Weekly Comment

WTO's failure is food industry's loss

The short sighted failure of greedy WTO trading partners to achieve any sort of meaningful agreement on global agricultural tariffs is bad for Europe's food industry.

Could spices and spicy foods help in obesity struggle?

Spices have benefits beyond giving flavour to foods and drinks, say scientists from Holland and Canada, and could be considered as 'functional' ingredients in the struggle against obesity.

University seeks business investment for nutrigenomics study

Clemson University has been granted $2m to create an endowed chair in nutrigenomics to tackle obesity, but before an academic can be appointed it must match the figure in industry...

Lifeway swallows organic kefir competitor

Lifeway Foods is acquiring Helios Nutrition, its main competitor in cultured dairy beverages in a bid to increase its organic presence and reinforce its position at the top of the...

Burcon rights offering to raise further R&D funds

Burcon Nutrascience Corporation has been granted the go-ahead to conduct a share offering by way of a rights offering, which is expected to raise up to C$5m towards the continuing...

Mannatech markets plant supplements to knowing consumers

The return to naturally-sourced nutrients over synthetic has entered a new phase, as Mannatech announces the launch of supplements containing only vitamins and minerals absorbed and stored by plants.

Omega-3, heart health evidence is strong, says review

Omega-3s from oily fish and supplements can reduce the risk of cardiac and sudden death, and possibly stroke, says a new review from the US.

Folic acid supplements could reduce inflammation

A daily supplement of folic acid could reduce inflammatory markers and therefore offer protection from heart disease for overweight and obese people, suggests a short study from Italy.

Sensitive taste buds turn kids off veggies, says study

Kids who are overly sensitive to bitter tastes, caused by genetic variations, are more likely to eat less vegetables, says a study from the US.

Guest article

The global regulatory environment for nutraceuticals

Just as the regulatory environment for dietary supplements, food supplements and nutraceuticals is evolving in the United States, so is the case in other key global markets. But for a...

Fortitech bolsters South American sales to meet demand

Fortitech has experienced such steady growth in demand for its premix solutions in South America that it is increasing its presence in the region in a bid to make the...

Magnesium supplements could reduce inflammation

A daily magnesium supplement could reduce the levels of a inflammation that could lead to heart disease in people with low dietary intake of the mineral, says a US study.

More carotenoids from warmer watermelon, says study

The quantity of carotenoids from watermelon, particularly lycopene and beta-carotene, increases if stored at room temperature, says a study from US Department of Agriculture researchers.

Could prebiotics reduce infant eczema?

Prebiotics in infant formula could reduce the risk of eczema by up to 15 per cent in infants at risk of the condition, says a new study from Germany.

FTC orders Seasilver makers to pay $120mn

The FTC has ordered the makers of 'cure all' Seasilver to pay almost $120mn for failing to comply with an earlier order to reimburse consumers - thereby signaling to infringing...

Low GI diet best for weight loss, suggests study

An Australian research team has reported that a low-GI carbohydrate-rich diet leads to weight loss of five per cent or more and reductions in 'bad' cholesterol levels.

Low lutein, zeaxanthin levels linked to artery disease

Researchers from Sweden have reported that people suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) have low levels of the antioxidant carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, and could respond to supplementation.

Health benefits of vinegar overlooked, says report

The US vinegar market is sagging, according to market researcher Packaged Facts, as marketers are failing to look beyond its commodity status to well-researched health benefits and other uses.

Argan and SNT propose merger

Publicly traded holding company Argan has entered into a letter of intent for a proposed merger with manufacturer Supplement and Nutrition Technologies (SNT), a move that would add to its...

Weekly comment

Vanity fayre: cosmetic foods are not nutraceuticals

Functional foods are generally defined as products imbued with additional nutrients with health-promoting properties. But the industry needs to be wary of foods that present no actual health benefit from...

