Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Study links milk farm chemical input to nutrient kick

Lower input non-organic and organically produced milk has been found to contain significantly higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants compared to higher chemical use sources, a new UK study claims.

DSM debuts Fabuless in North America

DSM Nutritional Products has taken its clinically-backed, branded weight management ingredient, Fabuless, into the US for the first time in a one-shot drink.

Flavonoids linked to lung cancer protection amongst smokers: study

The risk of lung cancer amongst smokers may be decreased by as much as 50 per cent by an increased intake of certain antioxidant flavonoids, according to a new study from UCLA.

NBJ puts a price on nutrition direct sales channels

Direct sales, and particularly the internet, is a source for growth in the US nutrition industry, according to a new report from the Nutrition Business Journal.

Beta-carotene effective as sunburn protector: meta-analysis

Oral supplements of beta-carotene may protect against sunburn, and the longer the supplementation period the greater the protection, says a new meta-analysis.

Boost for corn fibre gum's emulsifying potential

USDA scientists are continuing to expand the potential of a gum produced from corn fibre to replace gum arabic as emulsifiers in beverages, with a new study pinpointing the emulsifying properties of the gum.

Rehydrating tomatoes boosts anti-cancer punch: study

The anti-cancer activity of tomatoes, particularly in the prostate, could be boosted by dehydrating and then rehydrating the fruit, suggests a new study with rats.

Martek and Dow AgroSciences forge alliance for canola DHA

Two major players in the US healthy oils market are joining forces to develop a DHA oil from canola, which could lead to the launch of a new, cost effective source of the blockbuster ingredient down the line.

Organic chocolate fans unlikely to switch to cheaper options

In recent years organic confectionery products have become increasingly popular but are consumers willing to stick by their principals in the face of rising food prices or will they turn towards a cheaper alternative?

FDA adds isomaltulose to tooth decay benefitting claim

The Food and Drug Administration has added isomaltulose to a list of "non-cariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners" that can claim non-promotion of dental carries.

Nutra-Fruit takes cranberries into new high-end niches

Quebec-based company Nutra-Fruit is looking to develop a niche area in cranberries by creating high-end functional foods containing the nutritious berry, and sees large potential for expansion overseas.

Vitamin D levels should be multiplied by ten for children: study

Raising current vitamin D levels from 200 International Units (IU) to 2,000 IU could boost bone health amongst children and have long-term health benefits, says new research.

Apple polyphenols may protect stomachs from aspirin damage

Polyphenol extracts from apples may protect stomachs from ulcers and other complications associated with aspirin, suggests a new animal study from Italy.

Indian backing for Sabinsa resveratrol research

Sabinsa is looking to bringing innovation to its resveratrol manufacturing capabilities after receiving a grant from the Indian government to move ahead with two new pilot trails for both nutrition and cosmetic products.

News focus: Open innovation

Open innovation requires evolutionary change, says General Mills

Developing an open innovation program that works takes tenacity on the part of a food manufacturer, and serendipity will always have a part to play, says the head of General Mill's Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN).

Ingredients sale transforms Atrium into pure nutrition company

Atrium has completed the sale of its active ingredients and specialty chemicals division to AXA Private Equity, heralding the start of a new era in which it will be focused solely on health and nutrition.

Cocoa flavanols show promise for diabetic cardiovascular health

A new study has indicated that cocoa flavanols could help improve blood vessel health in diabetes patients, potentially offering protection against cardiovascular complications that standard medication does not.

Todd Norton: the new bod at Todd

The herbal supplements industry must build the science behind more of its offerings if it is to gain the credibility of some letter vitamins and minerals and nutrients like omega-3 and plant sterols.

Chr Hansen homes in on nutrigenomic probiotics

Chr Hansen is stepping up its probiotic research programme in a quest to find new functionalities and competencies for some of the 100s of strains of probiotics it has in its possession.

Weekly comment

The GSK weight loss wake-up call

GlaxoSmithKline's petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban dietary supplements from making weight loss claims, has opened a cupboard and only the deluded would deny the presence of one or two skeletons rattling around in there.

