Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North AmericaEU edition

Nestle

Nestlé enters functional foods ring as claims climate heats up

On Monday Nestlé invited a media pack to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology near its Lausanne, Switzerland, base to tell the world about its big move into, as it called it, “the opportunity between food and pharma”.

Probiotics may protect infants from respiratory illness

Daily supplements of a probiotic may reduce the incidence of respiratory illness for infants during their first eight months of life, says a new study.

Garlic oil may reverse diabetes linked heart disease

Problems in heart function related to diabetes may be improved by supplementation with garlic oil, according to new research with rats.

Canadian researchers to unlock functional food habits of older adults

Armed with a war chest from the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR), University of Guelph will seek to understand the factors behind the functional food consumption habits of older adults.

News in brief

Vance Group launches new vitamin E tocotrienol

Singapore-based Vance Group Ltd. has a launched Vance Tocotrienol, a clear amber oil mixture containing the full spectrum of naturally occurring tocotrienols, alpha-tocopherol and phytonutrients.

News in brief

CRN confirms date and location for 2011 conference and workshop

The Council for Responsible Nutrition’s (CRN) 2011 conference and workshop will return to its 2009 home of Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Neptune krill oil gains Health Canada claims

Health Canada has approved health claims for Neptune’s krill oil ingredient, linking it to heart health, women’s health and inflammation benefits.

Special Edition: Asia

Looking East for salt reduction

Reducing salt is a major mandate for companies all over the world, but some of the latest science on salt replacers is coming from the East.

Pharmline and Zycal partner for bone health ingredient distribution

Pharmline has announced an agreement with Zycal Bioceuticals to market its Ostinol bone health ingredient to the dietary supplement industry in North America, the company has said.

News in brief

Pycnogenol receives science gong for innovation & research

The French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol from Natural Health Science/Horphag Research has been named the winner of the 2010 SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award.

B vitamins may not aid cognitive function: Study

Daily supplementation with B vitamins may not offer long term improvements in cognitive function, according to research from the University of Western Australia.

Fortified milk may reduce acne

Milk enriched with the whey protein lactoferrin may reduce the effects of acne, according to researchers.

SPECIAL EDITION: ASIA

Food flavourings in Southeast Asia see 'enormous' growth but remain cost-driven

Although the food and drink flavouring market in Southeast Asia is “growing enormously”, consumer tastes are still cost-driven and traditional, according to top flavour producer IFF.

Abbott infant formula recall to cost US$100m

Abbott said its recall of five million cans of Similac powdered infant formula because of possible contamination with beetles is likely to cost US$100m in lost revenues.

FTC bombs POM (and researchers beware)

The Federal Trade Commission legal action alleging POM Wonderful made unsubstantiated claims for its pomegranate products, adds to a stream of claim actions the increasingly active agency has taken this year.

Toyo’s pine bark extract may not benefit heart health

Some pine-bark extracts may have no effect in lowering blood pressure or reducing other risk factors for heart disease, according to researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, but extrapolation to the whole sector is unwarranted.

Celiac disease can develop later in life: Study

The incidence of celiac disease has doubled every 15 years since 1974 and is becoming more prevalent in the elderly, claims new research from the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research.

Fortitech sells shares to boost global expansion

The nutritional premix manufacturer Fortitech is to sell a stake in its business to a private equity firm in the hope of boosting its expansion efforts in global markets.

Comment

High fructose corn syrup: A sugar by any other name

Once upon a time sugar was sugar, and sugar was most definitely not good for you. So the Corn Refiners Association move to rebrand high fructose corn syrup as corn sugar is a daring move – but should do little to sweeten its reputation.

Better clinical trials may produce ‘optimal clinical rewards’ for antioxidants

Stricter clinical trials and a multifaceted approach may unlock the clinical potential of antioxidants, Japanese reviewers report.