Blue California innovation for more lutein uses

Blue California is introducing a new, water-soluble form of Biolut lutein made possible by microencapsulation technology, which extends the uses of the company's branded ingredient to chewable, effervescent and uncoated...

Fuji bags astaxanthin inflammation patent

Fuji Chemical Industry has been granted a US patent for the use of astaxanthin to reduce inflammation, enabling the manufacturer to further strengthen its position in the market.

Antioxidants linked to slower vision loss

The antioxidants vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid slowed the loss of sight from retinitis pigmentosa in mouse models - yet more evidence linking antioxidants to improved eye health.

Chilli could boost insulin control, says study

Regular consumption of chilli pepper could improve control of insulin levels after eating, helping obese people and diabetics manage their levels, says research from Australia.

Study boosts lutein safety rep and finds new research possibilities

The antioxidant activity and safety of lutein from marigold flowers have been given a boost by research from a Chinese-Canadian collaboration - research that has been applauded by lutein producer,...

HortResearch develops antioxidant-rich red-fleshed apple

HortResearch has developed an antioxidant-rich red-fleshed apple that promises to lend to a wide variety of applications in functional beverages, as well as novel marketing potential for formulators.

Meta-analysis questions supplements for cancer patients

A meta-analysis of 59 trials, rated by the reviewers as being of 'low' quality, has led to a conclusion that dietary supplements for cancer patients do not improve survival or...

Allimax takes antibacterial garlic extract to Australia

Allimax Nutraceuticals is to enter the Australian market, developing a new supplement containing its stabilised allicin garlic extract in partnership with Vitasearch to meet the needs and preferences of consumers...

Standard Process invests in multimillion dollar facilities

Standard Process has begun a multimillion-dollar expansion to deal with projected growth, as plans to add new lines and extend existing ones suggest the company's business model is working.

Health Canada approves Beneo Inulin as dietary fiber

Health Canada has approved Orafti's Beneo inulin as a dietary fiber, allowing manufacturers to advertise higher fiber content on food labels and opening the way for other brands to seek...

Vegetable flavonoid could protect against asthma

Apigenin, a plant flavonoid found in herbs, fruits and vegetables, suppressed the levels of an immune system antibody linked to asthma and other allergies when fed to mice, report Japanese...

NPA to test sports supplements

The Natural Products Association is seeking to remove suspicion that dietary supplements taken by sportspeople may be contaminated with illegal steroids by extending its TruLabel random testing program to sports...

Calcium intake could reduce pre-eclampsia, suggests review

An increased intake of calcium may reduce the risk of hypertension and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, according to a new review of clinical trials.

BI Nutraceuticals assures Asian material quality

BI Nutraceuticals has introduced new quality control program for raw materials from Asia, tackling head-on the need to assure clients and end-users that ingredients sourced from the region are up...

Synergy innovation takes grass nutrients into supplements

Synergy Production Laboratories (SPL) has developed an economic CO2 drying method of extracting nutrients from cereal grasses - an innovation aimed at meeting demand for natural-sourced nutrients in the supplements...

Folate, B6 could boost heart health for type-1 diabetics

Children with type-1 diabetes could benefit from high-dose folate and vitamin B6 supplements to boost their cardiovascular health, according to a new clinical trial.

NNFA now NPA, with Beijing office

NNFA has announced it has become the Natural Products Association at its convention and trade show in Las Vegas over the weekend - a rebrand intended to make it inclusive...

Curcumin's cholesterol-lowering mechanism proposed

Scientists from Germany report that they have identified how curcumin helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, findings that could extend understanding of the spice extract.

Weekly Comment

Sex, pills and bad information

The Internet is offering a wealth of information to more and more people, but also an avenue for irresponsible businesses to exploit consumer health concerns.

Use whole fruit claim only where true, urges mangosteen company

XanGo, the maker of a xanthone-rich dietary supplement from mangosteen, is seeking to build awareness of the 'superfruit' and is advocating the use of whole fruit claims only where they...