Seminar to focus on health claims in Asia, Europe

Health claims regulation in major global markets, particularly Europe and Asia, will be the focus of a half-day seminar to be held next month.

Sea buckthorn could have liver benefits, say scientists

A new study on sea buckthorn has found that the extract may ward off liver disease, leading researchers to conclude that it could be incorporated into a nutraceutical food or supplement targeting the condition.

Rice bran approved as meat enhancer

NutraCea has received approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to supply stabilized rice bran as an enhancer for pulverized meat and poultry products.

Sabinsa launches soluble extract range

Ingredient group Sabinsa has adopted a new technology that allows it to 'solubalize' a range of botanical extracts, thereby making them easy to incorporate into beverage applications, said the firm.

Process development targets dairy cholesterol cutting

A proprietary processing development for natural dairy-based ingredients can offer a lower cholesterol alternative to regular milk, while maintaining the same taste profile, according to its manufacturer.

Making a krilling

The tiny crustaceans best known as whale fodder are making a splash as a nutrient-rich marine-sourced alternative to fish and algae in the omega-3 market. Tina Sampalis, PhD, chief science officer at leading krill player, Neptune Technologies & Bioresources, scrutinises the sector.

Cognis hikes vitamin E price

Cognis has announced an increase in the price of natural source vitamin E in North America for the first time in more than six years as input costs spiral.

Red wine keeps liver healthy, suggests new study

Fresh evidence that supports the potential protective health properties of wine with a US study suggesting a glass of red wine a day could actually protect against liver disease.

Researchers to identify obesity botanical extracts

Two research groups have joined forces to identify natural compounds that could hold potential in the prevention of metabolic disease and obesity.

Too little salt may pose CVD risk, suggests study

Low sodium levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, say researchers in an observational study, contradicting recent evidence from intervention trials indicating the dangers of too much salt.

Pomegranate blend targets anti-inflammatory supplements

A new dietary supplement ingredient combines different extracts from the pomegranate fruit, which is said to provide a tailor-made antioxidant and anti-inflammatory blend for supplement makers.

Pizzey's Nutritionals heads for Europe

Pizzey's Nutritionals has launched a flax/fish oil ingredient in Europe after being purchased by Glanbia Nutritionals in 2007. Founder and president of the 17-year-old Canadian supplier Linda Pizzey discusses that move and other aspects of the omega-3 market.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise: the power of pooling resources

NZTE is a government-backed scheme that has helped Kiwi ingredients start-ups compete with companies with much deeper pockets around the globe. Andrew Easdale, business development manager at NZTE's UK office, explains the benefits.

News focus: Weight loss claims

The wider implications of GSK's weight loss petition

The recent GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) attack on weight loss supplements could be setting off the first domino that will push back the boundaries of the dietary supplement market, according to industry members.

Glanbia adds science to Prolibra for weight loss

Glanbia Nutritionals is building up the science behind its Prolibra weight management ingredient, with a new study finding that it can help result in a lower glycemic index.

Supplements a solution for B6 deficiency, says study

Researchers at Tufts University have suggested inadequate vitamin B6 levels across large sections of the US population, which could be reduced via supplementation.

Canadian industry continues supplements bill protests

The Canadian natural foods industry has embarked on a major lobbying campaign, calling for an overhaul to legislation that could place pharmaceutical controls on dietary supplements.

Lead contamination not an issue, says Herbalife

Californian-based supplements manufacturer and distributor Herbalife has hit back at allegations six of its products are unsafe and in breach of Californian contaminants law due to lead levels.

How to behave with new parents

Being bought out by Iranex won't change French herbal extracts supplier Bio Serae's independent approach, says managing director, Olivier Houalla.

Tapping into changing consumer preferences

Peter Wennstrom, president of HealthFocus Europe, and a leading branding consultant, says the next big change in the nutrition industry is not about taste or convenience, but change it self.

Soy comes of age

The soy ingredients market has grown up a lot in 20 years. Solbar vice president of marketing and development Gary Brenner casts an eye over a mature ingredients sector.

