Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

News in brief

Opportunities in Chinese healthy foods market

Chinese supplier Fenchem has highlighted its local market as an area of new opportunity as the Chinese middle class grows and develops spending power.

Ethical ingredients sourcing gets boost from grant money

Sustainable and ethical ingredient sourcing should become easier with grants awarded by the Union for Ethical BioTrade.

Symposium details Calcium-Vitamin D fracture potential

As research continues into the role of calcium and vitamin D in maintaining bone health, a new study suggests a possible link between their combined supplementation and reduced hip fracture rates in the elderly.

Kellogg’s launches meal replacement protein shake

Kellogg’s has entered the weight management area with its first-ever protein shake under its female-focused Special K brand.

Probiotic chocolate springboards off Activia success

Barry Callebaut has launched its ProBenefit probiotic chocolate for food manufacturers in the US, saying that Dannon’s Activia advertising has boosted consumer awareness of probiotics’ potential benefits.

Kyowa Hakko affirms GRAS for citicoline

Kyowa Hakko’s citicoline brain health ingredient, Cognizin, is set to make its first appearance in functional foods following self-affirmed GRAS designation.

Analyst spies global food process-functionality boost

Growing interest from food processors in providing healthier convenience products is driving a surge in global demand for functional ingredients, particularly in emerging markets like India, suggests recent market analysis.

Embria announces new GRAS level for EpiCor

Embria Health Sciences has announced GRAS designation for its EpiCor ingredient that gives new reassurance of its safety at intake levels 6 times higher than the previous GRAS designation.

News in brief

Chinese supplier quits vitamin A and E

Chinese supplier, Zhejiang NHU Limited, has ceased production of vitamin A in response to wilting demand.

No conclusive link between diet and ADHD

A Harvard Medical School review has concluded that there is still not enough evidence to link diet with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

CRN welcomes FDA Commissioner Hamburg; backs education

The Council for Responsible Nutrition has given the thumbs up to only the second woman to hold the prestigious post of Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, Marageret Hamburg.

D deficiency: Data denotes dementia danger?

Low blood levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, says a new hypothesis based on existing risk factors.

Niche markets and recession-busting strategies

Consumers express their own values when they shop, and the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) market is no different. Jeff Hilton, the managing director of Utah-based Integrated Marketing Group, tells Shane Starling how companies can make the most of this market's potential.

Multivitamins linked to younger ‘biological age’: Study

The cells of multivitamin users may have a younger biological age than cells from non-users, according to new research from the US.

Beer's functional potential: A fruity conundrum

With regulations prohibiting the use of health claims on alcoholic beverages, is there room for innovation in the use of fruit ingredients and extracts in beer?

News in brief

Moscow hosts global supplements meeting

Scientific and regulatory experts from Russia, the European Union, China and the US are set to meet in Moscow next month to discuss food supplements and the global regulatory systems that govern them.

Maxx launches bitter-free green tea for bakery

Upstate New York-based Maxx Performance has introduced an encapsulated green tea extract allowing addition to bakery and other dried goods without compromising flavor.

USP launches GRAS monograph service

Third party certifier, USP, has launched a monograph service for companies that have achieved self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status for food ingredients.

Prebiotic fibres may boost weight loss: Study

Daily consumption of prebiotic oligofructose may lead to weight loss by suppressing levels of hormones linked to hunger, says a new study from Canada.

News in brief

Hoodia product rapped for misleading advertising

A UK company has been told to amend advertising for a hoodia gordonii product for which claims were being made that it could reduce calorie intake, lose weight, boost mood, act as an aphrodisiac and more.

Round table: Nanotech and nutraceuticals

Food and nutrition is a 'hot spot' for nanotechnology, experts have said. Stephen Daniells talks to two such experts and asks where the developments are, is enhanced bioavailability a good thing, and whether we should be concerned by nanotech.

Study strengthens Vitamin K1's heart benefits

Supplements of vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, may slow hardening of the arteries in people already suffering from the condition, says a new study from the US.

