Advitech aims for psoriasis deal by year-end

Advitech is embroiled in discussions with potential partners to bring its XP-828L product to market, targeting sufferers of mild to moderate psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases.

CGMPs 'expected within 90 days'

The dietary supplements industry is bracing itself for the long-awaited final rule on current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), which has now been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget...

Jury still out on probiotics for IBS

The role of probiotics in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) came under the spotlight at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology this weekend. The...

Rice ingredient launched as nutritional dairy replacer

A new ingredient made from rice could allow ice cream, yoghurt and protein bar manufacturers to make grain claims on their products, say scientists at food research company CRM.

SierraSil study suggests osteoarthritis relief

A combination of natural minerals from the Sierra Mountains shows promise in reducing the pain of arthritis, according to a study published in the Journal of Inflammation.

Milky skin - DMV targets cosmeceutical market

A dairy peptide shown to protect liver health is also an effective cosmeceutical ingredient, says innovative ingredients firm DMV International, which is exploiting milk fractions to build a new skincare...

Monsanto, Solae to create new soy protein line

Biotech giant Monsanto and soy ingredients supplier Solae are to develop a new line of soy proteins that they claim will have a better taste and higher level of solubility...

Calcium may reduce hypertension risk - qualified health claim

Makers of calcium supplements can make a qualified health claim for their possible reduction of high blood pressure, after the Food and Drug Administration concluded that there is some evidence...

DSM sets up new vitamins j-v with Chinese partner

Leading vitamin maker DSM has signed a new deal with Chinese partner NCPC as it looks to improve earnings from its nutrition business.

Acatris looking to drive consumer awareness of flax lignans

Health ingredients firm Acatris is launching a consumer education program about its flax lignans in response to competition from lignans from other sources.

ConAgra ties fortunes to rising nutritional awareness

ConAgra's attempt to inextricably link itself with current health trends is evident in the launch of its latest range of products under the "Eat Well, Live Well, Choose Well" slogan....

Reducing GI does not boost effects of low-calorie diet

A low-glycaemic index diet may not be any help for obese people trying to lose weight, contrary to growing popular belief, suggests a new study out of the US.

Middle-aged people more likely to use alternative medicine

Middle-age people are more likely than younger or older adults to use complementary and alternative medicine, shows new research on Americans.

McDonald's to offer more info on nutritional content

Fast food giant McDonald's said yesterday that it will add information on the fat, salt and calorie content to packaging of its products from the first half of next year.

Vitamin E tocotrienol shows brain protection promise

The natural vitamin E alpha-tocotrienol (TCT) may protect the brain against stroke- and glutamate-induced degeneration, according to researchers in a new animal study.

Ginseng extract prevents colds, reduces symptoms, finds new study

Taking ginseng supplements through the winter appears to help the immune system fight off colds, report Canadian researchers today.

FDA crushes cherry claims

The FDA is unconvinced that cherries pack as much of a health punch as some marketers of cherry-based products are claiming. It has issued warning letters to 29 companies, telling...

Cardinal has capacity for larger MSM lots

Cardinal Nutrition has completed a year-long program of plant expansions and process improvements, which has resulted in it being able to offer continuously distilled MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in larger lots.

Phenolics, flavonoids rank amongst significant research

For the first time, papers on phenolics and flavonoids have been included in the Office of Dietary Supplements' (ODS) Annual Bibliography of Significant Advances in Dietary Supplement Research, indicating heightened...

Weekly Comment

Putting a premium on substance over style

Food producers are flogging the term 'premium' for all it's worth, threatening to flood a market that relies on exclusivity for its success with well-packaged tat.

Perrigo and SCOLR team up for controlled nutrition

Perrigo is planning to develop and market store brand nutritional products using SCOLR Pharma's proprietary controlled delivery technology (CDT) drug delivery platform.

Fish not always associated with brain health

Americans may not be making the connection between brain health and foods that are believed to promote it, suggests a survey conducted on behalf of omega-3 oil producer Martek Biosciences.

Fire disrupts production at Ocean Nutrition's Arcadia plant

Production has been disrupted at Ocean Nutrition Canada's (ONC) new Arcadia plant following a fire on Friday morning.

CalciTech creates high purity calcium carbonate for food industry

A new UK-listed company that has developed a way of producing high purity calcium carbonate is targetting food and supplement makers concerned by growing regulatory pressure on heavy metal contamination.

Vitamin intake may protect against bowel cancer

A diet rich in vitamin C and B vitamins appears to protect against adenomas in the bowel, even in smokers, report French researchers.

Sports drink heads Coca-Cola sales rise

Sports drinks, juice and bottled water spearheaded a set of encouraging third quarter results from Coca-Cola as health-conscious consumers force a realignment at the major soft drinks players.