News focus: Weight loss claims

Weight loss market already suffering from skepticism, Mintel

Weight loss products continued to struggle in 2007, as consumer skepticism of diet pills contributed to a declining market, according to Mintel.

Zinc bound in yeast promotes superior bioavailability, claims study

The bioavailability of zinc organically bound in yeast is superior when compared to zinc gluconate salts, claim two recent studies backed by Lallemand Health Ingredients.

Nutrient-dense supplement could help overweight, study

Overweight people could benefit from taking a daily portion-controlled, nutrient-dense food supplement, according to a recent study.

Smoothies cause rift between dieticians and dentists

A recent review that casts a rosy glow on the trend for fruit smoothies because they can help consumers meet five a day fruit-and-veg targets has caused uproar amongst dentists, who say the sugar and acid content can cause tooth erosion.

Capsugel program allows fast access to colored capsules

US Capsule manufacturer Capsugel has launched a new program to provide dietary supplement manufacturers with easy access to a range of colored capsules at short notice.

The drug threat to weight loss supplements

Robinson Pharma marketing vice president, Kenn Israel, discusses the recent GlaxoSmithKline petition for weight loss claims be treated as disease claims, and the potential impact of this on the dietary supplement market.

DSM lights a green lantern

DSM Nutritional Products global marketing manager, Martijn Adorf, discusses why green values are as important as price competitiveness to the multinational ingredients giant.

Grape fibre beats other fibres for heart benefits: study

Antioxidant-rich fibres from red grape may reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease more than other fibre sources, suggests new research from Spain.

New nutraceutical processing plant spears Asian market

Supplement makers could soon benefit from a new nutraceutical processing platform as Canadian local government gives backing to start-up life science firm Atlantic New Technology Development.

Weekly comment

Time for an organic-GM peace treaty

The war between the GM and organic movements has been bitterly fought. However in the midst of a global food crisis the time has come for these old enemies to bury their differences and concentrate on the benefits an alliance may bring.

Vitamin D and breast cancer: sunlight or supplements?

Higher vitamin D levels from exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB), may reduce the incidence of breast cancer, according to a new study.

Herbalife lead levels draw attention

Supplements manufacturer Herbalife has been accused of exceeding lead limits established under California's controversial Proposition 65 regulations.

Omega-3 linked to lower colorectal cancer risk

Regular and long-term consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and oil fish may slash the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 40 per cent, suggests a new study.

Green tea extracts show promise for sleep-disordered breathing

Antioxidant-rich extracts from green tea may reduce the effects of oxidative stress caused by breathing problems while people are sleeping, according to US researchers.

Cargill names stevia brand on back of new science

Cargill yesterday gave a name to its stevia brand, further to the publication of an overview of the science supporting the use of rebiana as a sweetener.

Canadian health products bill draws criticism

Legislative amendments being fast-tracked through the Canadian parliament that place pharmaceutical controls on the dietary supplements industry are raising alarm among industry.

News focus: Weight loss claims

Alli and the weight loss drug market

GlaxoSmithKline's alli product - which is the only weight loss drug to directly compete with dietary supplements - has already become the third top-selling obesity drug less than a year after its launch.

Nitrate additives may protect stomachs from ulcers

Nitrites and nitrates, much maligned additives in processed and cured meats, may help protect the stomach from damage, suggests research from Sweden.

Chromium ingredient may lower blood pressure: study

Supplements of niacin-bound chromium(III) may reduce blood pressure and offer knock-on benefits for cardiovascular health, according to new research.

News focus: Weight loss claims

Why weight loss supplements don't work, according to GSK

A petition seeking to classify all weight loss claims as drug claims highlights the major ingredients used in weight loss supplements, and maintains that these are not sufficiently substantiated, that they are ineffective, or that they are linked to adverse effects.

Omega-3 carrier key to boosting children's attention: study

Esterified omega-3 fatty acids may improve the attention scores for children, says a new study from France and Israel's Enzymotec that appears to highlight the importance of the omega-3 carrier.

Forbes to focus on nutraceutical business

Forbes Medi-Tech has said it will focus exclusively on its nutraceutical business, ceasing all its in-house drug activities.