NCCAM must increase support for basic science: CRN

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) should focus its limited resources on basic science and mechanistic studies, says the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Unilever breakthrough may open up tea compound’s brain potential

Scientists from Unilever R&D have modelled the absorption and breakdown of L-theanine in humans, with results that may cast more light on the potential brain benefits of the tea compound.

Special Edition: Asia

Untapped ingredients from Japan may have potential worldwide

Green tea, soy and CoQ10 are some of the best known ingredients for supplements and functional foods from Japan, but a wealth of lesser-known foodstuffs are also the subject of inquiry into their potential health benefits.

Nano-EGCG could take tea benefits into clear beverages

Modified whey protein may nano-encapsulate the green tea compound EGCG and slow its rate of degradation 3.2-fold, thereby offering nano-encapsulation potential for formulators, says a new study.

Martek agrees sale of most of Winchester plant

Martek Biosciences is to sell off the majority of its manufacturing plant in Winchester to animal health company Alltech as part of a restructuring plan, but will retain some R&D and limited production capacity at the site.

Vitamin C may improve mood: Study

Supplementation with vitamin C could improve the emotional state of hospitalized patients, according to new research.

Special Edition: Asia

Facing the challenges of Chinese ingredient sourcing

China’s reputation as an ingredient supplier has suffered from a spate of food safety problems – but the food industry should not paint all China-based companies with the same broad brush, says stevia supplier GLG Life Tech.

Special edition: Asia

India’s nutrition boom produces contract research boon

As the need for scientific support for potential health claims for healthy foods increases, India is leveraging its pharmaceutical expertise to take a bite of the functional foods pie.

DSM rejects chemicals past for biotech future

Dutch ingredients giant Royal DSM met growth targets in four of the past five years and its transition from chemicals to life sciences multinational is on track, board member Stephan Tanda told NutraIngredients this morning.

Lycopene-rich tomato paste helps skin from within: Study

Daily consumption of a lycopene-rich tomato paste reduced reddening of the skin after exposure to UV light, says a new study that supports the skin health potential of lycopene.

News in brief

American River Nutrition’s vitamin E tocotrienol to get scientific award

The 2010 SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award has been awarded to American River Nutrition for the patented DeltaGold product line, the company has announced.

Isoflavones may ease obesity-related inflammation

Isoflavones may reduce chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in fat cells, according to researchers.

US Vitamin K market set for explosion?

With the entrance of a new vitamin K2 ingredient onto the US market, NutraIngredients-USA catches up with the state of play of vitamin K.

Canada warns against herbal erectile dysfunction products

Health Canada is warning consumers about 13 sexual dysfunction products because they are laced with either sildenafil, a pharma ingredient typically used in sexual aids like Viagra.

News in brief

UAS initiates cranberry-probiotic trial for UTIs

University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic are undertaking a clinical trial to test the effects of the proprietary formula, Cran-Gyn DDS, developed by Dr. S.K. Dash of UAS Laboratories.

Vitamin D3 may protect against endometrial cancer: Study

Increased dietary intakes of vitamin D3 could prevent the cancer causing effects of obesity by up to 42 percent, according to researchers.

Omega-3 may improve cardio measures in overweight teens: Study

Daily supplements of the omega-3s EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may improve blood pressure levels in slightly overweight teenage boys.

Special edition: Asia

Korea: 'Stringent' regulations promote functional food potential

The Korean functional food market hinges on obtaining the nation’s precious ingredient claim approval, but breaking that barrier opens the floodgates to huge market potential, according to an industry expert.

Special edition: Asia

Japan: Functional foods, fads and food scares

In the first part of this Asia-focused special edition, we look to the innovation hotbed that is Japan. Japan is well known as the world’s functional foods birthplace when Yakult kicked into life there in the 1950s with its little bottles of immune boosting, probiotic drinking yoghurt and is now a global blockbuster brand.

Court finds combo drug ads not misleading

An Ohio court has found that a Procter & Gamble, vitamin C-pharma combination cold and flu product was not marketed misleadingly under state law, despite the presence of an FDA warning letter that said the contrary.

