Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Embria names Canadian distribution partner

Embria Health Sciences has is teaming up with Alliance Principle Ingredients for the exclusive distribution of its ingredients in Canada, meaning the company has now secured its distribution partners for all of North America.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

Nestle pursues human nutrition through acquisition strategy

The third in a series of FoodNavigator-USA.com articles on the health and wellness approach of major US companies examines Nestlé's increasing focus on research and development as a means to improve human nutrition.

No selenium, vitamin boost for organic milk, say researchers

Organic milk was not seen to be richer in vitamins or selenium than conventional milk, found a new study presented this week that contradicts the conclusions of an earlier, similar study.

Enzymotec ups US marketing strategy for cognitive health

Israeli Enzymotec and Life Extension have announced an expansion to their joint product marketing strategy that reflects Enzymotec's push into the US cognitive health market.

Flaxseed shows potential against hot flushes

Flaxseed, a rich source of plant omega-3 and lignans, may reduce the frequency of hot flushes by almost 60 per cent, suggests new research from the US.

Covance helps bridge testing gap with new Asia lab

Contract researcher Covance has opened a $2mn nutritional chemistry laboratory in Singapore - the first of its kind for the organization in Asia.

Study positions Pycnogenol against menopause symptoms

A new study has yielded positive results on the use of Pycnogenol for managing menopause symptoms, supporting potential use of the pine bark extract in place of hormone replacement therapy.

Purity Life to sell Akvar 20/50 in Canada

Purity Life Health Products has announced an exclusive distribution deal with Dynakor Pharmacal for the distribution of its new diet product, Akävar 20/50, in Canada.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

Kraft reveals its four approaches to health and wellness

Kraft explains its approach to health and wellness in the second of a series of FoodNavigator-USA.com articles examining the practices of major US food firms in the face of a growing need to address human nutrition.

Sabinsa gets a US polyphenol process patent

Sabinsa Corporation has secured a new process patent that can be applied in the manufacture of polyphenols, such as resveratrol, oxyresveratrol and gnetol.

Studies support green-lipped mussel's anti-inflammatory properties

The anti-inflammatory properties of New Zealand green lipped mussels have been given a significant boost, as two new studies report the potent benefits of the mussel's lipid fraction.

Martek targets school meals with Life'sDHA

Martek Biosciences's vegetarian omega-3, life'sDHA, is set to appear in a cheese sauce geared at US children.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

How General Mills combines profitability and consumer health

In the first of a series of articles on the approach of major US food companies to health and wellness, FoodNavigator-USA.com examines the focus of General Mills in the development and positioning of its portfolio as it aims to meet consumer nutrition needs.

Two studies back up FOS efficacy

The ability of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to beneficially boost gut health has received a significant boost as two studies report the prebiotic efficacy of the ingredient.

Martek gets novel foods go-ahead for China

Martek has received the go-ahead for its life'sDHA omega-3 to be used in food products in China, news that opens up a promising new market for the US ingredients firm.

Weekly comment

Is it harsh? Is it fair? No it's a consumer watchdog

In 1993, it seemed superheroes had reached their lowest peak when Superman was slain by an unstoppable monster known as "Doomsday".

Low selenium levels may be weakening muscles - study

Low blood levels of selenium could double the risk of weaker muscles in the elderly, suggests new research based in Italy.

Supplement database completes USDA nutritional records

A new Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database is being developed by the government's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is an effort to establish an accurate record of the dietary supplement intake of US consumers.

Frutarom launches Halal vanilla extract

Frutarom USA has introduced an alcohol-free concentrated vanilla extract, which the firm claims is ideal for use in Halal goods and heat-intense applications.

Nutrigenomics will underlie food future, Chr Hansen

Chr Hansen regards nutrigenomics as technology to underlie the food industry's future away from one-size-fits-all nutrition, and has placed exploration of this area high-up on its R&D agenda.

Ocean Spray expansion continues as cranberry demand soars

Cranberry giant Ocean Spray is again expanding its processing capacity in an effort to catch up with soaring global demand for products containing sweetened dried cranberries.

Higher vitamin E doses may produce better results for heart

Increased doses of vitamin E may produce positive results for heart health, says a new study from the US that questions the 'under-dosing' used in earlier clinical trials.

