Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Vitamer Labs launches line for organic consumers

Vitamer Labs is tapping into US consumers' niche, but ever-growing, desire for organic products with a new line of supplements.

Another website targets consumers and supplements

The dietary supplement industry has announced its second website in one week geared at increasing public awareness surrounding health and its products.

Probiotics may put skids on infant diarrhoea

Supplements of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic bacteria may provide added protection against gastro-intestinal infection and diarrhoea in infants, suggests a new study.

Decision News Media seeks Managing Editor for Montpellier, France

Decision News Media is seeking a Managing Editor to lead the editorial team in Montpellier, France.

Isoflavone-rich pasta effective to boost heart health - study

Pasta, enriched with soy isoflavones in the aglycone form, can effectively reduce blood levels of total and LDL cholesterol by about eight per cent, new research from Italy has reported.

Beverage industry growth to stem from functionality

The entire nonalcoholic beverage industry is making a shift towards functionality, if the findings of a recent report from global investment analyst Canaccord Adams spell true.

Probiotics may increase isoflavone profile of soy milk

Adding probiotic strains to soymilk may have extra benefits by improving the bioavailability of the isoflavones in the milk, suggests new research.

Increased whole grain consumption linked to better weight

An increased intake of wholegrain products in the diet may reduce a person's likelihood of being overweight or obese, suggests a new study from Holland.

Zencore Tabs maker issues voluntary recall

The maker of a dietary supplement sold for sexual enhancement has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its product following accusation it contains prescription drugs.

US food import safety battle continues

Debates over how the US should deal with food safety issues continue to rage between regulators, manufacturers, consumers and even the media, after a number of scandals this year broke out over imported products from Asia.

Clearly Canadian funds expansion beyond vitamin waters

Canadian premium beverage manufacturer, Clearly Canadian Brands, has completed a $9.36mn financing from institutional investors that it plans to use to further diversify its line.

NextFoods to launch probiotic shot with Probi

Swedish probiotics manufacturer Probi is taking its ingredient further into the US market thanks to a new agreement signed with NowFoods for a juice shot.

Nestle points towards future of cocoa research

The future of research into the potential health benefits of cocoa should focus on the mechanisms and active compounds, with well defined clinical trials key to this burgeoning segment, says a new review by Nestlé.

Omega-3 may reduce type-1 diabetes

An increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources may protect children at high risk of type-1 diabetes from developing the disease, suggests new research.

A muffin instead of a pomegranate?

C.K. Nutritional Ingredients and Cyvex Nutrition have collaborated with a retail baker in Canada for a line of PomActiv muffins, in an innovative take on bringing antioxidants to consumers.

Selenium may protect against artery furring

Selenium supplements may reduce the risk of heart disease by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, suggests a small study from Italy.

Guar gum's anti-diarrhoea potential gets boost

Partially hydrolysed guar gum extensively used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabiliser, may also have potential as a health ingredient for protecting against diarrhoea, suggests new research.

CRN talks supplements to hundreds of doctors and nurses

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is undertaking a survey of healthcare professionals in order to address the lack of communication between doctors and patients on the subject of dietary supplements.

Ocean Nutrition co-brands with Unilever spread

Ocean Nutrition Canada has secured co-branding for its omega-3 with Unilever Canada's Becel spreads, representing a high-profile marketing coup with a known household brand.

DSEA heads off ad campaign with website

The Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA) has launched a website in the first step of its campaign to publicize the positive face of the industry.

CLA isomers show promise against colon cancer - study

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) may stop the spread of colon cancer, suggests a new study from Korea that adds important new data to our understanding of the ingredient.

Weekly comment

Consumers and the confidence crisis

Consumer demand - the holy grail of any industry - is a fragile and easily manipulated treasure. But influencing consumers for anything other than their own benefit will, more often than not, carry unintended consequences.

Nutraceuticals could bridge gap in healthy snacks

More than 20 percent of American consumers indicate they are now seeking healthier snacking options, according to Datamonitor - spelling opportunity for healthy ingredient manufacturers.

Blue California expands to micro-encapsulation

Blue California is offering micro-encapsulation services for packing more nutritional value into a smaller space with a more stable shelf life.

Tocotrienol may protect against DNA damage, says study

Tocotrienols, the less studied form of vitamin E, may reduce DNA damage, considered an important trigger in cancer development, by about 50 per cent, new research suggests.

