Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

News in brief

Study challenges coffee’s reported brain benefits

Increased intakes of coffee do not affect the rate of decline in mental functions as we age, nor the risk of dementia, according to new results from Finland.

Antioxidant content of fruit more than previously thought?

We may be underestimating the antioxidant content of fruit and vegetables, according to an international team of scientists from Spain and the UK.

Is taurine slipping out of energy drinks?

Manufacturers of energy drinks are less frequently including the ingredient taurine in their new product launches, according to the latest post-market statistics.

Citrus hybrids may offer antioxidant-rich extracts for nutraceuticals

Crossing clementines and blood oranges may yield a new citrus hybrid with an enhanced content of antioxidant phytochemicals, according to new research from Europe.

Reducing death from low birth weight: Now Foods commitment

Leading US supplement firm Now Foods has teamed up with the non-profit group Nourish America to provide prenatal vitamins to US mothers in a bid to reduce the number of infant deaths linked to undernourishment.

Rye for breakfast may boost feelings of fullness

Eating a high-fibre breakfast from rye may increase feelings of satiety and lead to reduced food intake later in the day, says a new study from Sweden.

Soluble fibre may benefit IBS sufferers: Study

Adding soluble fibre to the diet may improve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, but insoluble fibre may worsen the effects, says a new study.

New study to investigate why people ignore food labels

The FDA is planning to conduct a study to uncover barriers to consumers looking at food labels, in a bid to help consumer understanding and use of information provided on packaging.

More high fines for deceptive supplement marketing

The marketers of two dietary supplement products have been ordered to pay almost $70m for misleadingly selling products that claimed to cure a range of diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

News in brief

FDA supplements manager to train industry on GMPs

A seminar on GMP compliance to be held in October will allow supplement industry officials to be trained by the same faculty that instructed FDA inspectors.

Letter to the editor

Folic acid: Why mandatory fortification is vital

Relying on voluntary fortification of grain products with folic acid is not sufficient to ensure adequate intakes and relieve the burden of birth defects, says an eminent British professor.

Vine root extract has heart health supplement potential: Study

Extracts from the roots of a vine that has overgrown almost 10 million acres in the southeastern United States may improve heart health, says a new study from the US.

News in brief

Omega-3 shows no diabetes prevention benefits: Harvard study

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are not associated with a reduction in the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, according to new findings from Harvard.

US leads in healthy food product launches

The United States is far ahead of all other markets in the launch of new food and beverage products that claim to deliver health benefits, according to new market statistics.

Martek takes on DHA distributor for west coast

A new distribution deal announced today will see ingredient firm ET Horn selling Martek Biosciences’ branded omega-3 DHA ingredient in the west of the Untied States.

Ajinomoto opens center for healthy applications

Ajinomoto has opened a new application center in Chicago to develop new food and beverage applications for its ingredients and technologies – with a strong focus on health.

News in brief

Wasted watermelons could yield nutrients, fuel

Researchers at the USDA have established that watermelons not sold for food use due to cosmetic imperfections could be a source of nutraceutical ingredients and biofuel.

Soy protein may reduce cholesterol levels for diabetics, too

Increased intakes of soy protein may reduce cholesterol levels in people with type-2 diabetes, says a new study that expands on the heart healthy potential of soy.

Pomegranate seed oil may prevent diabetes: Study

Consuming oil from pomegranate seeds may prevent the development of diabetes, suggest results from a study with mice fed a high-fat diet.

Investor event to find funds for functional ingredients

A suppliers’ event to be held at SupplySide West in November aims to help the development of functional ingredients and technologies by linking small firms with interested investors.

Beauty supplements need their own brands, says analyst

Cosmetic companies looking to conquer the nutricosmetics market should create new, separate brands for their beauty supplements, argues a market analyst.

Tea consumers may have younger biological age

The cells of regular tea drinkers may have a younger biological age than cells from non-drinkers, according to new research from China.

Melon extract linked to cardiovascular benefits: Study

Daily consumption of an antioxidant-rich melon extract may lower cholesterol levels and prevent hardening of the arteries, according to a study with hamsters fed a high fat diet.