Evolutions in the omega-3 market

Adam Kelliher founded the UK omega-3 supplements company Equazen about 10 years ago after giving up a career as a BBC TV journalist. Leaving Equazen, he recently founded fatty acids researcher and developer, Equateq, which is headquartered in Scotland and developing novel and high-potency omega-3 forms.

The importance of science for branded ingredients

Joerg Gruenwald, president of Analyze & Realize, underlines the importance of branded ingredients for Western companies, and why strong science is imperative for global success.

Sweet tooth in the genes: study

A specific genetic variation may help explain why some people consume more sugary foods than others.

Prostates protected by vitamin D: study

The benefits of vitamin D for prostates may be due to the action of the vitamin on a specific gene, suggests new research that deepens our understanding of how nutrients and genes interact.

Bitter orange standard developed amid safety concerns

A new standard has been published for the weight loss herb bitter orange that will allow interested parties to "develop and test analytical methods for compounds in bitter orange".

News focus: Weight loss claims

GSK petition claims weight loss supplements have no science

A petition by drug firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) requesting that weight loss claims be treated as disease claims maintains that there is no credible science to back up weight loss ingredients used in dietary supplements.

Nestle and GE team-up to tackle nutrition-body composition issues

Understanding the associations between body composition, metabolic status, diet and lifestyle habits could be key to the struggle against obesity, and gaining an advantage in formulation.

Vitafoods 2008 overview

This year's Vitafoods trade show was the largest to date, attracting over 6000 visitors and 450 exhibitors. As the event becomes more widely recognised and respected in the functional foods and supplements industries, Nick Craig Waller from organisers IIR Exhibitions discusses the possibility of taking the show to other markets...

Cranberry oil gains GRAS approval

Stability in a range of food and beverage formats and a nutritional payload that includes omega-3, 6 and 9 oils as well as antioxidants are being pushed for a cranberry seed oil recently granted GRAS status.

Omega-3 EPA linked to less depression

Increased blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may reduce the severity of symptoms of depression, particularly in people taking antidepressants, suggests new research from France.

News focus: Weight loss claims

Drug petition could strip supplements of weight loss claims

A petition filed with the US FDA calling for the agency to treat weight loss claims as disease claims could wipe the weight loss category from the dietary supplement map.

Brown rice wins FDA health claim

Brown rice has been added to the FDA-approved list of whole grains that may make health claims including reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Lignans' prostate cancer protection gets study boost

The lignan metabolite enterolactone may prevent the spread of prostate cancer by acting at the genetic level, suggests new research that deepens our understanding of the topic.

PLT brings new cognitive herb to US

PL Thomas has teamed up with Laila Nutraceuticals to bring a new cognitive health ingredient to the US dietary supplement market.

Vitamin D and cancer: maintaining levels key to protection?

Ensuring levels of vitamin D never get low could be a way of protecting against cancer, suggests a new study from Germany.

Weekly comment

Innovation: the fast before the feast

Last week's Vitafoods trade show highlighted a drop in ingredient innovation with many companies placing the blame at the door of Europe's evolving health claims legislation.

Pine bark extract may boost diabetics' heart health

Supplements of extracts from French maritime pine bark may reduce blood pressure and the use of blood pressure medication among diabetics, suggest results from a new study.

Industry objects to Proposition 65 on beneficial nutrients

Food and supplement industry groups have strongly protested against draft regulatory language on Proposition 65 warnings for nutrients that are beneficial to human health but that are also thought to cause cancer or reproductive defects.

Burgundy builds science for hibiscus extract for UTIs

An extract from hibiscus may cut the incidence of urinary tract infections by 60 per cent, suggests preliminary data from Burgundy.

Nutrition 21 profits plunge amid company reshuffle

Nutrition 21, the New York-based dietary supplements manufacturer and ingredients supplier, has turned in a near-400 percent increase in losses as it restructures and rebrands its range and settles "outstandings".

Gut microflora and obesity - Nestle expands the possibilities

Modifying the population of bacteria in the gut may improve the regulation of glycemic control and reverse the insulin resistance that occurs with obesity, suggests a new study from the Nestlé Research Center.

