All news articles for July 2009

Green tea may protect against blood cell cancer

Drinking five or more cups of green tea per day may reduce the risk of blood- and lymph-based cancers by about 50 per cent, says a new study from Japan.

Supplement users may have better cancer survival: Study

Lung cancer patients who were regular dietary supplement users prior to diagnosis may have better survival chances than non-users, says a new study from Norway.

Study questions pomegranate supplement standardization

Standardizing pomegranate extract supplements to ellagic acid alone could be inaccurately representing their antioxidant activity and misleading consumers as to their health benefits, according to a study of commercially available products.

House passes landmark food safety bill

The US House of Representatives passed a food safety bill on Thursday that promises far-reaching reform of how food is processed and grown, intended to boost food safety and consumer confidence.

FDA faces legal challenge over selenium health claims

A court action has been lodged today which challenges the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) qualified health claims system via five disputed selenium health claims.

Probiotics may reduce cold and 'flu symptoms for children

A daily supplement of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may reduce the incidence of cold and 'flu-like symptoms in children by 50 per cent, says a new study from Danisco.

Nutrigenomics explains omega-3’s immune health benefits

Omega-3-rich fish oil beneficially affects gene expression, says a new nutrigenomic study that enhances our understanding of the health benefits of omega-3.

News in brief

Abbott invests in growing Indian functional foods market

US pharmaceutical firm Abbott has made a significant push in the Indian nutrition market, following its acquisition this week of some of the nation’s leading infant and adult nutrition brands.

Congress bills challenge FDA and FTC power

Three bills have been introduced to Congress by Republican House of Representatives member, Ron Paul, that seek to limit how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforce health claims and police health information.

Crippling viruses threaten Michigan blueberries

The Michigan Department of Agriculture has announced that it will meet with blueberry producers to discuss ways to protect the industry after two crop-devastating viruses were detected by researchers.

SourceOne brings high potency citrus limonoids to US

SourceOne Global Partners is introducing high-potency citrus limonoids to the US market, developed using new technology that has made their production commercially viable, says the firm.

Antioxidants from black tea may aid diabetics

Polysaccharides from black tea may blunt the spike in sugar levels after a meal more than similar compounds from green and oolong tea, and offer potential to manage diabetes, says a new study.

L-carnitine supplementation may prevent pregnancy-related declines

Daily supplements of L-carnitine during pregnancy may reverse the decline in the nutrient’s levels that occurs naturally during pregnancy, says a new study supported by Lonza.

Functional foods and ingredients booming in India

Despite low levels of public awareness compared to western markets, functional foods and ingredients are finding growth in areas of India, as consumers switch on to the promise of healthier foods, beverages and supplements.

FDA warns consumers against steroid-containing supplements

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health advisory warning against the use of body building products marketed as supplements but found to contain steroids.

News in brief

FDA to discuss more science review at CFSAN

The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Science Board will be meeting next month to discuss plans to boost the review of research at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

Pharmachem enters US probiotics market

New Jersey-based Pharmachem Laboratories has inked a deal with Italian firm, Probiotical, to exclusively supply its probiotic strains to the US market – its first move into the probiotics market.

Frutarom eyes nutricosmetics market with topical and oral use line

Frutarom is launching a line of new ingredients that aims to tap into growth in the market for formulas that provide cosmetics and supplements as combination products.

Snack Size Science: Unwrapping chocolate's heart benefits

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the top nutrition research news every two weeks. This week we spill the beans on the potential of chocolate to lower blood pressure.

High-dose, short-term folate may cut blood pressure

A short-term, high-dose supplementation period with folate may reduce blood pressure, and improve other cardiovascular measures, suggests a small study from Italy.

Act locally to tackle obesity, says CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a report including recommendations to help tackle obesity in the United States, with strategies to increase availability of healthier foods.

Don’t amend DSHEA, amend attitudes, says industry

Industry has defended DSHEA against a “fails to regulate” attack made by the head of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) amid an investigation into products containing steroids being distributed to high school children.

Brain health ingredient switches from drug to supplement route

A Canadian pharmaceutical firm is asking the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve a new supplement ingredient, which has demonstrated brain health benefits – one year after the firm withdrew its application for it to be approved as a drug.