National Starch could soon be sold

Leading food starch firm National Starch could be up for a change in ownership, following news of a possible takeover of its parent company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).

Vitamin K linked to fewer varicose veins, better vascular health

Inactivation of a vitamin K-dependent protein may contribute to the development of varicose veins, says a new study that highlights the role of supplementation for improving vascular health.

New office to help InnoBio expand in US

Innobioactives of Dalian, China (InnoBio), has opened a new sales office in Greensboro, North Carolina as the company attempts to expand its presence in the US market.

Nestle predicts calmer acquisition outlook

Nestle expects to significantly reduce its acquisitions spending for the foreseeable future following a hectic twelve month period of expansion.

Kerry makes high protein pea crisp for nutrition bars

Kerry Ingredients is launching a new hi-protein pea crisp primarily for use in nutrition bars, complementing its existing range of hot-extruded proteins with a non-allergen option.

Organic labels are confusing, says consumer survey

Consumers remain confused about the use of organic product claims, which has led to people increasingly opting for locally grown food instead, according to a new survey.

New LA office to help Fenchem boost US presence

Chinese ingredients supplier is aiming to double its US turnover over the next three years with the opening of its new office in Los Angeles.

Green tea may cut oral cancer risk - study

Drinking five or more cups of green tea a day may reduce a woman's risk of mouth cancer, but men may not experience similar benefits, suggests a new study from Japan.

Pectin shows potential against prostate cancer

Pectin, a type of fibre found in fruits and vegetables and may induce programmed cell death in prostate cancer cells, suggests a new laboratory study from the US.

Taste may not be such a barrier for wholegrain acceptance - study

The taste of wholegrain breads, compared to bread made from refined grains, may not inhibit consumption amongst consumers as much as previously thought, suggests a new study.

GOED steps up omega-3 mandate

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) has been furthering its aim to build public and professional awareness surrounding the fatty acids, rallying together an increasing amount of support since its inception in 2006.

Almonds must be pasteurized as of September, says USDA

A request for a delay in the implementation of new pasteurization requirements for almonds has been rejected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has said that the new requirements will come into effect on September 1, 2007.

CSPI rings alarm bell on sexual enhancement supplement

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has asked FDA and FTC to immediately analyze a dietary supplement - marketed as a sexual stimulant for men - for the presence of prescription drugs, and is simultaneously lauding Health Canada's pre-market screening system as superior for weeding out illegal products.

Symrise targets Asian growth with research facility

Symrise is investing in understanding the flavour and nutrition needs of consumers in Asia with the 'dramatic' expansion of its regional Sensory and Consumer Science Center in Singapore.

Sports nutrition just for athletes - a thing of the past

The sports nutritional market sector is set to surpass growth expectations in the run up to 2011, hoisted up by emphasis on more mainstream consumers, according to a new report.

Omega-3 plus vitamins may prevent bed sores in hospitals

Bed sores, which afflict up to one-tenth of hospital patients, may be prevented by adding key supplements to a standard hospital diet, reports new research from Israel.

Forbes Reducol sales up, but more funding sought

Forbes Medi-Tech has released in its second-quarter results, indicating that global expansion of Reducol offsetting operating losses but unexpected inventory costs impacting working capital.

Codex questions certain sweetener, color uses

The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) is calling for comments and additional information on uses of certain compounds, including sweeteners and colors, in order to assess their inclusion in the Codex General Standards for Food Additives (GSFA).

Media coverage boosts enzyme supplement market

A more intense media spotlight on enzymes is paving the way for more uses in supplements, a market sector where they have, until now, been widely unfamiliar to consumers.

Green tea spurs detox chemical production

A new clinical study provided evidence that green tea catechins can stimulate production of cancer-protective enzymes in people with low natural levels - the first to demonstrate this effect in humans, say researchers.

New US distributor for Nebraska's probiotics

Wilke Resources has been appointed as the new exclusive US supplier Nebraska Cultures' probiotic raw materials for the nutritional supplement market - news that enable more consultation on how cultures can be used by the clients.

Study doubts antioxidant benefits for heart risk women

Women who are at a high risk of heart disease are unlikely to realise any benefit from taking antioxidant vitamins C, E or beta carotene, concludes a major study - but nor are they likely to suffer any harm.

