News in brief

FDA develops new ways to spread recall information

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a strategic plan for risk communication that outlines ways in which it will let consumers and health professionals know about the products...

'Sexy' probiotics will bring men to the market

Men are the next key target area for the growing probiotic market, says a new report, but they won’t be turned on by the same health messages as women.

Senator moots premarket approval for supplements

Senator Arlen Specter put forward the idea of premarket government approval for dietary supplements at a senate hearing yesterday on hidden steroids in body building products.

News in brief

Danone unit recalls infant formula after blending error

Medical nutrition group Nutricia is recalling a batch of specialized infant formula in the US after a manufacturing error was found to have impacted ingredient levels in the formulation.

Jury to decide lutein patent dispute case

A US district court has ruled a jury not a judge must decide a long-running patent dispute between leading lutein supplier, Kemin Health and start-up, OmniActive Health Technologies.

Neptune accused of costing krill client $1m

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources is locked in a dispute with a Utah-based dietary supplement manufacturer that accuses the leading krill extract supplier of reneging on supply commitments and costing it...

Industry prepares for battle at hidden steroid hearing

Supplement industry stalwarts and critics are preparing to trade blows today at a senate committee hearing on hidden steroids in body building products.

News in brief

New book examines food for disease management

The role of functional food in the management of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions is the focus of a new book, which examines the ingredients and science...

Novus expands from animal to human nutrition

Animal health and nutrition specialist Novus International has announced that it is to expand into the field of human nutrition.

Prebiotics may protect against travellers’ diarrhoea: Study

Supplements of a prebiotic galactooligosaccharide mixture may reduce the incidence of travellers’ diarrhoea by about 34 per cent, says a new study from the UK.

Government sells rights to heart health combo

Omnia Foods has acquired the rights to a cholesterol cutting ingredient made from berberine and plant stanols, originally developed by Canadian government researchers.

Harvard’s helping hand for heart health foods

Heart health advice from Harvard Medical School (HMS) tells that public that nutrients such as potassium, calcium and plant sterols and stenols are beneficial in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol,...

FDA’s Hamburg to headline CRN conference

The commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr Margaret Hamburg, will address industry at CRN’s Annual Meeting next month.

News in brief

Spotlight on new probiotic science and technology

Probiotic mechanisms of action, new delivery systems for the healthy bacteria and an overview of the latest clinical trials in humans will be core topics of discussion at the IPA...

News in brief

Senate committee to hold meeting on hidden steroids

A senate committee will next week hold a hearing on hidden steroids in body building products, with participants including food industry representatives, food lawyers and government agencies.

Special edition: Brain health

Regulation: Communicating cognitive health

In the sixth article in our series on brain health, regulations governing the area are explored.

Omega-3 awareness not backed by supplement choices: Survey

The majority of US consumers believe they are missing omega-3s in their diet, but most do not opt for fish oil supplements to address this need, according to a nationwide...

Dannon probiotic claims: 'Ripped' or 'enhanced'?

Reaction to Dannon’s $35m out-of-court probiotic settlement has been varied – from those accusing the company of scientific and marketing negligence to staunch defense of the company’s right to market...

Special edition: Brain health

Science: Backing the claims of brain foods

In this fifth part of our series on brain health, we look at which ingredients have the science to back up their hype as edible brain enhancers.

Big growth forecast for US children’s healthy drinks market

The US market for children’s food and drink will grow in value by 50 percent from $16.4bn in 2007 to $26.8bn within two years, according to a new report from...

Vitamin D may improve colorectal cancer survival

Higher blood levels of vitamin D may double survival rates of colorectal cancer patients, suggests a new study from Harvard researchers.

Expand probiotics beyond category boundaries, says Euromonitor

New areas of opportunity in the market for probiotics include formulating products specifically targeting men, and expanding to categories beyond gut health and immunity, according to Euromonitor.

Special edition: Brain health

Supply: The back-end of brain health

In the third article in this brain health series, we break down some of the key ingredients in the sector.

USDA joins disease-reduction nutrition research group

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is to set up a new clinical nutrition center at the North Carolina Research Campus, sharing facilities with several academic and industry projects.

News in brief

Supplements key to women’s health, hear Congress staffers

A Congressional briefing held last week stressed the role of dietary supplements as one of the four key pillars of maintaining women’s health.

Fenugreek extract may boost satiety, aid weight management

A galactomannan-rich extract from fenugreek may increase feelings of fullness and help reduce subsequent food intakes, says a new study from Frutarom and the University of Minnesota.