FDA says continue taking weight-loss Alli – for now

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing its review of reports of liver damage linked to the only over-the-counter weight loss drug – Alli – after receiving additional information from its drug evaluation center as well as the product’s manufacturer.

Food label habits to improve nutrition: Survey

Making healthy food choices and adding specific nutrients into their diet are the two main reasons why US consumers read food labels, according to a recent survey.

Weekly comment

Folic acid: Old women and children first!

Look at the globe and you’d be hard pressed to find two countries further apart than Ireland and New Zealand. But they stand side-by-side on the folic acid fortification issue – it is not needed.

Study identifies vitamin D’s benefits for diabetic heart health

Vitamin D may inhibit the build-up of cholesterol in blood vessels, says a new study that support calls for vitamin D supplements to improve heart health of diabetics.

News in brief

Nutrients journal goes live, open to all

The first issue of a new, peer-reviewed publication called Nutrients, is freely available to everyone online; with the emphasis on helping others reproduce the findings.

Oprah sues supplement firms for false endorsement claims

Fraudulent dietary supplement marketing is again in the spotlight, after Oprah Winfrey and Dr Mehmet Oz filed a lawsuit against firms that had claimed the celebrities recommended their products.

US prepares position on foods for special dietary uses

US food regulatory bodies are inviting public comments on foods for special dietary uses as they prepare the United States positions to be discussed at the next Codex meeting.

Could GM offer the next generation of probiotics?

A look into the probiotic crystal ball reveals that genetically engineered "friendly" bacteria could be switched on by specific prebiotic sugar, possibly leading to a new generation of pre- and probiotic products.

News in brief

Martek signs omega-6 deals in Europe and Asia

Martek Biosciences has signed two new deals to supply its omega-6 ARA (arachidonic acid) ingredients to infant food makers in Australia and Spain.

Zeaxanthin suppliers unite

A group of zeaxanthin suppliers have united to form the Zeaxanthin Trade Association to increase global awareness of the eye health nutrient and adopt quality standards.

Antioxidant-rich fruit, veg may prevent lymph cancers

Increased intakes of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, says a new study from the Mayo Clinic

US functional foods market worth $27bn

The US functional foods market will grow by up to 20 percent or five times that of the food industry as a whole, according to a new report from Pricewaterhouse Coopers that puts the market at $27bn in 2007.

News in brief

New Philippine FDA to have more control over foods

The world’s newest food industry regulatory body was set up in Phillipines this week, with the foundation of a new agency modeled on the US FDA.

Could probiotics protect us from gut parasites?

The gut health boosting effects of probiotics may also extend to preventing and eradicating parasitic infections, according to ‘early data’ from the US.

German firm claims new omega-3 source found

German biotech firm, InterMed Discovery (IMD), has licensed a “microbial source” form of omega-3 it says offers an alternative to existing fish, algae and plant sources.

Vitamin D may reduce pre-eclampsia risk: Study

Increased intakes of vitamin D during pregnancy may reduce the development by about 25 per cent, suggests a study with over 20,000 Norwegian women.

Yeast altered to deliver vitamin D yield

Canadian supplier, Lallemand, has launched a form of baker’s yeast that has been altered to boost vitamin D levels and will be available to customers that already employ Lallemand's yeasts as well as new clients.

Omega-3, vitamin E mix shows potential for autistic speech

A combination of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E may lead to speech improvements in autistic children with verbal disorders, suggests a new study.

Popcorn and cereal pack antioxidant punch, says study

Certain cereals and salty snacks like popcorn may be healthier than previously thought thanks to their unusually high antioxidant content.

News in brief

IRI report finds consumers rethinking shopping in recession

Manufacturers should be focusing more resources on understanding how to target consumers as shopping patterns have changed during the recession, says market research organization IRI.

Omega-3 test to determine heart disease risk

A take-home kit that allows consumers to measure their omega-3 levels claims to be a better predictor of heart disease risk than cholesterol levels, while having the potential to act as an efficacy measure.