Prebiotics may boost teenage magnesium absorption

Daily supplements of prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may enhance a teenage girl’s absorption of magnesium, according to a new study from Cargill and TNO Quality of LIfe.

Weekly comment

Cheerios: Drugs for breakfast?

When is a breakfast cereal not a breakfast cereal? Well, when it’s a drug.

Vitamin E tocotrienols' coming of age

Vitamin E tocotrienols are dwarves in a land of tocopherols – the vitamin E giants. But the tocotrienol market is growing. Stephen Daniells talks to Lipid Nutrition’s John Kurstjens, and Carotech’s Sharon Ling, about entry to the market, the benefits of competition, and new areas for tocotrienol science.

Health Canada’s probiotics monograph ‘insufficient’: Expert

A recently published monograph by Health Canada is ‘insufficient’ and could lead to a ‘fooling of the consumer’ according to a leading probiotics researcher.

Vitamin D good for brains and lungs, say new studies

Increased intakes of the sunshine vitamin may slow age-related losses in mental function, and ease breathing in asthma sufferers, according to two new studies.

Guest article

In defense of DSHEA: a call for calm

The recent Hydroxycut recall has caused a stir and the knives are out once again for the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). But food lawyers Ivan Wasserman and Svetlana Walker argue those that would carve the regulation up are turning a blind eye to all that is good in the regulation and the vast amount of good that has been achieved since it was enacted in 1994.

D-Ribose GRAS opens doors to energy foods, drinks

Minneapolis-based Bioenergy tells Lorraine Heller about the application areas opened up for its D-Ribose energy ingredient, following its determination as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in foods and beverages.

E for emerging nutrient? The growth of vitamin E tocotrienols

Vitamin E tocotrienols are slowing coming out of the shadow of tocopherols. Stephen Daniells talks to Dr Barrie Tan from American River Nutrition, about new sources of tocotrienols, new entrants to the market, and where the health benefits lie.

News in brief

Senate confirms Hamburg to head FDA

The US Senate confirmed Dr Margaret Hamburg as Food and Drug Administration Commissioner on Monday.

Company claims consumers duped by trans fat labeling loophole

Consumers who choose foods labeled ‘zero trans fats’ could still surpass their recommended daily limit due to FDA rules that allow up to 0.49g of trans fat per serving to be rounded to zero, says spread company Smart Balance.

Enforce DSHEA, don’t scrap it, says CRN

The failure to diligently enforce the 1994 Dietary Supplements and Health Education Act (DSHEA) is the cause of most of the problems that have drawn a barrage of heavy criticism in the mainstream media, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Review supports vitamin K's fracture reducing power

High dose supplements of vitamin K are effective for reducing the risk of fractures in post-menopausal women, according to a new review of the ‘reliable literature’.

Functional market won’t wait for procrastinators, says analyst

Innovation in the functional food and beverage industry is currently passing the eye before the storm, and manufacturers must not hesitate to act or they will be “lost”, market analyst James Tonkin tells Lorraine Heller.

Magnesium may benefit blood pressure in hypertensives

Supplemental magnesium may reduce blood pressure people with high blood pressure, but seemingly normal magnesium levels, says a new study from Korea.

Stevia standards developer could lack future funding

Ingredient standards researcher ChromaDex Corporation has said that it anticipates significant future demand for its services, but is unsure if it can secure the capital necessary to continue expansion.

ABC sees herbs' progress in 2008 and 2009 to date

The American Botanical Council is optimistic about herbs’ potential to withstand recession pressures – and some ingredient and finished product suppliers are reporting a record Q1.

Scientists boost ellagic acid bioavailability: Study

Forming a complex with phospholipids could enhance the bioavailability of ellagic acid, a polyphenol with antioxidant activity, according to new findings from India.

News in brief

FAAN invests $1.1m in allergy research

The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) has announced a $1.12m research fund to help better understand the causes of allergies and find treatments.

Probiotics under the microscope

In this NutraIngredients-USA.com round-table discussion, leading figures in the global probiotics industry examine the state of play in the category, and what we should expect in the coming years.