Phytosterols may prevent cancer development: Review

Phytosterols, commonly consumed to reduce cholesterol levels, may also “potentially prevent cancer development”, according to a new review of all the science.

Vit D-curcumin combo offers brain health potential

A combination of vitamin D3 and curcumin, from tumeric, may boost the immune system, and help it clear the protein plaques linked to Alzheimer’s, says a new study.

News in brief

China tightens food processing laws

Food producers in China must record all food processing procedures and keep records for least two years under a new food safety regulation that came into force today.

Weekly comment

Imagining a world where we eat less meat

Cutting back meat consumption is the new darling cause of pop stars. But if necessary environmental and health goals are to be achieved, the whole supply chain needs to be strumming along in tune.

Managing in China: Part two

Trust and cooperation with Chinese authorities

Dealing with the Chinese authorities requires trust and working together to solve problems, says Yossi Gohary, general manager of Solbar Ningbo.

IPA moves to Europe to be at hub of probiotics regulations

The International Probiotics Association (IPA) is relocating its headquarters to Europe, a move that comes just a few months before the group expects to be accepted into the Codex Alimentarius.

USADA calls for tighter sports supplement regulations

The head of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has called for tighter regulation of sports supplements amid an investigation into steroid products allegedly being distributed to high school children.

CLA may protect against elderly muscle loss

Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) prevented age-related muscle loss in mice, says a new study using Lipid Nutrition’s Clarinol ingredient.

Private label growth driven by innovation, says Mintel

Private label product innovation has reached unprecedented highs and market share has rocketed as a result, according to market research organization Mintel.

Omega-3, -6 levels linked to bowel health

Increased intakes of omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid may double the risk of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, says a Pan-European study.

Managing in China: Part One

The different language, culture and regulatory set-up may make running an ingredients company in China a daunting proposition for Western executives. But Yossi Gohary, general manager of Solbar Ningbo, says it’s all about cultural compromise.

FTC endorsement guide revisions to reflect new marketing

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is preparing final recommendations on a review of the use of endorsements in product advertising, which it hopes will address the continuing problem of deception in a significantly changed marketing environment.

News in brief

Fabricant named interim CEO of NPA

US supplements trade group Natural Products Association (NPA) has appointed Daniel Fabricant, PhD, as interim executive director and CEO while the search continues for a full-time successor.

Boost DHA intake for premature babies, say researchers

Damage that can occur in the first four weeks of a premature baby’s life can be significantly reduced if DHA levels are increased, researchers have found.

Omega-3 may prevent blindness in the elderly: Study

A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the over-50s, suggests a new study.

Olive extract may have obesity, diabetes benefits

An extract from extra-virgin olive oil may stimulate the function of mitochondria in cells, and prevent diseases associated with dysfunction like diabetes and obesity, says a new study.

Omega-3 consumers unaware of benefits: Unilever survey

Most Canadian seniors actively seek out omega-3 food products, but many amongst them are still not clear about the specific health benefits of the fats, according to a survey sponsored by Unilever Canada.

FTC spells out enforcement priorities for deceptive ads

Bogus weight loss products and cancer ‘cures’ have been amongst the top priorities of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its attempts to police product marketing, the Senate heard yesterday.

Better diet and lifestyle reduces hypertension, say researchers

A low-risk lifestyle and diet will lead to less instances of hypertension in women, and cost less than pharma remedies, according to a study published in the Journal of American Nutrition (JAMA).

Chocolate powder may slash blood pressure: Study

Consumption of a commercially available cocoa powder, enriched in flavonoids, may decrease blood pressure and boost heart health, suggests a new study with rats.

Potassium supplement may ease epileptic kidney issues

A daily supplement of potassium citrate may prevent painful kidney stones developing in epileptics adhering to a high-fat ketogenic diet, says a new study.

News in brief

NZ folic acid fortification delayed to 2012

The mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid in New Zealand is likely to be delayed for another three years, following heated debate over the risks and benefits of adding the synthetic B vitamin to bread.

Overweight kids more responsive to branded foods: Study

Overweight children are more easily led by food advertising and branding than non-overweight children, according to a new study published in the journal Appetite.

FDA raps probiotic swine flu supplements for false claims

The Food and Drug Administration has sent a warning letter to a Minnesota-based supplements manufacturer for making misleading claims that its probiotic supplements could prevent or treat human swine flu (H1N1).