DSM makes last stand against Chinese vitamin C

China's dominance of the vitamin C market was confirmed last week as DSM halted all production of the bulk vitamin in the US, making its Dalry plant in Scotland the...

Pharming reports on safety of human lactoferrin for food use

Dutch biotech company Pharming said yesterday that results from three studies demonstrate that its human lactoferrin can be considered safe for use in functional foods.

Humanetics gets drug discovery partner to identify new actives

Supplement ingredient developer Humanetics said today that it has entered into a multi-year alliance with drug discovery firm Medisyn Technologies to create a range of natural compounds for disease prevention.

Vitamin claims too familiar

Food and beverages claiming to be 'high in vitamins' have surged in recent months as manufacturers seek to attract health-conscious consumers.

Danone to launch probiotic Activia in US

The French dairy group will launch its successful Activia probiotic yoghurts in the US at the start of next year as American consumers catch on to the benefits of 'friendly...

How CLA fights inflammatory disease

US scientists have explained how one of the forms of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid found in dairy products, could reduce inflammatory disease.

Beta-carotene rich plants improve vitamin A status, shows study

A new technique that allows researchers to track carotenoids consumed in plant foods through the body's bloodstream confirms the role of plant beta-carotene in raising vitamin A levels.

Fish advisories could harm consumption, warn researchers

Government warnings about the mercury contamination of fish could threaten overall consumption of the healthy food, say researchers in a new study.

DecisionNewsMedia seeks a deputy editor

Decision News Media, a fast-growing international Internet company and aleader in business and science news publishing, is seeking a deputy editor.

Plastic insert provides fresh mix for vitamin drinks

A new type of plastic container insert has been developed to dissolve dry ingredients in a liquid after the tab has been pulled.

Omega-3s could lower risk of dry eye syndrome

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome, suggests a newly published study.

MEG-3 milk on Ocean Nutrition's doorstep

Canada's first milk product containing Ocean Nutrition's MEG-3 is launching in Nova Scotia, amid hopes that it will boost the consumer's omega-3 intake to recommended levels.

Herbal alternative for asthma shows promise

An oral combination of three Chinese herbs could be as effective as conventional medicines at alleviating asthma symptoms but without such severe side effects, report Chinese and American researchers.

NCCAM grant supports African plant research

An international collaboration to research the safety and efficacy of South African medicinal plants has attracted a $4.4 million, four-year grant from NCCAM, and could result in plant-based therapies for...

Inulin answers agave surfeit problem

Mexico's Nekulti has found a way to put the country's excess agave plants to good use, and supply the food industry with a novel source of fiber.

MGP increases R&D capability

MGP Ingredients is planning a major expansion of its research and development facilities, which it says will enable it to develop specialized product formulations for customers and gain an advantage...

Burcon pulls off canola protein improvements

Burcon NutraScience Corporation has announced that it has successfully modified its canola protein extraction process to make its Puratein and Supertein ingredients suitable for a broader range of food and...

Cranberry compound found to block cancer

Compounds in cranberries, thought to help prevent urinary preventions, may also fight the development of cancer, report US researchers today.

Cancer patients secretive over CAM use

A new study has highlighted yet again that doctors are not always aware of their patients' CAM habits. This time the group consists of cancer sufferers, who the researchers say...

Cargill prepares for functional future of fruit juice

Cargill is broadening the remit of its Juice Beverage Applications business unit, offering its ingredients and product development expertise to a bigger customer base, including functional beverage makers.

Cognis boosts vitamin E range with non-GM oils

German specialty chemicals group Cognis is hoping to revive depressed sales of its natural vitamin E with a new range of non-GM oils for use in supplements and foods targeted...

Beta-carotene linked to lower deaths among elderly

Intake of beta-carotene from foods is inversely associated with lower mortality, including death from heart disease and cancer, in the elderly, shows a new study across different European populations.

Niacin prices going up

Swiss chemicals group Lonza is increasing the prices of its niacin and niacinamide by between 10-12 per cent to absorb higher costs for raw materials, energy and transportation, it said...

AHPA nudges supplement-makers on allergen labeling

The American Herbal Products Association has issued a reminder to supplement makers whose products contain major food allergens that as of January 1 2006 they, like all food companies, must...

Vitasti to tap functional water market

Vitasti is planning swift entry into the functional water market, thanks to a joint venture with an unnamed beverage manufacturer.

Probiotics increase protection against autoimmune disease

Probiotic bacteria could not only help fight viruses but they may also protect against autoimmune diseases like diabetes, says Swedish probiotics firm Probi.

Vanadium may enhance recovery from infections

Vanadium, a trace mineral taken in supplements by bodybuilders and for sugar control, may promote faster recovery from food poisoning or other infections, suggests new research on animals.