Milk helps weightlifters increase lean body mass

Drinking fat-free milk after resistance exercise has a greater effect on helping to increase lean body mass compared to soy or carbohydrates in young male weightlifters, a study has concluded.

New flaxseed to answer organic market demand

Pizzey's Milling has introduced two new ingredients under its Meadowpure flaxseed brand, one to meet demand for organic flaxseed and the other incorporating fish oil to overcome the EPA/DHA versus ALA debate.

Salmonella fears for shark cartilage

Batches of shark cartilage capsules originating from the United States could contain salmonella, the UK Food Standards Agency has warned.

Weekly Comment

A helping hand to the confused consumer

Consumers are bombarded with an overload of nutritional advice and product marketing - be it from magazines, television shows, and product advertising - and without a degree in nutritional science, it's a wonder they can make sense of it at all.

Medigreen brings healthy weight-control to Japan

Medigreen is spreading its presence into the Japanese market in a bid to innovate the weight-control market with a botanical blend.

FDA warns against Internet red yeast products

Consumers are being warned by FDA to steer clear of three red yeast products being sold on the Internet for fear they may contain an unauthorized drug that is hazardous to health.

Probiotics work out against constipation, says study

Probiotics, friendly bacteria with known benefits for intestinal health, may boost the number of bowel movements and relieve constipation, suggests a new pilot study from the Netherlands.

Microensapsulation of caffeine makes delivery precise

Maxx Performance is purporting the functional benefits of caffeine in the promotion of its microencapsulation technology for the stimulant.

Omega-3 DHA improves blood lipid levels - study

Men with high blood levels of triglycerides, a risk factor for artery hardening, may benefit from supplements of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), says a new study.

Guest Article

Industry will have to incur GMP costs

While many in the supplement and nutraceutical industry have applauded the US Food & Drug Administration's (FDA's) issuance of the long-awaited final rule to establish GMPs, not every manufacturer will be able to bear the cost of compliance with the final rule.

Increased folate may slash breast cancer risk

An increased consumption of folate may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 44 per cent, says a new study from Sweden.

SunOpta reports high revenue Q2

SunOpta has announced growth across its grain, food and distribution divisions for Q2, with revenue increasing by 33.5 percent over the same quarter in 2006.

Cargill partnership broadens presence of plant sterol milk range

Cargill has joined forces with one of the country's largest grocery stores to develop and launch a range of fat-free milk containing branded Corowise plant sterols across the US - a range that is claimed to be the first of its kind.

Green tea may stop colon cancer in its tracks - study

Green tea may stop the growth of colon tumours in their infancy, suggests a new study using mice, but merely drinking green tea offers no benefits against larger tumours.

Gadot prepares for US functional foods move

Gadot Biochemical Industries is formalizing its strategy to enter the US functional foods market by consolidating management of its ingredient business on-site in North America.

Cyvex distributes UK cocoa polyphenols

Cyvex Nutrition has signed with the UK's CPC Ingredients as the exclusive North American distributor of CocoaNol cocoa polyphenols for use in dietary supplements.

Omega-3 again linked to calmer ADHD kids

High-dose supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids calmed children with attention and hyperactivity issues, says a new study from the US.

Thiamine may improve vascular health for diabetics

Supplements of thiamine may boost vascular health for diabetics, English scientists have suggested after their research indicated that low levels of the B vitamin may be key to a range of vascular problems.

FTC continue to highlight misleading ad campaigns

The Federal Trade Commission has announced it will be accepting refund requests from consumers for dietary supplement Xenadrine EFX, furthering its mission to draw attention to manufacturers making false and unsubstantiated claims.

Santal markets traditional Indian herbal

A Wisconsin company is introducing a dietary supplement it is marketing along the lines of the Ayurvedic tradition, and as supporting blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Energy drinks have similar caffeine content to coffee

A comparative investigation into the caffeine content of energy drinks has revealed that per volume these beverages contain similar amounts of the stimulant to that found in coffee, but tend to be consumed in larger quantities.

Fruit fibres offer novel encapsulators for bioactives

The use of natural fruit fibres to encapsulate bioactive compounds could offer a multipurpose functional food, and remove the need for maltodextrin for spray-drying, Australian scientists have reported.