Snack Size Science: Cranberry’s promise for prostates

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science every two weeks. This week we get under the skin of the cranberry and explore its potential for prostate health.

News in brief

Nutrition investors to meet pre-SupplySide West

A special ingredients and technology investor meeting will be held the day before SupplySide West in Las Vegas, allowing investors to meet companies interested in raising capital or seeking development partnerships.

Probiotics show potential against common cold: Study

Daily supplements with probiotic Lactobacillus strains may reduce the incidence of acquiring the common cold by 12 percent, according to new research from probiotic player Probi.

Supplement group to update industry on advertising pitfalls

Advertising practices, substantiation standards and enforcement action for dietary supplements and functional beverages will be the focus of a seminar to be held later this week, which aims to help marketers ensure their strategies are successful.

Frequent chocolate consumption could reduce CHD risk, US study

Frequent chocolate consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in men and women independent of traditional risk factors, according to a review of a national US based heart, lung and blood study.

Omega-3 bioavailability: Scientists lift the lid on which forms work best

Omega-3 fatty acids in the re-esterified triglyceride form may be the most bioavailable, according to a new study by omega-3 pioneer Jorn Dyerberg.

Comment

Why cavemen could hold the key to healthy eating

There’s something incongruous about the hi-tech modern food industry sniffing around the Palaeolithic era for the next big consumer trend. But hold the side order of cynicism. There might just be some logic to good old-fashioned instinctive eating.

Cranberry ingredient gets Korean UTI health claim

A cranberry ingredient from US firm Proprietary Nutritionals Inc (PNI) can be supported by a health claim in the Korean market, after the nation’s regulator approved a claim linking it to urinary tract health.

Hormone supplement recalled over drug spiking

Supplements maker iForce Nutrition has voluntary recalled its hormone supplement Reversitol after the Food and Drug Administration objected to the presence of an ingredient it deemed an unapproved drug.

News in brief

Herbamed enters Eastern US & Canada with CoQ10-team up

Israel’s Herbamed expansion into North American continues, as the company announces that DVA America will be its exclusive agent for its Ultrasome CoQ10 ingredient in the Eastern US and Canada.

Review supports antioxidants for fertility, sperm quality

Antioxidant supplements, including vitamins C and E and selenium, may improve sperm quality and pregnancy rates, according to a systematic review of evidence.

Oxford Nutrascience in chewitab deal with healthcare firm DCC

UK-based Oxford Nutrascience has signed a non-exclusive, open-ended agreement for contract manufacturer DCC Beauty Solutions to deliver Chewitab technology in the UK and Ireland. The ingredients of the products are not yet confirmed, although it is likely they will contain calcium.

Class action lodged against POM Wonderful

A class action has been lodged in a Florida state court alleging POM Wonderful misled consumers with at least six different health claims, as the Californian pomegranate pioneer’s legal battles multiply.

Meta-analysis dismisses benefits of glucosamine, chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin, two of the biggest hitters in the joint health segment, do not work for reducing joint pain or impact the narrowing of joint space, says a new meta-analysis.

Krill oil may reduce arthritis symptoms: Mouse study

Daily supplements of krill oil may reduce the symptoms of arthritis, with the benefits linked to the omega-3 and antioxidant content of the ingredient, suggests a new study.

ESM Technologies self-affirms GRAS for egg membrane ingredients

Missouri-based ESM Technologies has self-affirmed the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for its patented, clinically proven ingredient, allowing it to expand into food and beverages.

Nutritional value informs adult snack choices in Canada, says NPD report

Canada’s snack consumption is higher than the US rate, but better for you products dominate when adult consumption patterns are tracked, finds a new report from the US based NPD Group.

Omega-3 from GM yeast “comparable to GRAS fish oil”: DuPont study

The safety of an EPA-rich oil from genetically modified yeast is “comparable to that of GRAS fish oil”, says a new study from DuPont.

Pom Wonderful sues FTC over new claims standards

Pom Wonderful is suing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over new marketing standards of proof the Californian pomegranate leader says are damaging its brand equity.