News focus: Global nutraceuticals market

Emerging nutraceutical markets

In the last article in a series on the global nutraceuticals market, NutraIngredients-USA.com examines some of the emerging markets around the world, including Brazil, India, Africa and the Middle East, and Turkey.

NSF amends supplement standards ahead of FDA deadlines

Leading US third party certifier NSF has updated its national standards on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for dietary supplement production, ahead of soon to be enforced revisions to quality standards within the industry.

B vitamins fail to show heart benefits, says study

Supplements of folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 may not affect cardiovascular health, despite lowering homocysteine levels, says a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dairy foods not impacting on weight issue: study

Claims that consumption of dairy products and other high calcium goods may play a key role in weight loss or gain are not sufficiently supported by scientific testing, according to a new review of existing research.

Valensa invests in organic ingredient supply

Valensa is launching a certified organic grade of its saw palmetto USPlus Prostate Formula, as part of a drive towards increasing its organic activities to meet demand.

News focus: Global nutraceuticals market

Eastern Europe: The fastest growing market

Sales of nutraceutical products in Eastern Europe have shot up in the past decade, as the market catches up with the rest of the world, according to an industry veteran.

Opportunities for heart health on FDA soluble fibre amendment

Fresh opportunities for food makers to tap into soaring heart health market are opening up as FDA extends use of soluble fibre health claim to include certain whole oat products previously ineligible due to fat content.

Unexpected result on iron levels in infant formulations set to spark debate

Food makers face fresh research on optimal iron levels in infant formula as new study suggests extra iron may delay development in infants that already have sufficient levels.

News focus: Global nutraceuticals market

The four markets dominating EU supplements

Italy and Germany are the two largest single markets for nutraceutical products in Western Europe, followed by the UK and France, according to a recent market overview.

Fibre-rich chews could join healthy confectionery market

Cargill has filed a patent application to the US Patent and Trademark office for a fibre-filled confectionery chew.

Fuji develops excipient for dissolvable tablets

Fuji Health Science is launching a new excipient for use in tablets that enables them to dissolve in the mouth in less than 30 seconds - an innovation that presents an alternative to tablets that may be hard-to-swallow.

Weekly comment

Adjusting to Mars' centre stage ambitions

While in the Hollywood stratosphere, it seems that you are not anyone these days unless you're a duo, in the glamorous world of food manufacture, the team-up route to success may not be quite as simple.

Sabinsa builds science behind weight loss blend

Sabinsa's weight management ingredient, LeanGard, may boost weight loss and cut body fat, according to a new study from the company that builds the science behind the product.

CoQ10 may cut muscle injuries for athletes

Supplements of co-enzyme Q10 may reduce the occurrence of muscular injuries in athletes, suggests new research from Japan.

News focus: The global nutraceuticals market

Asia Pacific leads world in nutraceutical sales

The Asia Pacific market for nutraceutical products by far exceeds that of North America and Europe, according to data pooled from different market research firms.

News focus: The global nutraceuticals market

Calcium and multivitamins drive US market

Calcium was the most popular dietary supplement product in the United States in 2006, followed closely by glucosamine, according to market data recently presented to industry members.

Unilever commits to sustainable palm oil

Unilever has pledged to use only palm oil certified as sustainable by 2015, while also supporting calls for a moratorium on further deforestation for palm oil in Indonesia.

Juicing may boost a fruit's antioxidant punch: study

Long term supplementation of antioxidant-rich apples and purple grapes, particularly in juice form, may prevent artery hardening, researchers from France have reported for the first time.

Diana Naturals launches 30 percent PAC cranberry extract

Diana Naturals is introducing a new cranberry extract under its Phytonutriance CranPure brand with exceptionally high percentage of proanthocyanidins (PACs), the flavonoids to which the berry's health benefits have been attributed.

Green tea extract may counter fatigue for workaholics

Supplements of the green tea compound EGCG may offset the signs of physical and mental fatigue associated with modern stressful lives, suggests research from Japan.

CRN backs RDA approach to nutrient level setting

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) provide the best model for guiding proposed rule-making in regard to Daily Values, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition.