All news articles for August 2008

Nano trojan horse delivers antioxidant benefits

Australian researchers have designed a nanoparticle one thousandth the width of a human hair, which they say has demonstrated potential to protect antioxidants from destruction in the gut.

Calls for more stevia safety tests threaten market launches

The safety of stevia has been called into question again after scientists at the University of California said further tests were needed on potential cancer causing properties before the sweetener is used in food and drink.

Amla sticks give consumers antioxidant punch

Avesthagen is targeting its Indian gooseberry ingredient directly to the consumer market, with a water soluble powder designed to be added directly to drinks.

Neptune buoyed by yearly results

Quebec-based Neptune Technologies & Bioressources has recorded it sixth successive year of revenue growth as its krill ingredients draw greater consumer and business acceptance and its joint ventures prosper.

Black raspberries show potential against cancer

Concentrated freeze-dried extracts from black raspberries may help prevent certain cancers by acting on multiple gene targets, suggests a new study with rats.

Market for superpremium juices soars in the US

Superpremium juice drinks have proved to be a dynamic part of the US beverage market showing “phenomenal growth” in just a few years, according to a new report.

Organic consumers yet to be shaken by troubled economy

Shoppers in the US are continuing to buy natural and organic foods despite difficult economic times, according to research, but experts question how long it can last.

Olive leaf extract shows heart benefits: Frutarom study

Extracts from olive leaves may help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels, according to a small human study from Israel-based supplier Frutarom.

‘Energy’ enters foods, confirm Mintel findings

Foods that claim to deliver energy are carving out a distinct place in the marketplace, as consumers start to look beyond energy drinks for an added boost, according to Mintel.

‘Historic’ verdict slaps ‘Smiling Bob’ with 25-year jail sentence

The founder of Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals, Steve Warshak, has this morning been handed a 25-year jail sentence and his company ordered to forfeit $500 million by a federal court that found him guilty on 93 counts of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering.

Packaged foods boost nutritional profile with nuts

Nuts are becoming evermore popular ingredients in packaged food products as manufacturers continue to satisfy consumer demands for nutritious goods.

Milk helps exercise recovery: researchers

Consuming milk can assist muscle recuperation after exercise according to a study published in the August edition of the Journal of Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism.

Rice bran contains high arsenic levels, study

A new study has found that rice bran contains high levels of arsenic, which threatens to seriously call into question its use in foods and supplements.

Wanted: North Carolina natural products sector

A North Carolina-based consortium has been awarded $100,000 to research botanicals and other natural products with $2.5m in the wings if a successful business plan can be developed.

Mushroom extract demonstrates immunity benefits

Japanese researchers in conjunction with the Yale School of Medicine have found the mushroom extract, AHCC, can strengthen the immune system and fight the onset of cancer among over-50s.

Omega-3 reality check

The market predictions for omega-3 products are endlessly buoyant but a closer look at the state of play reveals very few omega-3 functional foods and beverages have moved beyond niche sales levels.

Glanbia expands into US supplements market

Irish nutritional ingredients group Glanbia has expanded its presence in the US market with the acquisition of sports supplement firm Optimum Nutrition.

Trend for energy infused food

Foods with added stimulants are stealing a march on energy drinks as companies are developing new ways to energize consumers seeking alternatives to sugary beverages, according to a global consumer trends analyst.

Canada targets Ephedra and Kava

The Canadian regulator is continuing its campaign against the banned weight-loss herbal Ephedra and the anxiety-reliever Kava, yesterday issuing its latest warning to consumers not to use the substances.

Nutrition bars do what they say, finds ConsumerLab

Recent testing of nutrition bars on sale in the United States has found that labeling has become more accurate, although the wide range in nutritional content means consumers must be aware of the different types of products within the category.

Companies collaborate to improve taste of healthy ingredients

A flavor company has joined forces with a nutrition provider in a venture which could help food manufacturers meet the challenge of unpleasant off-tastes in their healthy formulations.

Curcumin active in pancreatic cancer patients

An eight-week clinical trial has found consumption of curcumin can benefit advanced pancreatic cancer sufferers.

Nestle enlists BioGaia for infant nutrition initiative

Swedish probiotics specialist BioGaia this morning announced a deal with Nestlé Nutrition that will see its proprietary Lactobacillus reuteri strain employed in infant nutrition products globally.

Industry slams B vitamins trial

A clinical trial that concluded B vitamins do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events or death among patients with coronary heart disease has been criticised by industry for being poorly designed.

New report breaks down US supplement market

Condition-specific products make up almost one-third of all US nutritional supplement sales, led by joint health and calcium, according to a new market report.

Stress and hunger are obstacles to healthy diet

Good intentions when it comes to a healthy food go out of the window if people are stressed or hungry, increasing demand for products that offer instant gratification, according to a new study from the US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.

Functional food group joins innovation network

A company focusing on how food could contribute to the treatment and prevention of obesity and “other chronic diseases” is the latest organization to throw its weight behind an innovation network which claims to help companies increase speed to market.

Mushrooms can replace beef to help in obesity struggle: study

Formulating foods with mushroom instead of beef may reduce caloric intake by over 400 calories per day, according to new research.

Vitamin D deficiency increases hip fracture risk: researchers

US researchers have concluded lower blood concentrations of vitamin D increase the likelihood of hip fracture among menopausal women by up to 70 per cent.

Cargill weathers turbulent markets to report nearly $4bn profit

Agricultural giant Cargill has announced a 55 percent increase in profit over the last year, despite operating in what it describes as “the most volatile agricultural and energy markets in decades”.

Trend-spotter highlights three major opportunities for CLA

Fat loss, anti-aging and sarcopenia are three virtually untapped markets for conjugated linolenic acid (CLA), according to a recent presentation by trend expert Dr Elizabeth Sloan.

Cocoa flavanols may boost blood flow in the brain

Flavanol-rich chocolate may boost blood flow in the brain and reduce the risk of dementia and stroke, Boston-based researchers have reported.

FDA finalizes betafiber heart health claim

Cargill’s barley beta concentrate has received a heart health claim go-ahead, following the publication last week of a final ruling from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Forbes sells pharma assets, focuses on nutraceuticals

Forbes Medi-Tech confirmed yesterday that it is to sell its pharmaceutical assets, freeing up the company the focus on further developing its nutraceuticals business.

Consumers don’t want to downsize to save cash

Consumers are frowning on moves by food manufacturers to reduce the size of products as a way of tackling shrinking budgets in the current economic climate, according to research by The Nielsen Company.

Vitamin D3 stable for fortifying cheese: study

Fortification of Cheddar cheese with vitamin D3 may be an effective means of raising vitamin D levels in the population, suggest new results from Canada.

False starting in the stevia race

The Greeks have a saying that goes something like this: ‘If you’re in too much of a rush, you’ll trip up’. The food and drinks industry could well benefit from the simplistic wisdom of such traditional advice as they race to bring the natural sweetener stevia to market.

Cyanotech to hike all prices

Microalgae supplier Cyanotech has said it plans to increase prices of its full range of ingredients as it can no longer offset the rising input costs to the business.

Study links dairy to better bones in kids

Long-term dairy consumption, supplemented with other protein-rich foods such as meats can help maintain improved bone health in children, according to a new study.

Hemp does not cause intoxication, says study

Commercial hemp products do not contain sufficient hemp to cause intoxication, says new research that is welcomed by an industry keen to promote its nutritional benefits.

Combined technologies key to vitamin A for foods

Vitamin A deficiency continues to pose formulation challenges to food scientists, but combining technologies may hold the solution, says a new review.

Forbes sales up since phytosterols re-focus

Forbes Medi-Tech has reported a 27 per cent increase in sales of its phytosterols in the first six months of 2008, indicating strong on-going potential for ingredients aimed at cholesterol reduction.

Omega-3 again linked to healthier eyes

Eating one portion of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish per week may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by over 50 per cent, suggests a new study.

ChromaDex reports Q2 loss, expansion plans continue

ChromaDex, which develops analytical standards for nutraceutical ingredients, has recorded a second quarter loss, but the firm maintains that the period was important for the developments it has made in order to expand its business.

Survey supports raspberry’s rise as ingredient

Smoothies, desserts, and yoghurts are benefiting from growing consumer awareness of health benefits of raspberries in North America, according to a new consumer survey.

Fiber is most sought info on nutrition labels, USDA

Dietary fiber information is the only labeling component to have seen an increase in use by US consumers, suggesting growing interest in the ingredient’s health benefits, reveals a new report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

RFI cuts lead times with in-house blending

RFI ingredients has completed a new contract manufacturing facility that bring most of the firms’ powder blending in-house, thereby cutting lead times for customers, said the company.

Low vitamin D may increase death risk: study

Low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of death from all causes by 26 per cent, suggests a study with 13,000 initially healthy men and women.

NutraCea records loss but rice bran expansion continues

Rice bran supplier NutraCea has seen profits plunge in its second quarter as raw material restrictions meant the firm was operating at below one third of its normal capacity.

Low-dose B12 plus folic acid effective for elderly: study

Fortifying bread with folic acid and low dose vitamin B12 is effective in improving vitamin B blood status in the elderly, according to a new study from Holland.

Why food is the new oil

“Food is a weapon – don’t waste it.” This message, which featured on a Second World War poster issued by the US Office of War Information in 1943, is a lesson from history we would do well to heed.

ChromaDex raises funds to build reference standards

ChromaDex Corporation has completed another phase in its expansion plan, with the extra funds contributing to the group’s intended growth of analytical standards for nutraceutical ingredients.

Dried fish stock may be salt enhancer for food

A dried stock made from the bonito fish – a stock used extensively in Japanese cuisine – may improve the palatability of reduced-salt products, suggests new research.

Study finds no extra nutrients in dried organic food

A new study from Denmark has added to debate about whether organic food is healthier than conventionally grown, as it concludes there is no evidence in favour of the argument.

Industry applauds high omega-3 standards

Recent testing on omega-3 supplements that found them to be contaminant-free is a sign that new manufacturing technologies have helped improve product quality, according to trade group Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED).

Broccoli can reverse diabetic heart damage, say researchers

A UK study has found consuming broccoli can reverse damage caused to the heart blood vessels of diabetics due to the presence of a sulfur compound.

DSM supports Dutch Olympic athletes

As the Olympic Games kick off in Beijing today, Dutch athletes can expect to receive the support of sports recovery products shipped over by Netherlands-based DSM.

What drives the kids’ functional food market, report

The children’s functional food and beverage market in the US is expected to see strong growth on the back of increased interest in kids’ health, with major areas of focus including obesity, hyperactivity, brain function, gut health and immunity, says a new report.

Protient expands whey protein capacity

Minnesota-based Protient has said it will expand its whey protein isolate (WPI) capacity in order to meet increased customer demand for the ingredient.

Is satiety the new salt, sugar and fat reduction?

Market researcher Leatherhead Food International (LFI) says satiety foods are growing in popularity but that manufacturers need to be careful not to alienate consumers.

Oil not subsidies behind corn prices hikes

Biofuel subsidies should not be singled out for blame when it comes to rising corn prices, as the underlying driver is the high cost of oil, according to a new study commissioned by the Farm Foundation.

Researchers make prickly pear powder for red food

A new study has devised an optimal process for spray drying the juice of betalain-rich Opuntia stricta, or prickly pear, so it can used as a natural red food colouring in yoghurts and soft drinks.

DNA data to spur new kiwifruit species

New commercial varieties of kiwifruit optimised for their flavour, colour and health attributes will become available in the next few years, thanks to the publication of a huge collection of DNA sequences from the fruit.

Supplement firms pledge responsible marketing for DHEA

Members of the supplement trade body Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) have pledged to follow certain guidelines when marketing products containing the naturally occurring steroid hormone DHEA, in a move designed to tighten industry self-regulation.

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