Consumer vitamin D awareness may offer bakery opportunities

Increased consumer awareness of the potential health benefits of vitamin D is opening up opportunities in fortification, according to results of a new survey.

Nearly everyone fails to meet Dietary Guidelines, suggests study

Nearly the entire US population fails to eat a diet in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, according to new research published in the Journal of Nutrition.

News in brief

MegaFood rolls out “1st 100% whole food daily multivitamin” for kids

New Hampshire’s MegaFood has launched a child-friendly mini-tablet which it claims is the first 100 percent whole food kids one daily multi-vitamin on the market.

Leading scientists welcome Mars backed cocoa genome breakthrough

A breakthrough in cocoa genetics by a collaboration involving Mars, USDA and IBM will accelerate research into the production of trees that can better resist drought, disease and pests, and has met with an enthusiastic welcome from leading cocoa scientists in the UK.

Cranberry’s benefits extend to prostates: Study

The protective effects of cranberries toward urinary tract health may also extend to men’s prostates, according to a new study from the Czech Republic – the first of its kind to report such benefits.

FDA warns against Viagra coffee

A coffee product claiming to assist erectile dysfunction has been deemed an unapproved drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the presence of hydroxythiohomosildenafil, an analogue of sildenafil, used in the sexual aid Viagra.

Study supports Biocell’s collagen ingredient for joint health

Daily supplements of Biocell Technology's Collagen II were effective in improving measures of joint health in people with osteoarthritis, say top-line results from the company.

Watercress may ‘turn off’ breast cancer mechanisms

A compound found in watercress may suppress breast cancer development by stopping the function of a protein important in tumor development, according to new research.

News in brief

Solazyme's new facility and hires to drive food category expansion

San Francisco-based Solazyme, has opened its new full demo-scale applications food lab and facilities in its recently opened corporate headquarters.

Breakthrough study shows personalised nutrition future for probiotics

Probiotic bacteria may affect gene activity and the cellular reactions they control in the human intestine, a study has revealed for the first time.

Kemin launches green-black tea blend

Kemin has debuted a green-black tea extract blend it says provides synergistic antioxidant benefits that outweigh the benefits of consuming either one in isolation.

Fortified snacks potential trigger for new calcium based cookie

The growth potential of the fortified snacks market was a driver behind the release of a calcium enriched cookie, according to its US based developer, Dr. Siegal & Son.

News in brief

Bruce Ames to keynote at Natural Health Research Institute (NHRI) symposium

The speaker list for the 5th Annual Natural Health Research Institute (NHRI) Scientific Symposium has been confirmed, with Bruce Ames, PhD, lined up as the event’s keynote presenter.

Black tea polyphenols may reduce cancer risk

Polyphenol-B from black tea could reduce the risk of cancer by inhibiting several causing mechanisms, according to new research.

New protein concentrate for beverages from Cyvex Nutrition

Improved powder consistency and reduced bulk density without the need for premixing are the benefits claimed for a new dispersible grade of protein concentrate from California-based Cyvex Nutrition.

Science strengthens for olive extract’s bone benefits

The potential bone health benefits of the olive polyphenol, oleuropein, are related to its ability to stimulate cells responsible for bone formation, says a new study that explains the mode of action of the compound.

Comment

Time to embrace balanced kids’ marketing regulation

Kids are not going to stop liking chocolate, pizza, ice cream, or fries. Heck, neither am I. So why is industry so afraid of mandatory restrictions on marketing to children?

ACE vitamins may reduce colon cancer risk: Study

Supplementation with vitamins A, C, and E is “strongly associated” with lower levels of colon cancer, according to a new study.

Fruit and vegetable concentrate may reduce cold symptoms

Concentrates of fruit and vegetables taken as capsules may reduce the symptoms of common cold by 20 per cent, suggests a new study from Germany.

Blueberries show anti-diabetic potential: Study

A daily smoothie containing bioactive ingredients from blueberry increased sensitivity to insulin, and may reduce the risk of developing diabetes in at-risk people, says a new study.