Special edition: Brain health

Markets: More brain food needed for the elderly

‘Brain food’ – or food that helps address cognitive health – is set to take the global market by storm. But marketers of such products have so far missed a...

New project to curb children’s diarrhea with zinc

A new program launched this week aims to help reduce severe diarrhea in children via dietary supplementation with zinc.

News in brief

Chrysantis gets eye health patent boost

Zeaxanthin supplier Chrysantis has won a patent for its branded marigold extract, strengthening the firm’s eye health ingredient portfolio.

Probiotic-containing apple wedges may offer dairy-free alternatives

Applying probiotic bacteria to fresh-cut apple wedges may offer an alternative way for a daily boost to gut health, and offer a dairy-free alternative, suggests new research from Ireland.

Special edition: Brain health

Markets: Leaders in global brain food sales

In the first of a series of articles on cognitive health, NutraIngredients examines the global market for food and ingredients leading the category.

Modified collagen may stimulate cartilage re-growth: Study

Daily supplements of a modified collagen may help with the regeneration of cartilage tissue, and aid joint health, according to a new study from Germany.

Harvard advises on foods to help prevent diabetes

New guidelines from Harvard advises US consumers on the the types of food, beverages or ingredients that can help ward off diabetes, with recommendations including moderate coffee and alcohol alongside...

‘Cheap’ functional foods set to grow, says Euromonitor

Private label and cheaper product formulations will be key to driving the market for functional food and beverage products, according to market analyst Euromonitor.

‘Gut friendly’ pizza – coming to a neighborhood near you

With probiotic yogurt shots beginning to establish themselves on US grocery store shelves, are consumers ready for a gut-friendly pizza?

Special edition: Market insights

CPL: The changing face of the US cholesterol-lowering market

Americans are more interested in functional foods than ever before – a fact that is opening doors for cholesterol-lowering food makers, says Dr Robert Harwood, principal consultant at UK-based CPL...

Black pepper extract leader gains patent boost

A US patent renewal recently handed to black pepper extract market leader, Sabinsa, is a warning shot to potential transgressors, the company that dominates the market for the thermogenic, bioavailability-improving...

Weight Watchers sues Nestlé over trademark use

Weight Watchers International sued Nestlé on Wednesday, claiming that the world’s largest food company has misused its logo and points system to promote its own frozen foods brands, say newswire...

News in brief

Dieticians recommend foods for flu prevention

Registered dietitians in the US are recommending that consumers “protect” their family during the flu season with foods that can help boost immunity, including probiotics, vitamin D and garlic.

Special edition: Market insights

F&S: Food-drug borderline – approach with caution

Manufacturers of functional foods and supplements risk losing time, money and brand integrity if they don’t get their marketing story straight. Frost & Sullivan takes a look at the dangers...

Omega-3 may improve blood pressure in kidney disease patients

A combination of omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may decrease blood pressure and heart rate in kidney disease patients, says a new study.

Chocolate may ease migraines: Study

Dietary supplements of cocoa may repress inflammatory responses in the brain linked to migraines, suggest results from an animal study.

News in brief

FDA raps supplements firm over drug claims

The Food and Drug Administration has told Californian-based supplements manufacturer, EFT Biotech Holdings, claims it has been making about products such as Colostrum #3008, GlucoBalance #3017 and VisionPlus #3012 are...

Probiotic strips offer new delivery potential

Probiotic firm Ganeden Biotech has launched a novel thin strip technology for the healthy bacteria, intended as an alternative supplement delivery system.

Herbal player patent win opens contract manufacturing doors

Florida-based RZN Nutraceuticals has won a US patent for a process that improves the bioavailability of herbal products and which it says will drive contract manufacturing business.

DHA-enriched formula boosts infant brain development

Feeding babies formula enriched with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may enhance their cognitive skills, compared to babies fed non-enriched formula, says a new study.

Special edition: Market insights

Zenith: The road ahead for US functional drinks

As the US market for functional beverages continues along a path of strong growth, Zenith International suggests there may be some unexpected areas to look out for – such...

News in brief

Matt Damon’s ‘Informant’ only part of the story, says ADM whistleblower

The man who blew the whistle on a price-fixing scheme at ADM – and now the subject of a Hollywood film called The Informant starring Matt Damon – is using...