Chewing almonds may boost satiety

Thorough chewing of almonds may increase the absorption of unsaturated fat and suppress hunger for longer, according to findings from Purdue University.

Low vitamin D may boost metabolic syndrome risk

Insufficient and deficient levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome by 52 per cent, according to a joint Anglo-Chinese study.

News in brief

Vitamin D scientist awarded Linus Pauling Institute Prize

This year’s Linus Pauling Institute Prize for Health Research went to Dr Michael Holick from the Boston University School of Medicine for his work to revolutionize the understanding of vitamin D and its role in disease prevention.

Weekly comment

Different shades of green: Looking beyond carbon footprints

You can try your best to avoid it, but when it comes to measuring carbon footprint, almost everything we do these days, either as a business or individuals, is likely to have a negative impact on the environment.

ZMC-Farbest team up to extend beta-carotene distribution

ZMC-USA and ZMC China have formed a strategic partnership with Farbest Brands to market ZMC’s line of high-quality beta carotene products in the US.

Probiotics may reduce eczema risk by 60 per cent

Daily supplements of a multi-bacterial strain food may reduce the risk of eczema by 58 per cent during the first three months of life, according to a new study from The Netherlands.

Synbiotics may cut infant infections: Lallemand study

A combination of probiotic strains and prebiotic fibre may reduce the incidence of childhood infections by about 25 per cent, according to a new study from Lallemand.

Supplements and DSHEA under mass attack

The US dietary supplement industry is facing a massive media onslaught after recent recalls of harmful products have placed the sector and the law that regulates it under the spotlight.

Kosher grape skin extract responds to US demand

Chr. Hansen has partnered with wineries in France and Italy to produce grape skin-derived red colorings for kosher-certified beverages, as well as polyphenols for the dietary supplement industry.

News in brief

FTC warns against swine flu scams

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned internet “pedders” to stop marketing products for the prevention of swine flu unless these are backed by science.

FDA guides on calcium, vit D health claims

The FDA has issued a new guidance for industry on using the newly amended health claim on calcium and osteoporosis, which now include vitamin D.

Antioxidants needed by exercising populations: Nutritionist

Conclusions that supplements of vitamins C and E may blunt the positive effects of exercise are a "gross over extrapolation of the experimental findings", says a nutrition expert.

Folic acid may boost baby’s heart health: Study

Increased intakes of folic acid by mandatory fortification of grain products to reduce neural tube defects may also reduce a baby’s risk of severe congenital heart defects, says a new study.

Latin America’s appeal for food companies

Latin America presents growing opportunities for investment for food manufacturers, even as the economic crisis takes its toll on American and European markets, according to a new market report.

New high bioavailability DHA reaches North America

A concentrated DHA ingredient that claims to closely resemble DHA found in human breast milk has been launched on the North American market, following a distribution agreement between Spanish firm Brudy and New Jersey-based Xsto Solutions.

New online resource guides athletes to ‘safe’ supplements

Independent certifier NSF has launched a new online resource to help athletes, coaches and consumers to select “safer”, “quality” dietary supplement products.

Brudy and Xsto present new DHA to North American market

Spanish ingredient maker Brudy Technology and US distributor Xsto Solutions tell Lorraine Heller about a new omega-3 DHA launched in the North American market.

Functional foods still booming, despite recession dent

Functional foods have seen a slowdown in growth in the last year as the recession bites into grocery spending, but analysts’ outlooks are not all grim. They are cheaper than supplements in the short term, and cheaper than medical bills in the long, notes Packaged Facts.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

K for Kartilage? New health areas for vitamin K

Vitamin K has been linked to bone, heart, and even prostate health, but could joint health and cartilage be next on the horizon for the unKnown vitamin? Stephen Daniells talks to Prof Cees Vermeer from VitaK, about raising awareness on vitamin K, dietary intakes, and new applications.

