flashes - meta-analysis

Isoflavone supplementation does not help alleviate hot flashes for postmenopausal women, says a new meta-analysis.

cGMPs publication date set for December 2006

FDA has finally announced that publication of current good manufacturing practice for dietary supplements has been set for the end of 2006, but past disappointments have led an industry organization...

NIH to debate multivitamin/mineral science

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) are to convene an "impartial, independent" panel to review the available science behind multivitamin/mineral (MVM) effectiveness and safety to help consumers make informed choices....

Garlic could lower cholesterol levels

Eating more garlic in the diet could decrease cholesterol levels and ease the burden of heart disease, says a joint Israeli-Polish animal study.

Ester-C gets tolerability boost

A double-blind clinical trial of Zila's Ester-C has added more support to the tolerability of the supplement; more support to the company's tolerance claims.

Neptune hails breakthrough cholesterol control from krill oil

Canada-based Neptune Technologies has announced results from a clinical trial that reports a daily dose of its krill oil can lower bad cholesterol levels by 34 per cent and boost...

Spicing up could lower blood pressure

The commonly used spice cinnamon could lower blood pressure in hypertensive people, researchers report for the first time, results that have been heralded by industry.

High folate intake plus IVF may increase twin births

Women undergoing IVF fertility treatment have a higher chance of twins if their folate intake is above the recommended dose, says new research.

Key to success: recognize trends, says expert

The key to building long term relationships with consumers is a better understanding of people and their different and changing needs, according to food trend forecaster Phil Lempert. Food firms...

Excellent source claim allowed for EPA/DHA combo

Ocean Nutrition Canada has secured an Excellent Source Nutrient Content Claim for combined EPA/DHA ingredients, giving food manufacturers an additional tool with which to market their products.

Blue California announces new K2 offering

The second new source of natural vitamin K2 is announced on the US market in as many weeks, as Blue California is becomes exclusive distributor of Vitamin K2-All Trans.

Selenium supplements under trial

Selenium has been linked to protection from cancers of both the prostate and lung, as well as immune system health. Many questions remain and numerous clinical trials are seeking to...

Garlic compounds may stop liver cancer growth

Water-soluble compounds from garlic reduced the size of liver cancer cells by a factor of three, research that adds to other anti-cancer studies with garlic, says a new laboratory study...

UIC's herb database goes on-line

The University of Illinois at Chicago's (UIC) NAPRALERT, the world's largest database on herbs and medicinal plant research, is now available on-line, providing easier access to this goldmine of herbal...

Zila stakes out Ester-C advantage with enhanced product

Zila Nutraceuticals has developed and patented a new form of Ester-C said to offer improved antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic potential, which should allow it to maintain its advantage in the vitamin...

Indena commits to Canada with long-term Alliance deal

Italian herbal extracts supplier Indena is expanding its presence in the North American market, signing a long-term distribution deal for Canada with Alliance Principle Ingredients.

Resveratrol could protect against stroke, says lab study

Resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, red wine and peanuts, can improve blood flow in the brain by 30 per cent, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, according to the...

More support for lycopene protection against prostate cancer

Lycopene could protect against the development of prostate cancer, says research from India, adding to previous reports linking the carotenoid to healthier prostates.

Bioriginal aims to clear up omega-3 confusion

Canadian-based essential-fatty acid (EFA) specialist Bioriginal is introducing a new service to help companies develop clear and accurate labeling for essential fatty acids that meets regulatory requirements.

Weekly comment

Working at self-regulation

Self-regulation has become the mantra of food groups who argue that laws are not always necessary - but can industry be trusted when it has failed so spectacularly in the...

HMRlignan may inhibit prostate cancer

Research from Italy has shed light on possible mechanisms for stopping the growth of prostate cancer by Linnea's HMRlignan, as the company continues to consolidate the science behind its product.

Omega-3 could reduce neck and back pain

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the incidence of neck and back pain and eliminate the need for medication, says a small US study.

Embria announces Iowa HQ

Embria Health Sciences is to invest more than $10m on establishing its headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, with a 5.1-acre site that will include manufacturing facilities for its new EpiCor immunity...

New challenge to ephedra ban as appeal looms

A question mark has been hanging over the legality of ephedra for more than a year, since a Utah court threw open to debate the FDA's 2004 final ruling banning...