Survey highlights multivitamin need, says CRN

The findings of a recent CRN survey, in which more than half of adults said they do not stick to a healthy balanced diet, underscore a need to help consumers...

Human trial reports Vectomega's control of lipids

EuroPharma's recently launched fish oil extract Vectomega could led to improvements in cholesterol levels, according to a pilot clinical trial, with more trials planned to build up the science behind...

Tocotrienol intake could result in bioactive concentrations

Tocotrienols, the least studied form of vitamin E, can achieve levels in the blood that may give protection against a wide range of diseases such as cancer and stroke, says...

PepsiCo signs Ocean Spray drinks deal

PepsiCo has signed a deal with Ocean Spray to bottle and distribute single-serve cranberry juice drinks, as the soft drinks firm looks to expand its offering to health-conscious consumers.

Mr Cookie takes Meg-3 into school meals

Ocean Nutrition Canada has brought omega-3 to school lunches in Ontario, teaming up with school supplier Good Foods Enterprises with a cookie containing its proprietary fish oil ingredient MEG-3.

Healthy snacks grow at expense of less healthy options, report

The general trend towards healthier eating has resulted in American consumers turning away from carefree snacks, and opting instead for healthier products, according to Snack Food Trends in the US,...

Berry extracts could offer stellar brain protection

Extracts from blueberries and strawberries could protect against the oxidative stress behind aging, and could even protect astronauts from dangerous galactic radiation, suggests a new study partly supported by NASA.

ReGen signs first deal for Colostrinin

ReGen Therapeutics is poised for the first launch of its Colostrinin neutraceutical for early stage cognitive decline, with the signing of a licensing agreement with Metagenics in North America.

4EVERON is not on, says FDA

The FDA has exerted post-market regulatory muscle by testing the contents of several sexual health supplements sold via the Internet in a first-of-its-kind survey and subsequently issued a warning, in...

Gelatin industry works with legislators over BSE

The gelatin industry has hit back at the claim that its animal-derived ingredient may not be safe for consumption, in the wake of increased negative publicity following tightened Canadian regulations...

Caffeine could protect against memory loss

University of Birmingham researchers have reported that caffeine can boost nerve cell activity in the brain, potentially protecting against memory loss.

Orafti reviews prebiotics as bone health ingredients

Research to date on how prebiotics inulin and oligofructose may improve bone health are highly promising, with results from adolescent trials showing significant benefits, says Orafti - a view shared...

Health is global purchasing priority, finds AC Nielsen

Consumers around the world all agree that health is their major concern, but purchase behavior varies widely in different countries, according to a global, top-line survey conducted in around 40 markets.

PhytoMedical partners with lab for plant compound research

Canadian biopharmaceutical company PhytoMedical has formed a partnership with a leading laboratory to further research, initially into use of its proprietary plant-derived compound to help build lean muscle mass in...

Vitamin K focus

Vitamin K under trial

A growing body of science is linking vitamin K to bone health benefits, as well as potential roles in blood clotting and liver cancer. Many questions remain unanswered however and...

Natural packaging used for US supplements

A corn-based biodegradable plastic developed by Cargill-division NatureWorks is making its debut in dietary supplement packaging, and may build on natural and healthy attributes of its contents, making the whole...

Protient promotes goat protein for energy and satiety

Protient is launching a goat milk protein concentrate for the sports nutrition and weight loss industries, following demand from formulators for rapidly absorbed, less allergenic protein.

More support that fish oil could reduce AMD

Eating three or more portions of oily fish per week could reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 70 per cent, says a new study from Australia.

NSF program could encourage athletes' supplement use

The Canadian Center for Ethics In Sport (CCES) has teamed up with NSF International over a supplements certification program intended to minimize the risk of products used by athletes containing...

Weekly comment

Organic food is selfish

The rise of organic food is a knee-jerk reaction to consumer health fears, and threatens to unhelpfully steer us away from improving the quality of food generally.