News in brief

DSM makes top sustainability list

DSM has been listed amongst the leaders in the chemical industry sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, as the company continues its sustainability efforts.

People on the move: Nutra jobs

NutraIngredients-USA presents a round up of movements in the nutra sector, including appointments at Aker BioMarine, Royal FrieslandCampina, and Welch’s.

CRN backs Food Modernization Act

The Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Bill (S. 510) will bolster safety and quality in the US dietary supplements industry, according to leading trade group the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Fortification enough to boost folate levels

Fortification of flour with folic acid is enough to ensure adequate levels of folate in the population, says a new Canadian study that questions the need for additional folic acid supplementation in children and men.

Novel fibers to grow 750% as consumers seek fiber-rich foods

The use of novel fibers in food products is set to sky-rocket over the next few years, with growth of 750 percent predicted, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

Citrus compounds may reduce cancer risk: Study

Daily consumption of citrus may reduce the risk of a range of cancers, especially pancreatic and prostate cancer, suggests a new study from Japan.

News in brief

Fenchem reports 30 per cent sales jump

Chinese supplier Fenchem reports moves into cosmetics and feed have helped it increase Q2 sales by 30 per cent year-on-year, along with strong performances in vitamin E and stevia.

FDA: Lipton green tea is a drug

The Food and Drug Administration has told Unilever Americas that claims for a Lipton green tea product – mostly references to flavonoid studies on Lipton websites – amount to drug claims and must be amended or removed.

Vitamin B may help prevent Alzheimer’s

Supplementation with B vitamins may reduce brain wastage and may slow the development of Alzheimer’s, according to a new study.

FDA should copy EFSA for health claims, says Scientific American

The FDA is too lenient regarding health claims and should follow EFSA’s lead and hold foods “to the same scientific standards as those for drugs”, according to the editors of Scientific American.

News in brief

ZMC’s completes ‘environmentally responsible’ vit E plant

Zhejiang Medicine Company (ZMC) has announced the completion of an upgrade to its plant for the production of synthetic vitamin E to address environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Omega-3, vitamins C and E may boost pancreatic health

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by over 30 percent, suggests new research.

Multivitamins have no effect on colon cancer: Study

Colon cancer patients do not gain any benefits from using multivitamins, according to a new study.

Top functional ingredients in kids’ foods and drinks

Vitamin D, calcium and iron come top of the list of nutrients used in fortified kids’ foods around the world, according to a new report.

Glanbia’s Prolibra weight loss ingredient backed by US patent

Irish firm Glanbia Nutritionals has received a US patent for its whey-derived weight loss ingredient Prolibra.

More calcium and vitamin D may aid weight management

Increasing intakes of calcium and higher blood levels of vitamin D may boost weight loss, suggest findings from a two-year clinical trial.

News in brief

Chromadex’s pterostilbene to get clinical trial

ChromaDex has announced the initiation of a clinical study at The University of Mississippi to examine the effects of its pterostilbene ingredient in people with lipid disorders.

News in brief

Polphenolics earns F&S gong for product differentiation

Frost & Sullivan has awarded Polyphenolics its 2010 North American Product Differentiation Excellence of the Year award in the Grape Seed Extracts market.

Coffee may protect against DNA damage: Study

A daily cup of coffee may reduce the oxidative damage to DNA by 12 percent, according to a pan-European study.

Resveratrol supplements could improve heart health: Study

Daily supplements of resveratrol may improve vascular function and lead to improved cardiovascular health, according to new research.

Sports drinks boost endurance among young team players

New research suggests that isotonic sports drinks can enhance the performance of young adolescents competing in team games.

Report finds low innovation in functional foods for kids

Innovation in healthy foods for children has been surprisingly lacking over the past year, with activity being particularly low in the North American market, according to a new global report.

Beauty from Within 2010: Harnessing the potential of nutricosmetics

Beauty from Within 2010 Conference, brought to you by CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com and NutraIngredients.com, will get under the skin of the growing nutricosmetics sector.

