Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Cyanotech outlines more cost-reductions as challenges continue

Microalgae supplier Cyanotech said it will focus on improving cultivation yields, reducing supply chain costs and expanding product lines as it emerges from a difficult fiscal 2008.

DHA boosts childrens' brain power, says Martek

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake can improve mental acuity among pre-school children, according to a Martek BioSciences-funded study.

Supplier sued over fake hoodia

The quality of the hoodia gordonii supply chain has once again been brought into question after a Kansas-based contract manufacturer sued one of its suppliers for selling fake material.

Food industry gathers for annual IFT expo

Experts have gathered for the Institute of Food Technologist 2008 Annual Meeting and Food Expo in New Orleans to share research and discuss the current status of food science and technology.

Weekly comment

The food industry after Lisbon

In the face of another rejection of a European Union treaty, the bloc's food industry has one glaring path ahead: business as normal.

Probiotic supplements target Chinese consumers

A Chinese probiotics specialist is hoping to tap China's burgeoning middle class by inking a deal that will see its specialist probiotic strains used in a range of dietary supplements.

NutraCea takes rice bran oil production to China

NutraCea has announced plans to construct the largest rice bran oil refinery in the world, a move that comes just months after the firm entered the edible oil market.

Brands not communicating benefits, say healthcare professionals

The majority of healthcare professionals feel that food companies do not provide enough information about their products for consumers to make healthy purchase decisions, according to a recent survey.

Omega-3 ALA: Industry reacts to review

Following publication of a review that said the omega-3 from plant sources, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), has been overlooked and misunderstood, industry sources have reacted.

Blending cardiology with cooking

If heart healthy jambalaya sounds too good to be true, think again. Careful selection of ingredients can make any food heart healthy, without affecting the flavor, says Dr Richard Collins, MD, the Cooking Cardiologist.

Decas brings high fiber superfruit to US market

Dried fruit supplier Decas Cranberry Products has added the uchuva fruit to its ingredient portfolio, which the firm says will provide food manufacturers with a new way to add fiber to their products.

Cactus pricks pomegranate market with peel extract

Cactus Botanics has joined the rush to expand superfruits beyond the juice category by launching a pomegranate peel extract.

IOM highlights supplement needs of military

A new report on supplement use by military personnel suggests that a systematic framework needs to be set up in order to examine the group's specific needs and ensure the safe use of supplements.

Omega-3 ALA - overlooked and misunderstood?

With marine omega-3 EPA and DHA often stealing the spotlight, ALA from plants has been somewhat ignored, but a new review reinforces ALA's unique and valuable benefits.

Broccoli and co may protect women from diabetes

An increased intake of green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of women developing type-2 diabetes, suggests a new study from New Orleans.

Fortified cheese as good as supplements for vitamin D: study

Eating cheese fortified with vitamin D results in the same blood rises in the vitamin as from supplements, reports new research from Canada.

Bergstrom brings MSM to joint health foods

Ingredient firm Bergstrom Nutrition has said that its MSM joint health ingredient has received GRAS status, opening up the market for its use in food and beverage products.

New Promitor product adds to fiber-enriched options

Tate & Lyle has developed a new soluble corn fiber in its Promitor line, expanding the toolkit at manufacturers' disposal for easy formulation of products with added fiber.

US data reveal 24m diabetes sufferers

Twenty-four million Americans - or 8 percent of the total US population - currently suffer from diabetes, according to the latest government statistics released yesterday.

Omega-3 boosts satiety during weight loss: study

Obese people receiving supplements of omega-3 fatty acids while following a weight loss programme experienced a feeling of fullness for longer, says a new study.

Probiotic criteria crucial for product quality, hears industry

The lack of a legal definition for the term 'probiotic' makes it crucial for US food and beverage manufacturers to meet certain criteria that would ensure the efficacy of their products, industry members heard yesterday.

Study backs dried plums for stronger bones

Polyphenol-rich dried plums may boost bone strength and density by up-regulating growth factors linked to bone formation, reports a new study from the US.

Natreon leverages science to boost awareness for Indian gooseberry

New Jersey-based Natreon is talking up the science behind its Indian gooseberry ingredient, as the company aims to leverage solid science for awareness.

New sweetener to hit market hungry for alternatives

An ingredients company has developed a new natural sweetener that it claims tastes like cane sugar and is expected to rival products such as stevia.

More vitamin D for fewer heart-related deaths: study

People with low blood levels of vitamin D are more than twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease as those with high levels, suggests a new study.

Definition and regulation vital for probiotics future: expert

The boom in probiotics science and products is offering potential benefits for a range of health conditions, but the industry must produce products that adhere to the definitions to avoid damaging itself.