Nutraceuticals offer hope on World Alzheimer's Day

On World Alzheimer's Day it is worth reflecting on the potential for research into food and dietary supplement ingredients to one day stave off the debilitating disease.

Study backs lycopene against advanced prostate cancer

Increased blood levels of lycopene may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer by 60 per cent, but carotenoids in general do not appear to impact on the overall risk of the disease, says a large European study.

High GI diets may increase fatty liver risk - study

Consuming a diet with a high glycaemic index (GI) may increase the risk of fatty liver, a condition linked to liver failure, suggests a new study with mice.

Best Formulations gets TGA cert

Best Formulations has received Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) certification for compliance with manufacturing standards in Australia, thereby opening up a wider market for its services.

Omega-3 may boost blood vessel elasticity - study

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may improve the elasticity of blood vessels and improve overall cardiovascular health, reports a new study from China.

Ginseng juice eyed as anti-diabetic dietary supplement

An extract from American ginseng berry may reduce blood sugar levels by 30 per cent and aid weight loss, reports a new study from the University of Chicago using obese diabetic mice.

Aloecorp props up aloe for kidney stones

Aloecorp is further boosting the profile of aloe and its health applications with results from a Thai study linking gel from the plant to the prevention of kidney stone formation.

AHPA provides analytical methods for hoodia gordonii

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is providing analytical methods to help dietary supplement manufacturers and ingredient suppliers ensure the authenticity of ingredients labeled as Hoodia gordonii.

Scientists pinpoint inulin's calcium absorption site

The ability of prebiotics inulin and oligofructose to enhance absorption of calcium in the intestine is focussed in the colon, suggests a new study with young adults that backs up animal studies.

New food safety website for small companies

Size need not be a problem, as a new website has been launched to help small and medium-sized manufacturers fight an array of food safety issues.

Eating competency linked to lower CVD risk

Training people to become more eating competent may be more effective at lowering their risk of heart disease than just providing them with dietary information, says a new study.

Broccoli could help the brain heal

A substance found in broccoli could help preserve the integrity of a barrier protecting the brain following injury, according to an animal study.

CSPI asks FDA to stipulate full addresses in AER guidance

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has asked the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to encourage dietary supplement manufacturers to clearly label packages with information on how to report adverse reactions.

Vitamin Relief USA expands to provide functional products

Vitamin Relief USA is extending the scope of its operations to supply functional and organic food and beverage products to a variety of health education services.

Women want to know more about nutrition for menopause

A survey sponsored by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has found that women want their doctors to inform them about non-medicinal options for relieving menopausal symptoms.

Nutracea looks to tap Southeast Asian rice production

Nutracea announced it has received an opening purchase order from network marketing company the Cosway Corporation for launch of its stabilized rice bran in Southeast Asia.

Supplements for over 50s may boost diet deficiency

Men and women over the age of 51 who regularly take dietary supplements are more likely to get adequate amounts of several vitamins and minerals than those who do not, a study suggests

FDA gives isomaltulose health claim green light

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a non-cariogenic health claim for the carbohydrate sweetener isomaltulose.

Herbal water latest player in functional drinks

As part of an innovative take on functional beverages, a Philadelphia manufacturer is taking herbs into water.

Low-fat veg diet may keep prostate cancer at bay

Eating a low-fat and plant-based diet could reduce the risk of prostate cancer or slow onset of the disease, a new study has found.

Apples could cut childhood asthma, study finds

Mothers who eat apples during pregnancy may help their child avoid the risk of asthma, a study has found.

FTC comes down on book marketer

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has clamped down on the marketer of a book for allegedly promising consumers an easy plan for losing weight.

Med diet found to benefit arthritis sufferers

Women suffering from arthritis who adhered to a Mediterranean diet for only nine months experienced "significant" alleviations in pain, according to a new study.

Antioxidant product could fight damage after exercise

A small study has reported that a protein powder mix of amino acids, vitamins and minerals could help combat fatigue during a difficult workout.

Weekly Comment

Arnie and the clones

Cloned foods have not yet made it to our grocery aisles, but in the advent of such a rollout consumers must have a defined right to decide if they want to swallow the technology or not.

CSPI red flags Natrol's Promensil to regulators

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has targeted a dietary supplement used in relieving the symptoms of menopause as part of its mission to get federal regulators to clamp down on false advertising.

100 apples a day keeps URTI away

A flavonoid found in fruit, such as apples and berries, could help reduce illnesses in people who have carried out extensive exercise.