Developing solutions to fight food fraud

Adulteration of food proteins - as seen in the recent melamine scandal - is becoming a greater threat to industry as the food supply has become more globalized and economic crisis drives manufacturers to seek cheaper ingredients, says Jim Griffiths of US Pharmacopeia.

Start-up explores new selling strategy for beauty supplements

Functionalab, a nutricosmetics start-up company, has developed a new strategy for marketing beauty supplements that puts the accent on education and consultation.

General Mills Cheerios cereal is a drug, says FDA

General Mills has been told to change the marketing of its popular Cheerios whole grain cereal, as the health claims it currently uses classify it as an unapproved drug.

Cactus moves to meet Western demand for nattokinase

Cactus Botanics is launching nattokinase in the United States, as the research mounts up on the enzyme’s potential in heart health supplements.

News in brief

FDA seizes $1.5m of ingredients stored in ‘filth’

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the seizure of over $1.5m worth of food products, including herbs and botanicals, because they were stored in “filthy conditions”.

Antioxidants may ‘block’ benefits of exercise: Study

Supplements of antioxidant vitamins after exercise may decrease the benefits of the workout by blocking the positive effects of reactive oxygen, says a new study.

Vitamin-exercise study questioned

Reports that vitamins C and E may blunt the positive effects of exercise are misleading, according to an antioxidant expert.

Glanbia guns for sports and infant nutrition market

Chief operating officer at Glanbia Nutritionals Dr Raimund Hoenes sat down with Shane Starling at Vitafoods in Geneva and shared insights into some of the challenges the sub-division of the Irish dairy giant has faced since its inception two years ago with a brief to develop an infant and sports nutrition ingredients portfolio.

Be proactive to stay ahead of the game, say supplement groups

The US dietary supplement industry as a whole must be more proactive if it is to have any impact on the decisions affecting its future, say the nation’s trade associations.

FDA orders destruction of supplements worth $1.3m

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday again shook its iron fist at the dietary supplement industry, ordering the destruction of thousands of bottles of sports supplements that contained unapproved food additives.

News in brief

Marion Nestle slams supplement scene

A sharp article by renowned nutrition professor Marion Nestle states in no uncertain terms that the world of dietary supplements takes no heed of science or safety.

Record FDA budget proposed as Hamburg clears Senate

Dr Margaret Hamburg, the Obama Administration’s pick to lead the FDA, easily cleared the Senate on Thursday, while the Administration proposed a record budget increase for the agency.

Grand plans for vitamins

Vitamin Angels – often referred to as the humanitarian arm of the natural products industry – provides the framework for companies to donate nutritional supplements or fortified foods to children who urgently need them.

Weekly comment

The quiet potential of supplements and fortified foods

What do companies like Vitamin Shoppe, Johnson & Johnson, DSM, Whole Foods, NBTY and even Pfizer have in common?

Mediterranean diet may lower blood pressure: Study

Following a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in olive oil and fruit and vegetables, may improve vascular health and reduce the risk of hypertension, says a new study.

News in brief

Fruit and veg may slash colorectal cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 25 per cent, says a large European study.

Hydroxycut recall prompts calls for DSHEA review

The recent recall of top-selling Hydroxycut weight loss products has prompted the – not unexpected – call for a review of regulations governing dietary supplements in the United States.

Wild Flavors seeks external stevia safety stamp

Wild Flavors has said it is aggressively working toward external safety assessment of its stevia extracts as it becomes the latest company to announce the launch of a stevia flavor solutions range.

Market expected to rebound from Hydroxycut blow

The recent recall of the top-selling weight loss supplement brand Hydroxycut will further erode consumer confidence in the category, but the market will ultimately rebound, says an ingredients player.

Probiotics may help women regain their figures after pregnancy

Probiotic supplements during the first trimester of pregnancy may help women lose weight after the infant’s birth, say new findings presented today at the European Congress on Obesity.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

Hydrolysed collagen may boost beauty from within: Rousselot studies

Daily supplements of a hydrolysed collagen may improve skin hydration by 28 per cent, and reduce the wrinkles by 30 per cent, say two new studies from Rousselot.