News in brief

Resveratrol gum maker expects “great interest” in US

The launch of a chewing gum containing resveratrol is expected to be greeted with “great interest” in the US, say the Danish makers of the gum.

Quercetin's respiratory benefits limited to over 40s

Supplements of quercetin may cut the number of sick days linked to respiratory infections, but the effects are not shared by all age groups, according to new research.

Whey proteins show blood pressure lowering powers

Beverages formulated with whey proteins may offer a dietary approach to reducing blood pressure in people at risk of hypertension, suggests a new study.

Snack Size Science: Ahoy to omega-3 from soy

NutraIngredient’s Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science every two weeks. This week we cast our net for the newest science on sourcing fish oil from plants.

New pomegranate ingredients hit the market

Fruit ingredient firm Stiebs is launching a new line of pomegranate ingredients, which it plans to market globally for use in dietary supplements, foods, beverages and cosmetics.

Omega-3s anti-inflammatory mechanism revealed

Omega-3s may reduce inflammation by acting on a receptor found in fat tissue and on inflammatory immune cells called macrophages, according to research.

Biothera proposes new beta-glucan standard testing

Immune health player Biothera has developed a new method for quantifying the beta-glucan level in ingredients and foods, which is claimed to be the only method for finished product analysis.

Green tea may protect DNA from damage: Human study

Drinking green tea every day for a month may protect against damage at a genetic levels, with benefits linked to the beverage’s antioxidant content, says a new study.

New Aker JV to acquire EPAX in €70 million deal

In a reverse of what we see in nature - krill gobbling up fish - Trygg Pharma has entered into an agreement to purchase Epax Holding AS from Austevoll Seafood.

Lesaffre launches IBS probiotic yeast

The human nutrition division of French yeast specialist Lesaffre has launched what it says is only the second known probiotic yeast, and the first to directly target Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Antioxidants don't boost mortality risk, says meta-analysis re-analysis

A team of internationally renowned antioxidant scientists has challenged findings from a controversial meta-analysis that reported antioxidants may increase the risk of mortality.

Cranberry juice could block ‘staph infections’

Cranberry juice could offer protection from serious ‘staph infections’ like toxic shock syndrome and MRSA, according to researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Probiotic sweetener claims rapped after McNeil complaint

For the second time in a month Illinois-based Heartland Sweeteners has been told by the National Advertising Division (NAD) its marketing is misleading – this time for a probiotic sweetener called Nevella with Probiotcs.

Martek prepares to launch consumer products

Martek Biosciences says a strong financial performance will allow the firm to launch a number of consumer branded products next year, while it continues to explore other complementary business opportunities.

PepsiCo plans to distribute Gatorade direct to retailers

PepsiCo is planning to begin distributing its Gatorade sports drinks direct to stores from its own and independent bottlers in the US and Canada.

New NIH centers to unlock botanical complexity and ‘inform consumer decisions’

The National Institutes of Health has announced the funding of five new research centers to further study the safety, effectiveness, and biological action of botanical products.

Selenium shows protective effect for bladder cancer

High selenium intake could have a beneficial effect on bladder cancer risk, according new research.

SDA soybean oil effective for omega-3 blood level boost

Daily consumption of a soybean oil rich in stearidonic acid (SDA) increased levels of omega-3 in blood cells after 12 weeks, says a new study from Monsanto and Solae.

News in brief

Last day to sign-up for Resveratrol Conference

Today, Wednesday September 1, is the last day to sign up for the “First International Scientific Conference of Resveratrol and Health”, with 100 registrants already from across the globe.

People on the move: Nutra jobs

NutraIngredients-USA presents a round up of movements in the nutra sector, including appointments at Cyvex, Reserveage, and the NPA.

GOED omega-3 logo helps identify suppliers

A new omega-3 logo program aims to set an industry standard for quality in order to help food and supplement manufacturers easily identify suppliers meeting certain criteria.