Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Guest article

EFSA’s harsh health claim regime

The European Food Safety Authority recently turned in its first health claim verdicts, rejecting eight of nine. European food regulations expert Lorène Courrège explains why EFSA’s tough health claim approach may stifle product innovation.

Glucosamine-chondroitin ineffective for osteoarthritis: study

Supplements of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, alone or in combination, may not positively affect joint health, according to a new study from the US.

Baobab goes for GRAS ahead of 2010 World Cup

A trade association has prepared a GRAS notification dossier for its baobab fruit pulp powder in the hope that products could become available in time for the 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa.

Antares steps in to fill vitamin E gap

US firm Antares Health Products (AHP) has started commercial production of a soluble form of vitamin E, which it said will help plug a gap in the market left by the exit of major supplier Eastman Chemical Company.

Glucosamine-chondroitin trial results meaningless, says industry

Industry has thrown scorn on a study that questioned the ability of glucosamine and chondroitin to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Weekly comment

What to do when safety studies smell a rat

Using animals, and specifically rats, to build the science behind ingredients is vital, but dismissing conflicting studies just because a rat is not a human is not acceptable.

Demand for cranberries close to outstripping supply

Ocean Spray has opened what it describes as the largest cranberry processing facility in the world but it said that it could be expanded further, if only there was enough fruit to go round.

Feds probe $30 million alternative medicine trial

The US’ largest ever trial of alternative medicine has been put on hold while federal authorities probe reports of inadequate risk information to participants.

Vitamin D added to calcium osteoporosis health claim

The US calcium osteoporosis health claim will include vitamin D and be simplified in a number of other ways from January 1, 2010, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Hot Topic

Industry after Smiling Bob: Your views

At the end of last month, the founder of US supplements firm Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals received the most severe punishment yet to be handed out for fraud in the industry: A 25-year jail sentence and $93,000 from his personal savings. The company was ordered to forfeit $500m.

Fish may reduce eczema risk in children: Study

Including fish in the diet of an infant before nine months of age may reduce the risk of developing eczema by 25 per cent, suggests new research from Sweden.

Vitamin D again linked to breast cancer protection

Increased intake of vitamin D from the diet and from sunlight may reduce the risk fo breast cancer by over 20 per cent, says a new study.

Natreon takes functional ingredients to Asia Pacific

Natreon continues its expansion in the global market, this week announcing a new partnership that will take its nutraceutical ingredients to Australia and New Zealand.

Ethical claims appeal to kids growing older younger

Children are becoming more aware of environmental issues from an earlier age, offering food and drinks manufacturers a chance to directly target them with ethical products, according to a new report.

Dark chocolate linked to lower risk of heart disease

Moderate consumption of dark chocolate can help to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to an Italian study published this week.

Dispatches from China: Food Safety

New venture aims to ensure safety of Chinese exports

A new food testing centre in southern China is aiming to smooth the way for Chinese food exports to the US and other markets.

Omega-3 takes the spotlight for September’s science

Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the risk of dementia, improve survival in older people, and protect against the damage from pollution.

Task force aims to battle ‘restrictive’ supplement rules

International health product advocates have joined forces to fight against new regulations in North America and Europe that they claim “severely restrict” the supplements and natural product industries.

FDA makes health claim notification estimates

The US Food and Drug Administration estimates that it will receive only one nutrient content claim notification and two health claim notifications per year, according to a notice to be published in the Federal Register.

Isoflavone-rich supplement boosts artery health: Study

A dietary supplement rich in isoflavones may improve the function of arteries in stroke patients, according to new research from Hong Kong.

Brown rice bioactives identified by researchers

A joint US-Japanese study has identified the compounds in pre-germinated brown rice responsible for the potential health benefits of this emerging health food.

September new ingredient round-up

The ingredient launches are coming thick and fast. NutraIngredients presents a selection of this month’s most innovative debuts.

RFI gets organic certification, expands botanical extract business

Functional ingredient supplier RFI has received organic certification for its New York powder blend facility, and has also announced the acquisition of a botanical extract plant in Colorado.

Overdoing health claims can put consumers off

The health and wellness trend in food is expected to endure tough economic times but there is a danger that food manufacturers could over medicalize their products, according to a research specialist.

Omega-3 and soy may protect against pollution harm: Study

Supplements of omega-3 or soy may protect the heart against certain damaging effects of air pollution, according to a new study from an international team of researchers.

Seaweed granules may replace salt in foods

Seaweed may hold the key to reducing salt in foods without affecting the shelf life and taste of the product, according to a new project from the UK.

Soy has staying power as healthy option

Consumers in the US are increasingly turning to soy as a healthy choice as they constantly change their eating habits to improve nutrition, according to a study from the United Soybean Board.

Digestive health leads functional product launches, Mintel

Foods and beverages marketed for digestive health have crept to the top of the list of new functional product launches so far this year, according to statistics provided by Mintel.