Celiacs may benefit from antioxidant supplements

Sufferers of celiac disease have significantly reduced antioxidant capacity, says a new study, and could need natural antioxidants and appropriate dietary supplements.

Special edition: Market insights

Mintel: How to drive innovation in functional foods

Manufacturers of functional foods need to focus innovation on increasing adoption by current users, while also drawing new consumers to the category, reveals Mintel as part of a special NutraIngredients...

Antioxidant-rich melon extract may ease stress, fatigue

Daily consumption of a melon extract rich in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) may relieve stress and fatigue, suggest findings from a French study.

Comment

Bisphenol A: Hearts versus minds

Forget GMO and nanotechnology - the biggest food safety issue of our times is bisphenol A (BPA).

Rapper 50 Cent to choose Facebook-designed functional drink

Coca-Cola-owned Glaceau Vitaminwater is giving consumers the opportunity to design a new addition to its functional beverage range, with the winner being selected by the rapper 50 Cent and country...

News in brief

Chinese ingredients: Quality assurance efforts to expand, says NPA

US-based dietary supplement trade group Natural Products Association (NPA) will be expanding its activity in China, together with its efforts to safeguard the supply chain for natural products.

Health Canada to propose heart health claims for food

The Canadian government is preparing proposals to allow the use of health claims on food labels that would highlight the heart health benefits of certain compounds.

Gene study allays folate-prostate cancer fears

Folate levels are not linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to results of a gene study and meta-analysis from the UK.

Special Edition: Resveratrol

Science: Resveratrol’s miraculous promise

In the final part of a special series on resveratrol, NutraIngredients looks at the science behind the ingredient. Is there nothing it cannot do?

Special edition: resveratrol

Regulation: Resveratrol from GRAS to novel foods

As with many relatively new ingredients, resveratrol has had to prove its safety and efficacy to gain regulatory approval in various markets since its widespread commercial availability in the early...

Beauty foods grow threefold, says Mintel

Global food and drink products claiming to enhance beauty increased threefold over the past three years indicating a market ready to take off, said Mintel.

Thousands of suppliers threatened by $300m Kraft cutbacks

Kraft Foods is slashing its supply chain costs by $300m - a decision that Leatherhead Food International predicts will dramatically affect suppliers and could result in casualties.

More fines for bogus immunity claims

The Federal Trade Commission has charged another national retailer with making misleading and unsubstantiated claims about a dietary supplement.

News in brief

Michelle Obama takes ‘moderate’ approach to diet

American women are looking to Michelle Obama for tips on diet and fitness, as the first lady grabs the spotlight as an icon of health.

Supplement defender Harkin takes US health chair

Long-time friend of the supplements industry Senator Tom Harkin will replace the late Edward Kennedy as head of the US Senate health committee.

Astaxanthin shows anti-diabetic potential: Study

The pigment that gives salmon its pink color acts as an antioxidant and may protect against the development of diabetic kidney disease, says a new study.

Martek scores patent victory over omega-3 rival

Martek Biosciences Corporation has scored a significant victory in its long-running omega-3 patent infringement case against Swiss supplier Lonza.

Blackcurrant nutrients hailed as US opportunity

The US market is ripe for the antioxidant-rich blackcurrant fruit, which could provide fresh opportunities for food, beverage and supplement applications, according to experts.

Special Edition: Resveratrol

Supply: Resveratrol, from grape to grateful consumer

In the second part of a special series on resveratrol, NutraIngredients looks at the ingredient’s supply. What is it extracted from, how much resveratrol does it contain, and who is...

Supplement safety questioned - again

Dietary supplements are again the focus of attention in recent articles published in The Wall Street Journal and New York Times – and once more the products are portrayed in...

News in brief

Danisco backs low-carbon future

Danish supplier, Danisco, has signed the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change, an international measure to coordinate green measures such as carbon cutting.

Antioxidant demand driving blackcurrant breakthrough

New product development (NPD) involving blackcurrants is growing fast, fuelled by demand for products with high antioxidant content, according to exclusive information for Nutraingredients-usa.com from Datamonitor.

Green tea slashes heart disease death risk: Study

Seven cups of green tea a day over the long-term may massively reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer and heart disease, suggests a new study from Japan.

News in brief

Settlement still an option in probiotic suit, says Dannon

Dairy giant Dannon has confirmed that it is still considering an out-of-court settlement in class actions brought against it for making false and misleading probiotic health claims.