FDA fails to reach state food safety audit targets

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken another blow as a US news organization published figures on Thursday showing it is failing to meet its goals for auditing individual states’ food safety inspections.

Supplements are unregulated nostrums, says reputable journal

An editorial published in a reputable journal states that dietary supplements are “nostrums” that are unregulated by FDA and make vague health claims to avoid the need for validation.

Euromonitor breaks down functional foods and supplements market

Euromonitor analyst Daniel Latev tells NutraIngredients-USA.com which categories in the functional foods and supplements sector have driven growth in recent years, and what industry should expect moving forward.

News in brief

May elected as Med diet month

Oldways and the Mediterranean Food Alliance have designated May ‘Mediterranean Month’ in an effort to further publicize the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet.

Selenium linked to lower skin cancer risks

Higher blood levels of selenium may reduce the incidence of skin cancer by about 60 per cent, according to a new study from Dutch and Australian researchers.

The probiotic moisture challenge

Connie Sindelar, probiotic format development manager at Danisco tells NutraIngredients-USA.com about formulation challenges involved in using the healthy bacteria.

Danisco breaks down probiotics market

North America and Eastern Europe are the two fastest growing markets for probiotic products, recording more than triple the growth rates seen in the most mature markets for the healthy bacteria, according to Danisco.

Nutrient-rich and GI diet cuts eye disease risk: Study

A diet that includes key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods is likely to reduce risks for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the results of a new study.

How the EU health claims process could impact US

How will the new health claims system in Europe impact the state of play in the North American market? Lorraine Heller speaks to a leading international ingredients supplier about the potential marketing and regulatory implications.

Supplier claims pomegranate functional fortification breakthrough

A supplier of bionutritional products claims to have extended its pomegranate extract range with a variation that optimizes flavor profile for use specifically as a functional ingredient.

B6 may slash colorectal cancer risk: Harvard study

Increased intake of vitamin B6 from dietary and supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by over 50 per cent, suggests a new study.

Snack Size Science: Vitamin E and the quest for thick hair

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we consider if vitamin E from palm oil can help men with thinning and receding hair. Malaysian researchers suggest there’s potential for the vitamin in mane-maintenance.

Immunity claims are next on FTC’s radar, says legal expert

Immunity is likely to be the next major focus for the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as it closes its fist over fraudulent dietary supplement products, suggests a food and drug lawyer.

US organics buck recessionary trend

US sales of organic food have surged despite dire predictions for its resilience as consumers look for ways to cut spending, according to a new survey on American organics.

Chia and dietary fiber for AHD International at IFT

Developments in dietary fibers and chia seeds are expected to dominate the offerings of ingredients group AHD International at the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo taking place next month.

News in brief

NutraIngredients Twitter from Vitafoods

Keep up to date with all the latest industry and science headlines from this year’s Vitafoods by following NutraIngredients' journalists on Twitter.

Folic acid may ease asthma symptoms: Study

Higher levels of folate may reduce the risk of having asthma by 16 per cent, suggests new research from the US.

Fierce clamp-down for swine flu supplements

Marc Ullman, partner at Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman tells NutraIngredients-USA.com what is in store for companies falsely marketing dietary supplements as preventions for swine flu.

Swine flu supplement fraud will not be tolerated, say regulators and industry

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are warning consumers to stay away from supplements that claim to treat or prevent swine flu, and say they will take aggressive action against companies attempting to benefit from the public health emergency.

Dried plums for healthy, satiating snack: Study

Snacking on dried plums could be more effective as an appetite suppressant than a low-fat snack, say researchers.

Leading weight loss supplements linked to liver damage

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a massive recall of a top-selling American weight loss supplement brand, after a series of adverse event reports indicated that the products could be linked to serious liver damage.

Weekly comment

Food safety reform: Not a century too soon

On a summer’s day in 1906 Theodore Roosevelt pushed through new food safety regulation. The Food and Drugs Act passed that day over 100 years ago was the last time the US food safety system was modernized.