Supplement bills call for more healthcare focus, ‘full’ regulation

Two bills introduced in the United States Congress this week are pushing for further focus on dietary supplements, requesting the products to be eligible as deductible medical expenses and calling for the full implementation of DSHEA.

Study pinpoints Pycnogenol’s pain-relieving potential

The anti-inflammatory and pain reducing effects of an extract from French maritime pine bark may work by stopping two enzymes linked to inflammation, says a new study.

Omega-3 linked to lower body weight: Study

Increased blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA is linked to lower incidence of obesity, suggesting a role for fish oils in weight management.

Young scientists handed $50,000 to probe probiotics

Young researchers at the University of Virginia and Harvard University have won $50,000 grants to investigate the role of probiotics in health and disease.

Bayer to change selenium health claims after threat of lawsuit

Bayer Healthcare says it will change the health claims used on its One A Day vitamins following threats of a lawsuit claiming its prostate cancer health claims were misleading.

Health claims report slammed as ‘unscientific’

A new report that calls for fewer restrictions on the use of health claims in Canada has been criticized as being “superficial” and not grasping the intricacies of the Canadian and US food legislative frameworks.

IOM to hear public comments in vitamin D, calcium DRI meeting

Industry will have the chance to comment on the ongoing review of vitamin D and calcium daily recommended intake (DRI) values at a meeting to be held next month by the US Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Cranberries offer promise for diabetics: Study

Sweetened dried cranberries with a reduced sugar and increased fibre content may benefit type-2 diabetics by delivering healthier glycemic and insulin responses, suggests a small study.

News in brief

Cyanotech goes condition-specific with new supplement blends

Hawaiian microalgae specialist Cyanotech is launching a line of condition-specific products that include its branded astaxanthin.

Multivitamins may lower heart disease death risk

Long-term regular consumption of a multivitamin may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by 16 per cent, according to a new study from the US.

Weekly comment

Mainstream press ‘exposed’ for health claim sensationalism

Not again! As if industry is not struggling enough with the severity of the European Food Safety Authority’s nutrition and health claims rulings so far, the situation has not been helped by the kind of articles that appeared in the UK press today and yesterday.

High-carb diet could aid slimming: Study

People who consume high levels of carbohydrates are more likely to be slim, according to a Canadian study published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Carnosine may help prevent cateracts: Study

A new study conducted on rat eye lenses indicates that the dietary supplement carnosine may help to prevent – or even treat – cataracts.

Report examines branding potential of social networking

Facebook is by far the most popular social media network amongst US consumers, although the value of such networks for brand promotion has not yet been maximized, suggests a new survey.

Recession could put brakes on beauty foods: Datamonitor

The US market for beauty foods has grown significantly over the past five years, but the higher price demanded by products in this category could be putting the brakes on future growth, says market researcher Datamonitor.

DSM joins fight to halve global hunger by 2015

Dutch ingredients giant, DSM, has joined a campaign to improve nutrient deficiency by broadening the distribution of micronutrient sachets and nutrient-boosted rice to some of the world’s two billion nutrient-deprived citizens under a UN program.

Be aware of vitamin D insufficiency, says US Dermatology Academy

In an update to its position statement on Vitamin D, the American Academy of Dermatology has cautioned that some individuals may be at risk of “insufficiency”, and may therefore need to consume higher doses of the vitamin.

Study breaks down supplement use by physicians

The majority of physicians and nurses in the US recommend supplements to their patients but also use them personally, finds a new study.

News in brief

NPA elects new president, board of directors

The supplement trade group Natural Products Association (NPA) has chosen a new president and board of directors.

African-Americans top obesity list: CDC

The prevalence of obesity for African Americans is 51 percent higher than for white Americans, according to new findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sales slide for krill player amid plant expansion

Leading krill player, Neptune Technologies & Bioressources, has seen sales slip by eight per cent to $2.88 million, from $3.13m in Q1 in 2008, but has put in place plant expansion and continued with acquisitions.

Grapefruit extract may prevent metabolic syndrome: Mouse study

The citrus flavonoid naringenin may prevent cholesterol increases, and changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism linked to metabolic syndrome, says a new study with mice.