AERs: supplements 604 – drugs 450,000

There have been 604 adverse event reports (AERs) – including five deaths – in six months, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which implemented the system last year.

Weekly comment

Consumers fear the packaging - a BPA alternative is needed now

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Luke Skywalker’s warning in the movie blockbuster Star Wars could equally be applied to consumers’ concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA).

More fish during pregnancy boosts child development: Study

An increased intake of fish during pregnancy may enhance development of the infant at 18 months, says a new study.

Seaweed powder could give noodles formulation boost

Powder from green seaweed may offer the growing noodle market a new avenue for formulation, according to a new study from Taiwan.

Supplements maker puts ephedrine back on market

A Texan dietary supplements manufacturer and retailer is challenging the ephedra ban by selling products containing ephedrine alkaloids.

Probiotics are unfamiliar to most Americans, finds survey

A survey conducted last month has found that the vast majority of Americans know nothing about probiotics, suggesting more education efforts could help boost an industry still in its infancy.

New deal to drive sales of health and calorie control products

Jungbunzlauer aims to capitalize on new markets in the US for specialty ingredients after signing a deal with a sales and distribution company.

Vitamin C may protect elderly gents from bone loss

Higher levels of vitamin C from the diet may reduce the loss of bone mineral density in elderly men, says a new study from the US.

Anthocyanins and colon cancer: Structure is key, says study

The structure of anthocyanins, the antioxidant pigments from a range of fruit and vegetables, is key to the cancer fighting abilities, reports a new study from the US.

FTC clamps down on bogus cancer cures

Five US dietary supplement companies are facing lawsuits for marketing cancer cures, while another six firms have settled out of court following a crack down by the nation’s Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Menopausal botanicals earn mixed Consumerlab report card

Some female menopause supplements including soy and red clover isoflavones, black cohosh and progesterone creams do not meet their label and content claims, according to new product analysis by Consumerlab.

Muscle recovery ingredient gets GRAS

Ingredients supplier Kyowa Hakko said it has completed the GRAS self-affirmation of its energy boosting dipeptide ingredient Sustamine, opening up the market for its use in foods and beverages.

Hansen targets probiotic cheese market

Chr Hansen is refining its probiotic offerings with the intention of making cheese ‘the new yoghurt’ as a user-friendly, efficiacious probiotic medium.

Probiotic’s gut benefits get "omics" boost

Probiotic bacteria may work by beneficially changing the lipid profile in the intestine, suggests a new study from Finland.

Special comment: China dairy crisis

Choose your joint venture partner with care

The melamine milk crisis throws up some serious questions that foreign food firms must ask before they hop aboard a joint venture to take them into China. What food safety features is it fitted with? And are they robust enough to be life-savers if disaster strikes?

Long term effects of folic acid fortification questioned

Since the introduction of mandatory fortification of grain products in the US, circulating levels of folic acid have doubled, says a new study.

Four out of five physicians recommend supplements: CRN poll

The dietary supplements industry has been boosted by a Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) survey results that show 79 per cent of physicians and health care professionals recommend dietary supplements to their patients.

Pennsylvania assesses teen sport supplements use

The manner in which sports supplements are used by teenagers is being considered by the north eastern US state of Pennsylvania, with the aim of building a sports nutrition high school curriculum.

Dietary ALA sufficient to raise omega-3 levels, says study

A daily 2.4 gram dose of ALA-rich flax oil is enough to raise overall levels of omega-3 fatty acids, suggests a new study that supports inclusion of ALA-rich sources in the diet.

Acai-rich juice may reverse inflammation

An antioxidant-rich juice containing açai may reduce levels of markers of inflammation linked to conditions such as heart disease, says a new study.

Innovation can ease rising costs

Introducing new products can help companies alleviate the burden of high food inflation because consumers will not be so concerned about a change in price, according to a new report on the food manufacturing industry from the Conference Board of Canada.

Smiling Bob maker files for bankruptcy

Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals has lodged a bankruptcy claim less than a month after a Federal court ordered it to pay $500m for a series of fraud crimes.

Indian gooseberry battles smoking damage: researchers

Extract of the superfruit Indian gooseberry can combat the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, according to a new rat study.

Chamomile tea may prevent diabetes complications: study

Drinking chamomile tea may prevent blood sugar increases and other complications associated with diabetes, suggests a new study from Japan and the UK.

Fonterra blames slow Chinese rules for contaminated milk delay

New Zealand dairy group Fonterra is facing criticism over lethal contaminated milk powder supplied through its Chinese joint venture, but says action was delayed as it had to go through the correct procedures in China.

Folic acid gets another awareness boost

The US dietary supplements industry yesterday launched an initiative to give folic acid another boost in the minds of consumers for its benefits for healthy infant development.