Grape seed extract may prevent Alzheimer's: study

A polyphenol-rich extract from grape seed may prevent the build up of plaques in the brain that may cause Alzheimer's disease, according to a study from Mount Sinai/UCLA.

Weekly comment

GM: Breaking the stalemate

Food industry voices are joining those of politicians in the GM debate, hailing the controversial technology as the answer to the food supply crisis. But the hearts and minds of consumers must still be won.

Bunge buys into sweeteners with Corn Products acquisition

Bunge has announced the signature of a definitive agreement to acquire Corn Products International for around $4.8bn, a major deal that plunges it into the high-potential sweeteners market.

North America leads growth in digestive health

North America was the fastest growing market last year for foods and beverages targeting digestive health, according to data tracked by Mintel.

HFL offers free banned substance testing

Sports supplement testing lab HFL has said that it would conduct banned substance testing free of charge if companies agree to have results publicized through trade bodies.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Dairy replacer and micro-encapsulator

Replacing a dairy ingredient with one from citrus may not sound plausible, but rocketing dairy prices are prompting formulators to look elsewhere for ingredients. In the fourth part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential of pectin to replace dairy proteins.

Industry backs FDA supplement clamp-down

The dietary supplements industry has applauded a move by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clamp down on products making bogus cancer cure claims.

Blueberries reduce cholesterol levels, for pigs at least

Supplementing the diet with blueberries may reduce cholesterol levels by over ten per cent, suggests a new study with our porcine friends.

Pine bark extract may ease menstrual pains: study

An extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree may reduce the pain associated with menstruation, suggests a new study from Japan.

FDA cracks down on fake cancer cures

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned 23 US companies and two foreign individuals to stop selling products that claim to cure cancer.

Cranberries, probiotics may fight ulcer-causing bacteria in children

Cranberry juice or probiotics clear the stomach of children of a bacterial strain known to cause ulcers and cancer, new research reports.

Green banana fibres could give noodles nutrient boost

Resistant starch from the green fruits of plantain and banana may boost the fibre content of foods such as instant noodles, suggests new research.

CRN event to examine politics and its impact on industry

The impact of political change on the dietary supplement industry is set to be one of the major themes to be examined at a forthcoming industry event.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Providing solutions for healthy foods

Health and wellness is creeping in to every aspect of the food industry. In the third in an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential for pectin offer formulation solutions when targeting the health and wellness trend.

The true state of comments to GSK's weight loss petition

Last week, NutraIngredients-USA.com mistakenly reported that comments to the GSK weight loss petition were sparse. A re-examination of data reveals that public comments have been flooding in, with the large majority expressing strong opposition.

Antioxidant-rich fruit, veg linked to less gullet cancer: study

An increased intake of antioxidant vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene may cut the risk of Barrett's oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer, suggests a new study from California.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Health claims and labelling

Whether pectin will ever be more than a gelling agent and stabiliser and be labelled as a health ingredient depends on science and money. In the second part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the health claims for Grandma's favourite ingredient.

Pilot study gives sign of fish oil for insulin sensitivity

A pilot study investigating the effects of fish oil supplements has hinted that there may be some benefits for insulin resistance which, if substantiated in bigger trials, could open up a new area of benefits for the healthy ingredient in the future.

NPF-DSEA merger strengthens industry support network

The Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA) has merged into the Natural Products Foundation (NPF) in a move expected to strengthen efforts to communicate the benefits of dietary supplements.

Science of slimming ingredients to get Berlin spotlight

Stepping out of the shadow of uncertainty cast by the US weight management market, slimming ingredients will get the spotlight in Berlin next week.

Fortification gains on dieting, says report

The average American today consumes at least two 'better for you' products every day, according to research released yesterday.

Gelita innovation meets health and convenience demand

International gelatin specialist Gelita has launched two new products that incorporate the themes driving its innovation strategy - health and wellness, and convenience.

Placebo supplement spawns opposition

A placebo dietary supplement aimed at soothing children's pains has been criticized as being 'unlawful' and 'unethical'.

Flavonols may slash colorectal cancer risk: study

An increased intake of antioxidant flavonols from tea, onions, beans, and apples may slash the risk of colorectal cancer by a whopping 76 per cent, suggests a new US study.

Fenchem sales grow on increased US demand

Chinese ingredients firm Fenchem has said its US sales have gone up by 10 percent over the past six month, an increase the company puts down to opening a new office in the country.

Natreon takes functional extracts to Asia

Ingredients firm Natreon is set to expand its reach in the Asian market after teaming up with Maypro, a US-based firm with a strong presence in the Japanese and Asian markets for functional foods and dietary supplements.

AHD beefs up weight management fiber suite

Georgia-based supplier AHD International has upped its presence in the increasingly busy weight management space by adding to its LuraLean fiber ingredient range.