ENI withdraws from Canadian, EU vegetarian glucosamine markets

Ethical Naturals will no longer supply its vegetarian glucosamine to supplement manufacturers in Canada, the EU and Brazil, following a patent dispute with competitor Cargill.

Antioxidants pose no cancer danger for skin

Supplements of antioxidant vitamins and minerals are not associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, despite reports to the contrary, says a new study.

News in brief

Science builds for National Starch's resistant starch

Consumption of resistant starch may reduce insulin resistance, and the development of diabetes and heart disease, according to preliminary results from National Starch.

Americans want personalized nutrition, finds survey

The large majority of American consumers are ready to embrace nutrigenomics, according to a recent survey that gauged views on the concept of personalized nutrition.

New food nutrient profiling system proposed by US researchers

US researchers have developed a new nutrient profiling tool, which they say is an “objective” and “scientific” approach to measuring the nutritional quality of foods.

National Enzyme earns GMP thumbs up in Oz

Missouri-based National Enzyme Company (NEC) has passed an extensive Good Manufacturing Practices audit of its Australian operations by the regulator there and can continue to market its ingredients and dietary supplements.

Chocolate again linked to better heart health

Increased intakes of chocolate may decrease the risk of a heart attack victim from dying from heart-related problems, according to a joint US-Swedish study.

Court rules against FTC in supplement ad case

A US District Court has ruled against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and in favor of a supplements firm, in a landmark case that found FTC’s criticism of the company’s advertising was simply a “difference of opinion”.

Weekly comment

Free farmers to farm and bank UK food security

How best should Britain plan to secure reliable supplies of reasonably-priced food? Should the nation put its trust in home production or food imports from the world market?

News in brief

Supplements tested in space

Astronauts on recent space missions have tested the use of specially formulated dietary supplements designed to meet the nutritional needs of long-duration spaceflight.

Herbal supplements are not always safe, says Mayo Clinic

A consumer health bulletin sent out this month by the Mayo Clinic warns Americans of possible health risks related to the use of herbal dietary supplements.

Asparagus extracts may ease hangover: Study

An extract from asparagus may increase the function of enzymes in the liver and boost the metabolism of alcohol, according to new research from Korea.

High-fat diets linked to poor mental function

High consumption of fatty foods may reduce both cognitive function and physical endurance, according to results of a rat study from Oxford University.

News in brief

Cyanotech sets stage for condition-specific 'innovation' in 2010

Microalgae supplier Cyanotech will be focusing on “sound business fundamentals” in 2010, as it also expands its business to include finished supplement products and blends.

Addressing health through nutrition: Top consumer priorities

Heart health, weight loss and cancer protection are the top three health concerns that Americans try to address through their diets, according to a new survey.

FDA sued over antioxidant health claim 'censorship'

The FDA is being sued for the third time in three weeks, this time over its “censorship” of 13 antioxidant qualified health claims, which the attorney mounting the case says amounts to “contempt of federal court orders” dating from 1999.

Lycopene linked to healthier blood vessels

Higher levels of lycopene in the blood are associated with lower stiffness in the arteries, says a new study supporting the heart health benefits of the carotenoid.

How consumers approach functional foods: Survey

Whole grains, fiber and protein are top of the list for consumers looking to improve their diets by eating more of a specific type of food, according to a new survey of Americans’ approach to functional foods.

News in brief

Danisco extends betaine’s sport science

Supplements of betaine may increase leg muscle endurance and quality of workout, says a new study funded by Danisco using its BetaPower Natural Betaine product.

Patent reissue won’t affect legal battle, says lutein player

New York-based OmniActive Health Technologies says the reissue of a lutein patent to Kemin Industries in June will not have any bearing on the legal dispute between the two lutein suppliers.

Comfort foods vary by age group, says market research

A trend toward ‘comfort foods’ emerged as the global economic climate worsened – but what these foods are varies by age group, says a new report from Packaged Facts and the Center for Culinary Development.

More omega-3, less omega-6 for colorectal protection

Increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, and decreasing intakes of omega-6, could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, suggests a new study from China.