Aloe makes its move into Hispanic-focused water

Aloecorp has announced its aloe is now being used in a bottled water product set to initially target the growing Hispanic consumer market in the US.

Sabinsa gets Bioperine patent in Canada

Sabinsa Corporation announced it has secured a patent in Canada for its standardized black pepper extract Bioperine, thereby giving the company proprietary rights to the ingredient throughout North America.

Coffee drinking may slow cognitive decline in women

Drinking more than three cups of coffee a day may decrease a woman's rate of cognitive decline associated with age, but offers no such benefits for men, suggests a study.

Olive extract may improve quality of life for arthritis sufferers

Supplementation with an olive extract decreased pain and inflammation, and improved the quality of life of people suffering from osteoarthritis, claims a new study.

Bill aims to curb foreign ginseng smuggling

The Wisconsin ginseng industry could be given a new layer of protection against damage from smuggled ginseng sold as 'American', with a new bill was introduced that would require raw root to be labeled with its country of origin.

American snacking habits ripe for nutritional make-over?

The American lifestyle's drain on free-time to prepare healthy, nutritious meals is driving people ever more towards convenience foods, says a new report that highlights the potential for healthy snacking.

Weekly Comment

Reflections from IFT

As the dust settles on this year's IFT Food Expo 2007 in Chicago, health and wellness and food safety came through as the star performers, and drivers for the future of the industry.

Cocoa-rich diet may boost thymus antioxidant defences

A diet rich in cocoa flavonoids could boost one's antioxidant defences, particularly in the thymus, suggests a new Spanish study on rats.

Big food players take on health

Healthy good-tasting food is the Holy Grail of big mainstream food companies these days, but along with this comes the challenge of creating products that also meet consumers' varied needs.

Tocotrienols show promise against cancer growth

Tocotrienol, the less well known form of vitamin E, could prevent the formation of new blood vessels, and therefore hold promise against a range of diseases, suggests new animal study.

Multivitamins and minerals may boost mood in elderly

A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may improve depressive symptoms amongst the elderly, suggests a new trial from the University of Sheffield.

CRN urges FDA interpret adverse events bill with caution

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has expressed its concern to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) over alleged labeling requirements the agency may include in its upcoming adverse events reporting guidance.

Manufacturers urged to target on-the-go consumer

Manufacturers are being urged to focus product development strategies towards the on-the-go food market as consumers increasingly choose convenience to keep up with increasingly hectic workloads.

Xango lends its support to DSHEA

Another company has lent its support to the Coalition to Preserve DSHEA, thereby boosting the interest group's clout in Washington.

Hort Research aims to calm mothers with its fruit

Hort Research has identified the stress reduction market as a target consumer segment for its fruit research and development, and aims to design product concepts specifically for mothers.

Coffee drinking may cut liver cancer risk - meta-analysis

Regular and high coffee drinking may reduce the risk of liver cancer by 55 per cent, says a new meta-analysis of observational studies.

Skimmed milk better than isotonics for post-sport rehydration?

Drinking skimmed milk after exercise may promote recovery and rehydration better than water or an isotonic sports drink, suggests a new study from the UK.

FDA launches food safety program to level state differences

The US Food & Drug Administration has launched a national program designed to make state regulatory programs more uniform.

IFT: Jungbunzlauer promotes new salt reduction technology

European ingredients giant Jungbunzlauer is using the IFT show in Chicago as a platform to introduce its salt reduction product to the US food industry.

NSF ups food safety role with CMi bid

In an effort to expand its reach into the global sourcing chain, NSF International has made a bid to acquire European food safety and assurance company, CMi plc.

Industry must wake up to tocotrienol opportunities

Tocotrienols, the other form of vitamin E long in the shadow of tocopherols, offer interesting opportunities for industry thanks to their unique properties, scientists from Ohio State told IFT attendees.

Foods must bridge the gap in healthy aging, nutrition experts say

While dietary supplement marketers have long targetted baby boomers, this generation is still in need of more functional foods geared towards their nutritional and emotional requirements, according to speakers at IFT Expo.

Trans-fats should be banned - expert at IFT

Limiting and labelling trans fatty acids in food is not enough, and they should be banned, a leading epidemiologist from Harvard told attendees at IFT Food Expo 2007.