Weekly comment

The value of hyperactive curiosity

For a little yellow flower, it's ignited a huge debate. Believe the headlines and St John's wort won't help hyperactive kids, but last week's study asks more questions than it answers. It's time to put funding disclosures in the dock.

Diabetics shouldn't forget their antioxidants: study

Vitamins C and E supplements may reduce memory loss in type-2 diabetics, a population at risk of increased impaired memory, suggests a new study from Canada.

Citrus extracts show promise for heart health: pilot study

Extracts from tree bark and citrus may boost the heart health and improve weight management among people with osteoarthritis, according to results of a pilot study.

Pomegranate extract may stop inflammation, says Bugs

A study with rabbits indicates that extracts from pomegranate may inhibit inflammation, and positively effect chronic disease risk.

Industry junks St John's wort ADHD study

A study that found St John's wort was ineffective in positively affecting children suffering from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been heavily criticized by industry for being badly designed.

New wine flour fortifies bread, extends shelf-life

A wine flour set to enter the US market can deliver a healthy profile to baked goods, through the addition of antioxidants, fiber and fatty acids, while also extending shelf-life, according to its manufacturer.

Med diet gathers momentum

An initiative to promote the Mediterranean style of eating amongst US households has gathered speed as the science supporting the diet continues to stream through.

Vegetable oil prices set to stay high, US warns

Vegetable oil prices are expected to remain high into the coming 2008/09 season as surging demand from the developing world outpaces production, predicts the US agriculture department.

Apple pectin may protect against metabolic syndrome

A highly methoxylated apple pectin (HMAP) may counter changes in metabolism and cardiovascular health associated with the metabolic syndrome, according to a study from Spain.

Toyo backs US pine bark market

Japanese healthy ingredients supplier Toyo Bio-Pharma will be exhibiting for the first time at the IFT Food Expo in New Orleans June 28 to July 1 as it continues its charge into the United States functional food and beverage market with its Toyo-FVG maritime pine bark extract.

Supplements are not steroids, industry tells Congress

An industry-led campaign to educate Congress staff about dietary supplements in sports nutrition has kicked into action with the first in a series of meetings with key personnel.

Study hints at milk thistle's heart health benefits

A crude extract from milk thistle reduced the oxidation of LDL cholesterol by up to 86 per cent, indicating significant potential to boost heart health, says a new study.

Chromium ingredient may have diabetes benefits: study

Supplements of niacin-bound chromium (III) may reduce inflammation in diabetics and benefit heart health, suggests new research with rats.

Chrysantis tables zeaxanthin tablet form

Rising eye-health ingredient zeaxanthin has been launched in a tablet-friendly form by one of the world's big three players - Illinois-based Chrysantis.

Industry and government strengthen union in battle against obesity

Three food industry organizations have intensified their partnership with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the government's nutrition education program.

ADHD not helped by St John's wort: study

Supplements of St John's wort may not be effective in improving ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Nutrigenomic 'good news' on the way

Ready-to-buy human genomes will facilitate the development of dietary supplements tailored to patching genetic flaws, according to University of California (UC) researchers.

Comments still sparse to GSK weight loss petition

NutraIngredients-USA.com has published an update to this article here . The controversial drug petition that threatens to squeeze dietary supplements out of the weight loss market has as yet generated only a handful of comments, although there are signs that industry is quietly gathering its defenses as it prepares for battle.

Cauliflower waste boosts fiber in expanded snacks

Adding cauliflower to ready-to-eat snacks boosts fiber content and nutritional value, a new study has found.

NutraCea inaugurates rice bran facility

NutraCea on Friday inaugurated its Louisiana rice bran facility, which the company says will eventually boost its annual US production capacity by 30,000 tons.

Low vitamin D levels may raise heart attack risk

Increasing vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of heart attacks, suggests a new study from Harvard School of Public Health.

Omega-3 linked to healthy eyes: meta-analysis

A high intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by up to 38 per cent, suggests a new meta-analysis.

Weekly comment

Food crisis: Time to stop the squabbling

Bickering gets you nowhere. It's a lesson to be learned early in life, but which seems easily forgotten when it comes to tough political issues like measures to curb the food crisis.

NAD clamp-down highlights growing self-regulation

The advertising review body NAD has requested changes to the marketing of a virus-blocking supplement, a move that highlights the growing focus by industry on self-regulation.

More lead testing confirms product safety, says Herbalife

Supplements firm Herbalife has said that additional testing it commissioned confirms that its products do not contain dangerous levels of lead, reiterating that recent allegations against the firm were "inaccurate" and "misleading".

Calcium pills beat fractures in new clinical trial

Daily supplements of calcium may reduce the risk of fractures in a healthy population by 72 per cent, according to results of a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Nestle-Indena team up to boost lycopene bioavailability

Bioavailable lycopene can be produced by a simple chemical process to tomato products, with stability maintained for over a year, according to researchers from Nestlé and Indena.