New method to unlock secrets of beta-carotene

A fast, simple and environmentally friendly method of measuring precisely the beta-carotene and other carotenoid levels in pumpkin could help food makers achieve a better understanding of an important nutritional...

FDA postpones decision on lycopene/cancer health claim

The Food and Drug Administration has postponed for the sixth time a decision on whether supplement makers can claim a link between lycopene and a reduced risk of developing certain...

Biothera settles beta-glucan patent case

Biothera, the maker of immune-boosting ingredients, says it has settled a dispute over its beta-glucan patents with Californian firm Cypress Systems.

Schwarzenegger signs young athletes' supplements ban

A new law that bans Californian high school athletes from using ephedra, DHEA or bitter orange was signed by governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday, raising industry fears that it could...

Probiotics help dermatitis in children, new evidence

Children given a probiotic supplement for four months showed a significant improvement in symptoms of atopic dermatitis, said Australian researchers this month.

Eating fish may slow down onset of dementia

Eating fish at least once a week may slow down the development of dementia, suggests new research out of the US.

Herbals group lobbies federal agencies for word changes

A herbal trade organisation last week challenged two federal agencies to correct past statements that used misleading descriptions of dietary supplements and echinacea.

Glucosamine studies encourage joint health industry

The positive results of the GAIT and GUIDE glucosamin/chondroitin studies are an encouraging sign for the industry, says Cargill, which makes a non-shellfish derived, vegetarian glucosamine hydrochloride.

Cyvex extends PomActiv range

Californian natural compounds supplier Cyvex Nutrition is launching a new version of its PomActiv ingredient with an antioxidant profile that is closer to that of pomegranate.

Soy compound shows promise in amyloidosis prevention

A compound called genistein that is found in soya beans could prove useful in the prevention of some forms of amyloidosis, report scientists from the Scripps Research Institute.

Soft Gel gains Carnisol trademark

Soft Gel Technologies Inc (SGTI) has been granted a trademark for its L-Carnipure-containing Carnisol supplement.

Lacking B vitamins makes for cognitive decline

Low B vitamin levels and high homocysteine concentrations predict cognitive decline, say US researchers, producing new data to support the role of B vitamins in the mental health of the...

Weider confident in future of joint care

Joint health continues to be a major growth area for Weider Nutrition International, which yesterday reported a 9.8 percent increase in sales of Q1 2006 driven by joint care brands.

Broccoli compounds may protect joint health

Antioxidant-boosting compounds found in broccoli and other plants appear to block an enzyme that triggers inflammation in joints.

Pregnant women need fish for fetus

Women wanting to boost their babies' cognitive development need to tread a fine line in fish consumption to avoid excess mercury, suggests a new study on the risks posed by...

Ingredients companies prepare for SupplySide West

A month before SupplySide West opens its doors, ingredients companies are drawing attention to the products they will be showcasing in Las Vegas.

Nestlé scientists apply modern physics to functional foods

Knowledge gained from modern physics will help food scientists construct the rational design of complex food materials for new products, including functional foods, say Nestle scientists.

Women confused over soy/breast cancer link

A clear, consistent message is needed on the benefits or risks of eating soy, reports a study of soy consumption amongst women at risk of developing breast cancer.

Galaxy Foods explores possibility of sale

Galaxy Nutritional Foods' board of directors has given the go-ahead to Goldman Sachs to investigate the potential sale of the company and to contact prospective buyers.

Plant lipids may raise risk of Alzheimer's in some people

Linoleic acid, a lipid found in plants like corn, sunflowers and safflower, appears to help prevent Alzheimer's disease in many people but in those with a genetic defect that makes...

Copper supplements may slow Alzheimer's progress

Copper may stabilize cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease, believe researchers in Germany who are conducting a clinical trial to assess the effects of supplementation.

Weekly Comment

Junk Food Babes

If education is meant to deliver knowledge and wise choices, why are we doing so little to educate our children about food?

Solae withdraws soy/cancer health claim petition

FDA's record on qualified health claims approvals is causing companies to re-think their petitions. In the light of recent decisions the FDA has handed down, The Solae Company has decided...

Glanbia solves whey protein problems with R&D

Since it opened two years ago, Glanbia's R&D center in Twin Falls, Idaho, has set about addressing some of the problems that plague formulators working with whey protein ingredients. Jess...

Cocoa compounds may help diarrhoea

Dark chocolate made with flavonol-rich cocoa may help prevent diarrhoea, say scientists who have found cocoa compounds to limit the development of fluids that cause the condition.

Nutrition Formulators cuts clinical trial costs in half

Recognising a growing need to support products with science, contract manufacturer Nutritional Formulators is introducing a new foreign-based clinical trial service that it expects will give US-based outfits a run...