New probiotics council aims to guide US industry

The National Yogurt Association is creating a probiotics council - another signal the active cultures have achieved mainstream status in North America.

Scientists propose vitamin C's potential cancer-blocking mechanism

Vitamin C may block growth of tumors by destabilizing their ability to grow under oxygen-starved conditions, as opposed to the prevailing theory that its preventative mechanism stems from capturing volatile oxygen free radicals.

Ohly shores up US yeast extract

ABF-owned Ohly has completed the expansion of its yeast-extract facilities in the US and now claims to be the only company offering the triumvirate of baker's, brewer's and torula yeast extracts to the market.

Guest article

What you need to know before meeting potential users of your technology

Before a first meeting with potential users of your nutraceutical technology, it is very important to have such persons or entities execute appropriate confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-circumvention, and non-solicitation agreements so that you will be able to conduct the most open and productive discussions with them about your technology.

Tangerine peel could help fight cancer, researchers say

Scientists have formed a company to protect and promote their research on a molecule found in tangerine peel which could help fight cancer.

Cognis can now plug Tonalin CLA in its sleep

Cognis is using a new study, linking CLA to positively altering fat oxidation and energy burning during sleep, to back-up up marketing behind branded its Tonalin.

'HFCS-free' emerging as new health claim, says Datamonitor

High fructose corn syrup is increasingly being blacklisted by food and beverage manufacturers as they attempt to market products that are perceived as 'better-for-you', says Datamonitor.

Peanut butter, the new weapon to fight world hunger?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are lauding fortified peanut butter as a potential saviour for the world's malnourished children.

Pycnogenol could soothe ADHD symptoms

A soon-to-be published study has linked French maritime pine bark ingredient Pycnogenol to balancing stress hormones, in turn diminishing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Wholly guacamole!

It looks like even dips are going functional these days and, with National Guacamole Day around the corner, you may want to stock up on the avocado treat.

Import safety report encourages industry participation

The current US Administration is one step closer to hammering out a new policy on import safety in response to contamination scares.

Chinese vitamin C supply could be under threat

The face of the vitamin C market may be on the verge of change as reports circulate that prices from China - the world's primary supplier - are rocketing.

Nutrition 21 places over $17mn in shares to fund marketing

Nutrition 21, the developer of chromium-based Chromax, announced it has entered into definitive agreements to privately place shares and warrants to fund $17.75mn for marketing and retailing of its condition-specific products.

Lutein/zeaxanthin again linked to lower AMD risk

Supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin has once again been associated with a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration, according to a new report.

Vitamin E produces paradoxical results on CVD, study suggests

Supplementation with vitamin E has produced both positive and negative effects in helping to beat the risk factors in cardiovascular disease, an animal study has concluded.

NSF looks to train GMP-ready employees

NSF International has acquired David Begg Associates in a bid to increase its training capacity in North America, where its services will be increasingly available to dietary supplement manufacturers.

Low vitamin D linked to preeclampsia

A study has linked low vitamin D levels in mothers to a five-fold increased risk of preeclampsia, a serious complication in pregnancy which can lead to fetal death.

Frutarom adds to US focus with ISO recommendation

Frutarom USA has further enhanced its profile in North America by going through ISO certification hoops for its quality management systems.

Vitamin C in a fatty stomach may encourage cancer growth

According to a new study in Gut journal, fat inside the upper stomach may cause vitamin C to promote cancer-causing reactions rather than protect against them as previously found.

Weekly comment

Hooked on Es

This comment was amended to correct a statement about bans of additives in other countries. Some of the chemicals were previously banned by Norway, Austria and Australia but those bans have since been removed. Allura red AC, tartrazine and sunset yellow are allowed in the US, while quinoline yellow, carmoisine and ponceau 4R are not. None of the colour additives are currently banned by Australia, which lifted a ban on quinoline yellow in 2003. The country does not permit tartrazine to be used in medicines.

Glanbia edges into omega-3 market, acquires Pizzey's

International dairy and nutritional ingredients group Glanbia is making its way into the North American omega-3 market with the acquisition of the Canadian nutritionals business, Pizzey's Milling.

Saw palmetto drought drives prices up, raises supply questions

Saw palmetto prices are set to soar following a drought in Florida, leaving further room for low-quality or fake products to enter the market, says Valensa International.