Blend targets new foods with ancient grains

FutureCeuticals has debuted an ingredient derived from a blend of grains it says delivers nutrition and mouthfeel benefits to most food categories, especially beverages and baked goods.

Niacin's cholesterol-lowering mechanism proposed

The cholesterol-lowering effects of niacin may by located in the liver, suggests new research that fills in the gaps in our understanding of the heart healthy benefits of the B vitamin.

Mulberry leaf extracts give glimpse of hydrocolloids future

An extract from the leaves of the mulberry bush may act as a hydrocolloid, with potentially unique properties for food formulators, says new research from Taiwan.

Natural innovation needed to oust villains, says report

Artificial additives have become "contemporary villains" and synthetic flavors are no longer acceptable to consumers, according to a new market report.

US and Japan forming health food alliance

Two leading US nutrition groups are teaming up with a Japanese counterpart to combine their knowledge in a bid to meet both the domestic and international challenges facing the industry.

Pomegranate extract shows joint health potential

An extract from pomegranate may suppress the inflammation and damage in joints linked to arthritis, if results from an animal study can be repeated in humans.

NBTY puts $230 million up for Leiner Health Products

Vitamin manufacturer NBTY has made a $230 million bid to acquire bankrupt vitamin maker Leiner Health Products, a deal which could create the largest manufacturing operation in the US.

Export markets drive Martek profit growth

Omega-3 oils supplier Martek Biosciences Corporation has turned in a healthy second quarter, with profits surging above forecasts on the back of increased overseas sales and growing revenues in its core infant formula business.

Energy drinks safety questioned by German agency

Energy drinks have the potential to cause liver damage, heart failure and even death and should carry warnings for certain population groups, according to a German body.

Consolidation to continue for $18bn flavor market

The top ten global flavor players possess two thirds of the total market, but still the market continues to consolidate, confirms a report.

FDA urged to ban artificial colors linked to hyperactivity

Artificial colors linked to increased hyperactivity in children are the "secret shame" of the food industry and should be banned by FDA, consumer activists have said.

Low-dose resveratrol may slow ageing: for mice at least

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, may mimic the effects of calorie-restriction and inhibits various aspects of the ageing process, says a new study.

Has stevia broken US dietary supplement shackles?

The hype surrounding stevia has been ratcheted up another notch after the US's largest supplier announced it is launching the natural sweetener beyond the dietary supplements aisle for the first time.

Olive oil-rich Med diet may protect against diabetes

Consuming a traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, olive oil and fish, may reduce the risk of developing diabetes by a whopping 83 per cent, says a new study.

FDA requires bakery group allergen-action

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a natural baked goods manufacturer 15 days to provide information on changes made to its allergen labelling policy for some of its bread products or face a possible injunction.

Supplement breast-fed babies with vitamin D: study

US researchers have found more than 12 per cent of 365 healthy infants and toddlers in the Boston area had vitamin D deficiency, some of which were breast-fed, and recommended supplementation to compensate.

Probiotics may offer hay fever hope

A daily milk drink containing the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) may modulate the immune response to grass pollen, and help hay fever sufferers, suggests a new study.

Mangosteen pioneer debuts 'his' and 'hers' supplements range

Mangosteen pioneer Xango has taken a major category leap by launching a range of dietary supplements in the US with Canada and Mexico to follow later in the year.

Neptune looks to build US investor base

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources is taking steps to increase its liquidity on the NASDAQ exchange and stimulate interest in the company from health-savvy US investors.

Cargill highlights new concepts at health show

A leading ingredient manufacturer plans to use this month's Healthy Foods International Exposition and Conference in Dallas, Texas to show the benefits of working with manufacturers to devise entire functional product formulations.

Weekly comment

Yesterday's food complacency proves hard to swallow

For too long, the developed world has taken food for granted. For years, ample food stocks, a well-supplied export trade and rapidly rising agricultural productivity have confined food fears, in the west at least, to history and the memories of older generations.

Omega-3 DHA shows promise against eczema

Daily supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve symptoms of eczema, according to the results of a new trial.

Avesthagen targets US with organic Indian superfruit

Avesthagen is hoping to step up its superfruit offerings with the launch of a new powdered extract derived from an India, which it claims offers an antioxidant-rich food and cosmetics ingredient for US manufacturers.

Meta-analysis boosts vitamin C's heart benefits

Daily supplements of vitamin C may lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol by five per cent, and subsequently reduce risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease, says a new meta-analysis.

FDA must clarify drug-supplement borderline, says AHPA

The launch of a plant sterol-aspirin combination product being marketed as both a dietary supplement and a drug, highlights a legal grey area that requires refinement, according to the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).