Eggshell membrane may outperform glucosamine for joint health

Extracts from the membrane of an eggshell may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and offer an alternative to glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, suggest new findings.

Breaking down Canadian health claims… as change awaits

The use of health claims on food products in Canada could be set for a significant revamp, as the nation’s regulatory body reviews its approach. NutraIngredients-USA.com examines areas of potential amendment and breaks down the current system in anticipation of change.

Kraft adopts Smart Choices criteria for kids’ advertising

Kraft Foods has said that it will use the nutrition criteria behind the new Smart Choices nutrition labeling program to determine which products it advertises to American children aged 6-11.

News in brief

Cholesterol reduction gets September education push

Cholesterol reduction will be top of mind next month, as consumers are reminded of ways to improve their nutrition during National Cholesterol Education Month.

FDA sued over ‘unclear’ GMP rules

The Food and Drug Administration is being sued over its controversial and much-amended GMP regulations on the grounds the 1000-page rule is “ambiguous where it should be clear”, according to the attorney mounting the action.

Snack Size Science: Beetroot catches up with sports nutrition

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science every two weeks. This week we catch up on the science behind beetroot juice’s sport nutrition potential.

News in brief

Michigan State University offers international food law courses

Michigan State University has said that it is accepting applications for its international food law distance education courses.

Licorice oil may offer weight management potential

Antioxidant-rich oil from licorice may increase fat loss and aid in weight management, suggests a new study from Japan’s Kaneka.

FDA publishes details of warning letter overhaul

A notice detailing the new process for issuing warning letters to food companies that violate safety regulations has been published in the Federal Register, with the program due to begin on September 15.

Gaps in Canadian regulations restrict functional foods, say researchers

A review of Canada’s regulations governing food and natural health products has again highlighted the “confusion and uncertainty” generated by the system, which it says could be restricting the market potential of foods with health benefits.

Omega-3 fish oils linked to better semen quality

Infertile men have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their sperm than fertile men, suggests new research that opens up the possibility for supplements to boost sperm quality.

Lutein, blackcurrant extract may reduce visual fatigue: Study

A supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin and blackcurrant extract may reverse signs of visual fatigue, according to a new study from Japan and Singapore.

Weekly comment

FDA’s Commissioner Hamburg: Beefing up US food safety

It looks like the FDA has finally got some muscle. Never mind new legislation – if anything can prevent America acquiring a weedy reputation for food safety, it’s the might of Dr Margaret Hamburg.

Canada examines vitamin D for swine flu protection

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed that it will be investigating the role of vitamin D in protection against swine flu, NutraIngredients-USA.com has learned.

News in brief

Dannon pumps more money into improving kids’ nutrition

Probiotic yogurt leader Dannon has committed another $30,000 to promoting healthy eating amongst school children as part of its program to improve childhood nutrition in communities where its facilities are located.

Beetroot juice may boost endurance: Study

Consuming beetroot juice may boost stamina and allow people to exercise for up to 16 per cent longer, according to a new study from the UK.

Study adds to DSM's resveratrol safety reputation

Resveratrol can safely be consumed at doses up to at least 450 milligrams per day for a 60 kg individual, according to a new paper that supports the product’s safety.

Botanicals fail to cool hot flashes or boost brain function: Study

Black cohosh and red clover have no effect on hot flashes or cognitive function in menopausal women, according to two new studies from Illinois.

BLIS reports strides in US probiotic market

New Zealand probiotics firm BLIS Technologies has sold a new probiotic strain for use in dietary supplements in the US, and is also seeking GRAS status to take its ingredients into mainstream foods.

Fortified broccoli, tomato powders show anti-prostate cancer power

Biofortification of broccoli and tomatoes may lead to increased levels of potentially anti-cancer compounds, according to results of an American study.

Green tea extracts linked to healthier bones: Study

Compounds from green tea may lead to stronger bones by promoting bone formation, while also inhibiting bone resorption, which leads to weakening, suggests a new cell study.

News in brief

Fenchem enters vitamin premix market

The global vitamin premix market has a new player after China’s Fenchem announced its entrance into the market.