Comment

Acrylamide: The consumer health scare that isn’t

Consumers love to get their teeth into a good health scare. So how is it that acrylamide has slipped under the radar?

News in brief

National Enzyme Company launches traceability software

The National Enzyme Company (NEC) has introduced digital tracking that boosts product traceability and gels with US Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.

B vitamins and green tea extract drive energy drinks

B vitamins and green tea extract are driving new product development in energy drinks even more than an avoidance of ingredients with negative connotations such as high fructose corn syrup,...

Antioxidant-rich juices boost heart health: Study

Consuming antioxidant-rich raspberry juice or tea may prevent artery hardening, and lead to improvements in heart health, say results of a European wide research.

New book lifts lid on evolving Nutricosmetics niche

A new book, Nutritional Cosmetics, Beauty From Within, aims to highlight the key trends that are defining this fast developing market category.

More vitamin D for mothers, less for infants?

A new study at the University of British Columbia will examine whether increasing the recommended dose of vitamin D for pregnant women will increase levels of the vitamin delivered...

Broccoli extract’s heart health benefits pinpointed?

A compound found in vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, may protect arteries from disease by boosting a natural defence mechanism, says a new study from the UK.

Testing must improve to detect supplement contamination

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is calling for more stringent testing methods and definitions to combat the growing problem of economically motivated adulteration (EMA) of dietary supplements.

News in brief

Foods for kids: Read more, weigh less

Teaching children to read food labels and choose healthier options contributed to “significant” weight loss during a two-year government-funded study.

Men need joint health products, says report

Targeting men with products for bone and joint health could be a way to grow market share in an increasingly competitive environment, suggests new research from market analyst Frost &...

High flavanol chocolate can protect skin from UV damage

High flavanol chocolate can help protect the skin against UV damage although marketing on this claim may be challenging.

Prebiotics may stop early stage colon cancer: Study

The products of prebiotic fermentation in the gut may prevent the growth, and promote the death of cancer cells in the colon, says a new study from Germany.

Folate may improve artery function and heart health

Supplements of folic acid may improve cardiovascular health and reduce the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), suggests a new study.

Martek profits hold as customers downsize omega-3 stocks

Martek Biosciences Corporation has almost matched its Q3 profit results from 2008, despite sales falling 12 per cent, as cost-cutting measures and productivity gains have bolstered its results despite dwindling...

Taurine safety highlighted as usage levels decline

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has underlined that the amino acid taurine poses no special health risk following Mintel research showing the amount of energy drinks containing the...

News in brief

US rule sets pomegranate pesticide levels

A new regulation published yesterday has established tolerances for residues of methoxyfenozide in pomegranate, following a petition from agricultural giant DowAgrosciences.

Supplement labeling clauses not legally binding, say trade groups

Dietary supplement trade groups have said they will ensure their members meet new labeling requirements to include a full address or telephone number, but have suggested that they are...

100m Americans targeted in cholesterol campaign

September is National Cholesterol Education Month and comes at a time when nearly 100m Americans over the age of 20 have ‘elevated’ cholesterol levels – or 200mg/dL or higher.

Harvard backs vitamin D supplements

Dietary supplements are the key way to deliver consumers’ vitamin D requirements, according to the latest update from the Harvard Medical School, which otherwise backs vitamin intake primarily through foods.

News in brief

Low Canadian vitamin C linked to chronic disease risk

Almost half of Canadian adults are not getting enough vitamin C, according to a recent study, which also suggests that deficiency of the vitamin could be linked to a greater...

Med diet beats low-fat for diabetes benefits: Study

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes, is more effective for diabetes control than a low-fat diet, says a new study.

Blueberry juice displays weight management benefits: Mouse study

Drinking a modified blueberry juice may reduce food intake and body weight, and offer weight management potential, suggest findings from a new study with mice.

TSI launches high-dose fenugreek form

Montana-based supplier TSI Health Sciences has launched a high-dose version of its fenugreek extract-based, glucose/insulin management ingredient, Promilin.

Supplement labels must include address, confirms FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration has again updated its guidance for the labeling of dietary supplements, and continues to ‘recommend’ the inclusion of manufacturer contact details for adverse...

News in brief

Whole Foods twitters for food

Whole Foods Market has joined a nutrition event that is fast spreading through cyberspace via the social media network Twitter.

Danone: Everyday gut problems eased by probiotics

Daily consumption of a probiotic fermented milk product may improve gut health and well-being in women with everyday digestive problems, says a new study from Danone.