News in brief

Soy forms win patent approval

Israeli supplier, Frutarom, has had a patent validated by the European Patent Office (EPO) for the soy isoflavone forms, genistein and daidzein.

FDA issues AER guidance for supplements

New FDA guidance to dietary supplements marketers on the reporting of adverse events has been welcomed by industry as being a “helpful” and “useful” resource.

FTC supplement clamp-down targets both retailer and supplier

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has charged both the retailer Rite Aid and its supplier for the deceptive marketing of dietary supplement products, providing a clear indication that the watchdog is ready to clamp down on all parties involved in false advertising.

World Food Processing expands soy operations

Iowa-based World Food Processing has purchased a stake in soy powder specialist, SoyLink Assets, for an undisclosed sum as the soy and pea player consolidates its soy operations.

Omega-3 DHA boosts memory for healthy adults, not Alzheimer’s sufferers

Daily supplements with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve both memory function and heart health in healthy older adults, according to a new study from Martek.

FDA gets tough on GMP failures

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clamped down on a number of dietary supplement firms that have repeatedly failed to meet new Good Manufacturing Practices.

Weekly comment

Safety is no accident in food factories

Industrial accidents are not funny. Does anyone need a reminder? Apparently yes; judging by how some headline writers and bloggers made light of the plight of Vincent Smith who died last week after falling into a vat of liquid chocolate at a New Jersey processing plant.

Food and health: Consumers switch to store brands

Food and health goods rank top of the list of products that American consumers are most willing to try to save money on by switching their regular brands for store brands, according to a recent survey.

High-dose plant stanols reveal new cholesterol benefits

Two studies using Benecol plant stanols have shown the ability of the clinically-backed extract to reduce cholesterol levels beyond previously held expectations.

News in brief

Lallemand targets more kids’ products with tasteless synbiotic

Institut Rosell-Lallemand has launched a new tasteless version of its synbiotic formula for children, allowing for its incorporation into a wider range of food or drink products.

News in brief

ChromaDex picks Indian partner for phytochemical reference standards

ChromaDex has set up an exclusive distribution agreement for the Indian market, which will see LGC Promochem India selling its phytochemical reference standards in that country.

Calorie restriction leads to longer life: Study

Restricting the amount of calories we consume, while avoiding malnutrition, may extend lives and reduce the risk of chronic disease, suggest results from a monkey study.

CLA may aid weight loss in diabetic women

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help reduce body fat mass in post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes, says a new study.

Bran may slash hypertension risk: Study

Increased intakes of whole grains, and bran in particular, may reduce the incidence of hypertension in men, according to new findings from Harvard.

Almost 25 percent more foods labeled as humane, says survey

The availability of humanely produced food products in US supermarkets has risen by nearly a quarter since last year, according to a survey from The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

US leads in lycopene launches

The United States continues to be the most dynamic market for lycopene products, demonstrating a steady stream of activity over the past five years, according to product launch statistics.

Fish oil during pregnancy may slash infant allergy

Supplements of omega-3-rich fish oils during pregnancy may reduce the risk of food allergy and eczema in children, according to a new study from Sweden.

Soy may help men remember anniversaries: Study

Daily supplements of soy isoflavones could help boost a man’s mental function and memory, according to findings of a small study from Australia.

Whole Foods Market seeks non-GMO seal

Whole Foods Market has partnered with the Non-GMO Project to test for the presence of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in its private label products in order to independently verify them as GM-free.

FDA returning to pre-DSHEA diaspora, claims industry veteran

The re-appointment of Michael Taylor in a senior position at the US Food and Drug Administration may not bode well for the supplements industry, according to one of the trade groups.

USP releases supplements compendium for GMP compliance

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has released its long awaited Dietary Supplements Compendium (DSC), which is designed to help manufacturers comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Med diet components linked to longer life: Study

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes, may lead to longer life, according to a new study from Greece.

Oily fish may reduce dementia risk: Transcontinental study

Increased intake of fish may reduce the risk of dementia by about 20 per cent, according to a new study spanning three continents.

AM Todd Botanicals provides GMP support for botanical extracts

Ingredient firm AM Todd Botanicals has applied a voluntary industry standardization tool to some of its key botanical extracts, in an effort to help supplement manufacturers with GMP compliance.