FDA should expand EMA definition: AHPA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should expand its definition of economically motivated adulteration (EMA), says the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).

Lallemand acquires Wisconsin-based yeast company

Lallemand Bio-Ingredients said on Wednesday that it has completed its acquisition of the Wisconsin-based Lake States Yeast Company, in a move which marks its first entry into inactivated torula yeast.

AIDP collagen patent promises bone health benefits

Californian-based supplier, AIDP, has won a US patent for a method of manufacturing mineral collagen it says can increase the body's ability to consume minerals such as calcium and magnesium when formulated together.

GRAS opens functional food road for curcumin antioxidant

Herbal extract supplier Sabinsa has received GRAS status for its curcumin antioxidant ingredient, opening up its use in certain food and beverage applications in the US, including baked goods, snacks and dairy products.

DSM files patent for stevia as cognitive health ingredient

Stevia extracts may boost brain function and tap growing interest in natural ingredients for cognitive health, suggests a patent application from DSM.

Whey protein may improve heart health: Study

A whey-protein-rich ingredient may improve blood vessel function in healthy individuals, reports a new randomised, double-blind study supported by Glanbia.

Glanbia opens new US vitamin, mineral premix facility

Glanbia Nutritionals has opened a new vitamin and mineral premix facility in Missouri, increasing its production capacity for the US market and cutting lead times for customers, said the firm.

News in brief

DSM extends hand to boost food safety in developing world

Forty-one trainee food safety officials from 20 developing countries have received specialist food safety training, hosted by DSM and sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce.

Bill seeks to subsidize health claim-backed dietary supplements

Two Congressmen from either side of the mainstream political spectrum have introduced a Bill into Congress calling for dietary supplements such as selenium and omega-3s that are backed by official health claims to receive tax breaks.

Weekly comment

Downsize me! FSA right to push for smaller snacks

Chocolate bar makers should embrace the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) proposals on snack portions and adapt their supersizing skills to downsizing.

Omega-3 review: Half a gram needed for heart benefits

The science behind the cardiovascular health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids supports recommended daily levels of 500 mg, according to a ‘state-of-the-art’ review.

Low vitamin D levels linked to metabolic syndrome

Increasing blood levels of vitamin D are linked to a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, as well as improved ‘good’ cholesterol levels, says a new study.

News in brief

EU omega-3 content labelling debate rolls on

A recent European Commission committee meeting has failed to reach any conclusions about mooted omega-3 nutrition labelling across the European Union bloc.

Economically motivated adulteration remains rife: CRN

Economically motivated adulteration (EMA) of dietary supplements is a “serious and growing concern” in a climate of inadequate testing methods and substandard raw materials, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Understanding differences in global beauty foods markets

The American market for beauty foods and supplements remains far behind the Japanese and European markets. In this article, NutraIngredients-USA.com looks at some of the reasons why.

Anthocyanins linked to improved cholesterol levels

Increased intakes of antioxidant anthocyanins may improve levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, according to results of a new human study with 120 people.

Vitiva’s antioxidant rosemary extracts get USDA organic certification

Slovenian firm Vitiva has received US organic certification for its rosemary extract lines AquaRox and Inolens, which are used in foods, supplements and cosmetics products for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

US CAM spend equals one third of out-of-pocket drug spend

Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) are moving into the mainstream with four out of ten Americans using some form of CAM in 2007 and sales approaching $34bn, according to a US government agency market scan.

Industry body welcomes US and Asia-Pacific food safety measures

At the APEC meeting in Singapore, Robert Brackett of the GMA has applauded the founding of a food safety training network, just days after the organization praised the House for passing a landmark food safety bill.

Carving a cosmeceutical focus as beauty foods category grows

The emerging area of cross-over between food and cosmetics is increasingly gaining traction as consumers warm to the concept of beauty-from-within.

News in brief

Solae joins Business Ethics Leadership Alliance

Soy ingredients supplier Solae has become one of 30 companies to join the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance, an organization that seeks to provide benchmarks in ethical business conduct.