AHD brings ‘super seed’ chia to global market

Atlanta-based AHD International is to supply its customers globally with chia seeds, which the company is marketing as a vegetarian wholefood that improves overall heart health.

Nano droplet CoQ10 delivery promises higher absorption

A new delivery system for CoQ10 could increase its bioavailability by up to seven times, according to its US marketer SourceOne Global Partners.

Beta-glucan can aid pasting properties of rice starch: study

A new study by Thai researchers has found that beta-glucan from various sources could improve the pasting properties of rice starch and reduce gel retrogradation.

Broccoli could promote lung health, study

New research from the Johns Hopkins Medical School in the US suggests that broccoli could help people with chronic lung disease.

Weekly comment

Dietary supplements win Olympic gold

To coin a phrase oft-used by winning athletes, Beijing was 'a good games’ for an increasingly mature dietary supplements industry.

Consumers see the benefit of fiber and whole grains

More consumers in the US are becoming aware of fiber and are trying to increase their consumption of whole grains as part of a healthy diet, according to a new survey.

Seaweed calcium ingredient tests well in dairy, says GTC

Independent sensory testing on the mineral ingredient Aquamin has found that it can boost the calcium content of dairy products by up to 40 percent with no negative impact on taste or texture, says GTC Nutrition.

Suppliers and manufacturers seek to manage seaweed shortage

A shortage of seaweed from Asia Pacific is having a serious affect on supply and pricing in the hydrocolloids market, and may ultimately prompt some users to reconsider formulations or seek new assurances from their suppliers.

Virgin olive oil polyphenols reduce platelet aggregation: rat study

Spanish researchers have shown that virgin olive oil (VOO) extracts can benefit heart and circulation health by reducing platelet aggregation in a study conducted on rats.

Sustainability alliance could help cut costs

A new sustainability alliance will provide members with a network to share best practices and provide a sustainable business model, which it is hoped will save on costs in a climate of stretched resources.

Chinese infant formula not safe, says FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning that infant formula manufactured in China may not be safe because of concerns over melamine contamination.

Sterol giants target US bread market

Cognis and Cargill have simultaneously launched products on the US bread market by inking deals with mainstream companies that saw clinically-backed, cholesterol-lowering, sterol-imbued breads rolled out in various parts of the country yesterday.

Science stacks up for Epicor’s immune health benefits

Supplementation with a yeast fermentate can aid the production of healthy red blood cells, and boost immune health, according to the results of randomised clinical trial.

Low calcium levels linked to being overweight

Low dietary intakes of calcium may increase the prevalence of overweight or obesity by 24 per cent, suggests a new study from Brazil.

Manufacturers and consumers lose faith in natural label claims

Food manufacturers are avoiding using the term natural because consumers have lost trust in the claim due to a lack of clear regulation in the US, according to a Packaged Facts report.

SPINS enters Canadian natural products market

Natural products retail market analyst, SPINS, has jumped the border to include the Canadian industry in a move the company says will benefit “retailers and suppliers alike.”

Vitamin K2 linked to better heart health

Increased intakes of vitamin K2 from dietary sources may reduce the build up of calcium in arteries that leads to hardening of the blood vessels, says a new study.

Genetics may influence B12 absorption, says study

Common genetic variations may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, and subsequently levels of the vitamin in the blood, suggests new research from Harvard.

Companies poised for changes in stevia regulations with new deal

The march to bring stevia into the mainstream continues as GLG Life Tech Corporation has struck a deal with US-based Weider Global Nutrition to take the sweetener to mass markets around the globe.

Ocean Spray highlights cranberry versatility

Ocean Spray, a major cranberry agricultural cooperative, is giving the healthy berry another marketing push, in an effort to highlight its versatility in different savory applications.

AHPA survey to track latest herbal harvests

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is calling for input into its sixth botanical tonnage survey, which tracks annual harvests of North American herbs used as ingredients in dietary supplements.

Vitamin B12 may protect against brain shrinkage

Vitamin B12 may protect against brain volume loss in older people, and ultimately reduce the risk of developing dementia, suggests a new study from the University of Oxford.

Omega-3: Lifelong intakes necessary for benefits in old age?

Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), may decrease the risk of dementia, and improve survival in older people, suggest three new studies.

Neptune raises funds, expands krill oil capacity

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources has secured a chunk of funds through a new financing agreement, which the firm says will help to double its production capacity of krill oil.

Organic fruit powders booming for US supplier

Illinois-based supplier FutureCeuticals is building its organic lines in response to ever-surging demand for organic products in the US.

Glucosamine grows slowly but surely

Global launches of products containing the joint health ingredient glucosamine are seeing a slow but steady increase, with North America and Asia Pacific currently reporting the most new launches, according to Mintel.