Soy isoflavones could reduce infant mortality

A soy isoflavone used in soy infant formula could reduce diarrhea in infants, according to a new study, and thereby save lives in developing countries.

Investigation launched into citric acid dumping claims

The European Commission has launched an inquiry into allegations that Chinese suppliers are dumping citric acid onto the market and causing material injury to the European industry.

Folate and genistein cut disease risk, study finds

Maternal supplementation of a mixture containing folic acid and vitamin B12 or genistein had a positive result on reducing disease susceptibility in newborn mice, a study reports.

PepsiCo jumps on functional bevie bandwagon

PepsiCo is joining the trend for mainstream beverage companies looking to invigorate their sales with increasingly functional offerings, such as vitamin waters.

BioEnvelop spins concentrated nutra film

Contract manufacturer BioEnvelop says it has succeeded in improving the nutritional capacity of its film-based nutraceuticals, thereby offering up further potential delivery systems for dietary supplement makers.

Vitamin D could halve breast and colon cancer incidence

As many as 50 percent of breast and colon cancer cases could be prevented by increasing intake of vitamin D, according to a study that backs continued calls for higher upper limits of the ingredient.

School nutrition challenges on way to being met, report

Nearly half of school nutrition directors polled in a recent survey indicated that newly implemented policies have already had a positive impact on students' food choices and behaviour.

Probiotics may cut neonatal gut infections, mice study

A series of probiotic studies on mice have presented positive results in protecting newborns from intestinal infections and reducing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), research by Institut Rosell suggests.

Martek rides wave of life'sDHA expansion in Q3

Based on its Q3 financial results, Martek Biosciences is finally cashing in on its investment into developing branded vegetarian life'sDHA.

Young consumers responsible for growth in functional drinks

Younger consumers are driving the functional beverage market, according to a new Mintel report, which indicates the market grew by up to 30 percent over the past five years.

Study links body-building antioxidant to hypertension condition

An antioxidant commonly used in dietary and body-building supplements could lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension, according to research from the University of Virginia (UV) Health System.

Naked Juice brings probiotics to functional juice

Californian beverage manufacturer Naked Juice is taking a page from dairy's book and introducing probiotics to the functional juice category.

Avocados linked to cutting oral cancer

Nutrients found in avocados may help combat oral cancer, a study suggests.

Mars to add more patents to Natraceutical case

Mars has announced it is adding more patents to its suit against Natraceutical so as to both strengthen its case and protect cocoa flavanol technology.

Weekly comment

Food prices and the death of the productionist model

Last week saw a string of communications about food price rises: first warnings were aired about wheat, then meat, then dairy. It's a vertiginous view from the heights of the commodity markets, and it's clearer than ever before that we need to re-jig our basic food supply systems if we are to feed the world in the future.

Overweight toddlers more likely to be iron deficient

A higher risk factor for iron deficiency in toddlers has now been associated with weight, leaving further room for food manufacturers and public health bodies to raise awareness on the issue.

Study links low-GI kids' breakfast to less calories

Sending your kids off to school on a low GI-breakfast could reduce their calorie intake throughout the day, suggests new research.

Consumers will now pay more for healthier goods, survey

US consumers are willing to increase grocery spending on healthier foods says a recent survey sponsored by the United Soybean Board (USB).

Nestle completes Gerber aquisition

Nestlé officially completed its acquisition of baby food brand Gerber, bringing the company one step closer to achieving its evolving aspiration to be the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company.

Black raspberry promise in oesophageal cancer prevention

Freeze-dried back raspberries could help prevent the formation of tumours of the oesophagus, if the results of a rat study also hold true for humans, but were not seen to aid tumour regression.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

Longevity to be the next wellness trend, says Campbell

The final article in a FoodNavigator-USA.com series on the health and wellness practices of major US food firms reveals that Campbell Soup Company is expecting a major shift in the market, which will affect the way products are developed and marketed.

Biogin increases flax lignan production based on demand

Chinese ingredients maker Biogin Biochemicals said it has seen an approximately 30 percent growth in demand for its flax lignans from clients in the US and Europe and it is increasing its production capacity accordingly.

Denomega kneads omega-3 into US bread

Denomega Nutritional Oils is taking its omega-3 into uncharted territory - breads - making the fatty acids even more available in the lifestyles of consumers.

Pomegranate extracts may inhibit prostate cancer growth - study

Ellagitannins from pomegranate accumulate in the prostate and may be behind the reported benefits of the fruit, suggests a new animal study from the US.