Grapefruit-inulin combo could boost gut health, suggests study

Adding inulin to grapefruit extracts could reduce any detrimental effects of the extracts on microflora while still being accessible to provide other possible health benefits, suggests an animal study.

Immunity the next trend, Cognis says

Cognis foresees immunity and other topics relevant to 'baby boomers' as the next major trends in the nutraceutical industry and is positioning ingredients accordingly, company vice president Dave Eckert told...

Study highlights over 65s CAM use for depression

A study of older people's use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage anxiety or depression indicates that the over 65s may represent a large potential market for makers...

Flavor firm uses nanotechnology for new ingredient solutions

Blue Pacific Flavors has entered into an exclusive partnership with nano processing firm MicroFluides, a move the company says will allow it to create new food solutions that combine the...

Tea linked to lower risk of bile stones and cancer

Drinking at least one cup of tea a day could cut the risk of cancer in the gallbladder and bile ducts by about 40 per cent, suggests a population-based study...

Pharmachem formalizes foray into food and beverages

Mainstream food companies' increasing interest in health has prompted Pharmachem Laboratories to tap the potential for use of its dietary supplement ingredients in food and beverage products and establish a...

Health Canada urges safer gelatin for caps after BSE

Health Canada is calling on natural health product manufacturers to replace what is frequently bovine-sourced gelatin, a decision that coincides with a new case of "mad-cow disease" in the country....

Chilli compound could hold hope against arthritis pain

Scientists in the UK are set to investigate how capsaicin, the compound gives red chilli pepper it heat, could combat inflammation in arthritis.

CRN authors risk assessments for CoQ10, carotenoids, creatine

CRN has authored risk assessments for coenzyme Q10, the carotenoids lutein and lycopene, and creatine monohydrate - giving both companies and consumers vital information on safe dosage levels that was...

Med diet better than low-fat for heart health says "landmark" trial

Eating a Mediterranean diet with extra nuts or olive oil is significantly better for heart health than a low-fat diet, says a "landmark" clinical trial from Spain.

Cereal polyphenols may boost immunity, slow aging

Polyphenols from cereals could restore the immune system function and could potentially extend lifespan, suggests an animal study from French and Spanish researchers.

Scientists make nano-organogels for food

Fundamental research from the US suggests that an enzyme could convert sugars in the presence of olive oil to form 'nano organogels' - potentially leading to novel delivery systems for...

Magnesium supplements could help asthmatics, says study

Child asthmatics taking oral magnesium supplements decreased the severity of the asthma and used less medication, reports a randomized clinical trial from Brazil.

Wanted: Women for functional food research

Women have to be lured into the functional food industry's research fold if gender-based applications for ingredients - like soy or omega-3 - are to be further examined, according to...

Supplements + mag educate on natural products, cancer

Outreach is fundamental to future growth of the natural products industry, and two long-time industry professionals have hit on a two-part model, comprising a supplement line and a magazine, that...

Ingredients pave the way for hunger management foods

Satiety has been called the 'Holy Grail of nutrition'. Although there are still relatively few food and supplement products claiming to enhance fullness or suppress appetite on the market, that...

Advitech Dermylex roll out begins in Canada

Advitech's global roll out plan for its psoriasis nutraceutical Dermylex is coming together, with definitive agreements in Canada and France, interim financing, and new appointments as it moves into the...

Mikro-Technik fibres enter N America with SunOpta

Germany's Mikro-Technik is set to expand distribution of its functional wheat and bamboo fibres and powdered cellulose products in the North American market, thanks to an exclusive agreement with SunOpta.

Pomegranate juice could slow prostate cancer growth

Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice every day could slow the growth of prostate cancer, researchers have reported for the first time.

Nicotine water not a supplement, says FDA

The FDA stepped up to the plate and declared nicotine water NICLite violates the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and is not a dietary supplement - a move that...