Aging population could boost sales of healthy foods

Foods that are perceived to bring added health benefits are forecast to be among the fastest growing market trends over the next decade, according to a new report from the NPD Group.

Ocean Spray gets anti-cancer patent for cranberry seed oil

Ocean Spray has received a patent for methods of use of cranberry seed oil in applications designed to “treat” or “prevent” cancer and a host of other disease.

News in brief

CRN condemns ‘fear-mongering’ selenium allegations

The dietary supplement trade group Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has said that recent allegations of increased health risks associated with selenium are “fear-mongering”.

Weekly comment

Defining nano: Size does matter

The Atlantic Ocean separates continents; it also separates schools of thought on the definition of nanotechnology. In order to educate manufacturers and consumers on nanotechnology a definition is critical.

Caffeine may reverse Alzheimer’s disease: Mouse study

Five cups of coffee’s worth of caffeine may reverse the impairment of memory associated with Alzheimer’s disease, suggest two new studies with mice.

Science grows for xylitol’s tooth health benefits

Formulating products with xylitol may reduce the development of tooth decay, according to a new study from the US.

Codex fiber nutrient claims unlikely to promote consistency

Fiber nutrient content claims recommended last week by Codex are unlikely to generate consistency in product labeling due to widely varying national differences in serving sizes.

Executive could face 25 years for fraudulent supplement marketing

A Michigan business owner has pleaded guilty to fraudulently marketing dietary supplements that claimed to prevent or treat a number of diseases.

Melon extract may help against obesity: Study

Daily consumption of an antioxidant-rich melon extract may prevent obesity, according to a study with hamsters fed a high fat diet.

Fruit extract blend promotes heart, diabetes health, says ENI

Californian ingredient firm Ethical Naturals, Inc (ENI) has said its latest fruit blend can be used in supplements or beverages targeting heart heath and diabetes benefits, due to the high source of antioxidants it delivers.

Folate linked to lower colorectal cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of folate from the diet may reduce a woman’s risk of colorectal cancer by about 50 per cent, according to new findings from Korea.

News in brief

Best Formulations gets GMP certification

Softgel supplier Best Formulations has received GMP certification for its manufacturing plant, following an independent third party audit at its facility.

Codex adopts definition of ‘fiber’

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted a new definition of fiber, designed to harmonize the use of the term around the globe.

YoCream makes clinically-backed probiotic frozen yogurt

Danisco and YoCream are claiming a US first with the launch of a frozen yoghurt product containing Howaru Dophilus probiotic cultures, which have been clinically researched for digestive health benefits.

The ‘unstoppable’ weight management trend

With over 300m obese adults worldwide, it is no wonder that the food industry is keen to offer tasty possibilities to consumers looking to lose weight, and keep it off. The trend is now becoming 'unstoppable', say industry executives.

Walnuts can cut cholesterol, say Harvard researchers

A meta-analysis of walnuts by Harvard scientists has found diets rich in walnuts can significantly reduce cholesterol levels, supporting growing evidence to suggest these popular nuts can improve healthy blood lipid ratios.

Vegetarians less likely to develop cancer, say researchers

Vegetarians will develop less blood, bladder and stomach cancer than meat eaters, according to new research published in the British Journal of Cancer.

US obesity rates ballooning, says report

American obesity rates have increased in 23 states over the past year and decreased in none, according to a new report from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

News in brief

Canadian organic certification comes into effect

Canada’s new organic certification standards went into effect on Tuesday, June 30, opening up trade opportunities for Canadian organic products.

One-shot energy drinks show bullish growth

Beverage makers are clamoring for market share in the nascent one-shot energy drinks market that is delivering uber-healthy premiums and attracting older consumers to the category, according to a US and UK-oriented report.

Betaine: Uptake in sports nutrition is ‘fast growing’, says Danisco

Danisco’s betaine ingredient is generating growing interest in the US for its performance enhancing properties, with the sports nutrition market now accounting for the majority of the ingredient’s sales just over a year after its launch.

Study backs diabetes benefits of Indian plant extract

A patented extract of the Gymnema sylvestre plant has been found to stimulate insulin secretion in lab tests, opening the way for further research into its diabetes benefits.

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