BioCell turns to courts for collagen ingredient infringement

Californian ingredient firm BioCell Technology has filed a suit against the contract manufacturer ProTec Laboratory, which it claims has been selling supplements falsely marketed as containing BioCell’s joint health ingredient.

Meta-analysis supports milk proteins for blood pressure improvements

Peptides from milk may help to reduce blood pressure and ultimately the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new meta-analysis from China.

Burgundy expands science behind hibiscus extract for UTIs

An extract from hibiscus may cut the incidence of urinary tract infections by almost 80 per cent, suggests data from Burgundy.

Weekly comment

Hurricane wake-up call for business and boy scouts

Louisiana was holding its breath when Hurricane Gustav made landfall last week. It promised to be the mother of all storms as it roared towards the Gulf Coast but fortunately the region, along with the food industry it supports, was spared.

Prebiotic wins GRAS approval

Whey and milk-based ingredients specialist, Friesland Foods Domo, has received GRAS status (generally recognized as safe) for its prebiotic ingredient Vivinal GOS from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Hot topic

Cleaning up the supplements industry: Call for comments

At the end of last month, the founder of a US supplements company received the most severe punishment yet to be handed out for fraud in the industry: a 25-year jail sentence. NutraIngredients is calling for comments on this historic decision.

News focus: Omega-3

Markets: Who is buying omega-3 - and in what form

NutraIngredients examines the omega-3 marketplace in the final instalment of a series that has scanned the scientific, regulatory and supply issues surrounding an ingredient that would appear to have everything.

New stock bases said to cut sodium by a quarter

Advanced Food Systems has introduced a new range of stock bases which it said have been formulated to meet demands for reduced levels of fat and salt as well as costs.

Martek confident for DHA in foods, despite slow sales

The company yesterday posted its performance for the three months to July 31 2008, which revealed a 12 percent increase in product sales to $83.5m compared to the same period last year.

Vitamin B deficiency causes cognitive impairment in mice: study

American researchers have found a diet deficient in vitamin B can cause cognitive dysfunction and significantly reduce learning capacity.

Pack and functional innovation to drive candy growth

Innovation in the use of functional ingredients and packaging is expected to dominate worldwide growth in the confectionery market, according to a new report.

News focus: Omega-3

Supply: Where omega-3 comes from

In the third part of a series on omega-3, NutraIngredients examines the supply for the three major sources of the nutritional lipid: fish oils, algal oils and plant oils.

Functional ingredient supply unharmed by Gustav

Manufacturers of ingredients for functional foods and dietary supplements this week confirmed that their facilities have escaped damage from Hurricane Gustav, resulting in little or no interruption to operations.

New transatlantic network created to share expertise

Companies and research organizations within the US food industry will soon be able to benefit from the expertise of their counterparts in Europe through a new partnership initiative.

Folate may protect colon from DNA damage: study

Low levels of dietary folate may increase the risk of DNA damage in colon cells, and ultimately the risk of cancer, suggests a new Anglo-American study.

Datamonitor highlights probiotic, omega-3 product launches

Datamontinor’s Productscan database last month recorded a number of new probiotic and omega-3 product launches in the US, which it says continues to demonstrate that “no stone has been left unturned in the quest for consumer business in the health sphere”.

News focus: Omega-3

Regulation: Omega-3 ready for RDIs and further health claims

Regulations governing the omega-3 market vary greatly between regions but in common is the fact there is no official, government-recommended dietary intake (RDI) anywhere in the world and approved health claims are few.

LycoRed tomato extract gets US heart health patent

Israel-based LycoRed has received a US patent for the atherosclerosis-inhibiting properties of its tomato extract, which the firm says adds to the network of support for its ingredient’s heart health benefits.

High protein breakfast could aid weight loss

Eating more protein in the morning helps create the feeling of being full throughout the day and could help dieters lose weight, according to a new study.

News focus: Omega-3

Science: Is omega-3 omnipotent?

From heart health to better brain function, from reducing the risk of cancers to improving people’s moods, is there nothing omega-3 can’t do? In the first part of a four-part focus on omega-3 fatty acids, NutraIngredients reviews the science behind the headlines.

NutraCea bites back at rice bran arsenic claims

NutraCea, the leading supplier of rice bran, has fought back at findings from a recent study that the ingredient contains high levels of arsenic, maintaining that the claims are “scientifically unsound”.

Hurricane threat to industry passes

Sugar, coffee and other industries based in Louisiana under threat from Hurricane Gustav could breath a sigh of relief today as they appear to have escaped a pounding.

Weekly comment

Rising to the health claims challenge

Europe’s health claim assessment process kicked off with the rejection of almost 90 per cent of the first bunch. But industry must accept its shortcomings if credibility is to be the winner.

Omega-3 may help survival rates for heart patients: study

A daily supplement of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce mortality and admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons in patients with heart failure, says a new study.