Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America

Hemp debate ignites between DEA and academia

The battle over the right to farm hemp for food purposes rages on in the US, with North Dakota State University submitting a brief amicus curaie in support of a lawsuit filed by two farmers against the DEA.

Flavonoids may help improve heart health

Quercetin, a common flavonoid, is metabolised quickly in the body, which may reduce the positive benefits the compound is believed to have on cardiovascular health.

WellGen to use $9.5mn financing to fund pipeline

Nutrigenomics researcher WellGen has announced the completion of a Series C financing worth $9.5mn it plans to use to build a pipeline of patented nutraceuticals.

More consumers read product labels, says report

Increasingly complicated product labels do not seem to have scared consumers off, according to a new report that revels that more Americans are likely to read food and beverage product labels today than they were a year ago.

Vitamin D doesn't reduce cancer risk, study

Reexamination of data relating to over 15,000 people has cast doubt on claims that increased vitamin D intake may reduce cancer mortality rates.

Finnish collaboration expands industry uses for beta-glucan

A research collaboration out of Finland claims to be increasing the functional applications of beta-glucan for food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals alike.

Severely restricting calories could lead to longer life

A study out of the University at Buffalo has linked severely restricting calories to slowing the progression of physical disability in age, which could have lifespan implications if carried over to humans.

Brown marine algae mined for functional ingredients

Polysaccharides from brown marine algae could provide the ingredients for a new wave of beverages with health benefits, according to researchers in Ireland.

Lipogen's PS patent could spell further infant formula applications

Israeli company Lipogen has obtained patent pending for a delivery system for its PS ingredient that it says will improve the options for infant formula producers to successfully imitate breast milk.

Sabinsa gets GRAS for CitrinK for drinks

Sabinsa Corporation says it has received independent GRAS status for the use of its flagship proprietary ingredient CitrinK in functional beverages.

SourceOne to market Vesifact tech exclusively

SourceOne Global Partners has announced an alliance with Swiss company Vesifact AG for the distribution of technology, particularly relating to improving absorption.

Micro-fibres eyed as future functional ingredients

'Micronised' insoluble fibres, insoluble fibres processed to the micron scale, could favourably change the gut health of hamsters and may translate into important ingredients for functional foods, suggests new research.

Cyanotech's Bioastin obtains structure/function claims

Hawaii's Cyanotech Corporation has obtained four new structure/function claims for its Bioastin following FDA review, as it looks to make consumers more familiar with the benefits of astaxanthin.

Riboflavin boosts folate's colorectal cancer protection - study

Riboflavin supplements could boost the protective effects of folate against colorectal cancer in people with colon polyps, suggests a new study from the UK and Ireland.

Nature's Pearl examines muscadine grape for heart health

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center say they are conducting the first-ever clinical study to evaluate potential cardiovascular health effects of muscadine grape seed from Nature's Pearl.

Special edition: Opportunities in food

Organic Monitor: market consolidation raises supplier challenges

Manufacturers of organic products need to find innovative ways to keep their share of the supply chain as the squeeze of market consolidation begins, says Organic Monitor in the closing article of an exclusive FoodNavigator-USA.com series.

Olive extract linked to better brain health

An extract from olive mill wastewater may protect brain cells from oxidative stress and guard against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, suggests new research.

Trade associations ask FDA for exemptions in 100 percent identity testing

Trade associations are asking FDA to allow dietary supplement suppliers the possibility of exempting their customers from 100 percent identity testing under what is to be the final rule on Good Manufacturing Practices.

Cranberry juice offers anti-viral possibilities - study

Cranberry juice's benefits may even extend to protecting against viruses, according to results of study from New York-based researchers.

Hispanics and African Americans more likely to use weight loss supplements?

A survey sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline suggests Hispanics and African Americans are more likely than whites to use unproven dietary supplements for weight loss.

Vitamin Angels and Vitamin Shoppe fight VAD

The nutraceutical industry's charity, Vitamin Angels, has made a large step towards eradicating the vitamin A deficiency that can lead to blindness in children.

Omega-3 to cut colon cancer: meta-analysis

A pooled analysis of the small but ever-growing body of science of omega-3 and colorectal cancer indicates more fish oil does protect against the cancer.

Xenomis-Harvard polyphenol partnership could lengthen life

Xenomis has announced the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement with Harvard Medical School for the development of stressed plant polyphenol products geared towards longevity.

General Mills researches yoghurt for weight management

Yoplait yogurt brand owner General Mills has conducted its own research into the healthy profile of the dairy product and is using the results to spread further consumer awareness.

Grapefruit juice gets anti-cancer fillip

Grapefruit juice and its active components, furocoumarins, may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the activation of compounds into cancer-causing compounds, suggests new research from the US.

Black tea shows blood sugar benefits

A one gram drink of black tea may have the potential to stimulate an insulin response and reduce blood sugar levels, suggests new research from England.

ConAgra gives hot choc functional twist

The cup of hot chocolate you enjoy on a cold winter's day may now have more functions than just taste and warmth - a perk ConAgra Foods says could be particularly alluring to women.

IPA takes industry's probiotics message to healthcare

The International Probiotics Association (IPA) says it is breaking ground in the dietary supplement industry by bringing the message of probiotics directly to digestive healthcare practitioners at conferences.

Pinto beans, beans good for your heart

The childhood favourite of 'beans, beans good for your heart' is backed by science, according to a new study showing that daily consumption of pinto beans may cut cholesterol.

Study underscores link between lifestyle and heart disease

A new study out of Sweden has brought about some results that are hardly surprising, yet underscore that health is very much linked to a personal lifestyle commitment.

Alternative Health Approaches says fulfilled FDA request

Alternative Health Approaches says it has complied with FDA's requests following a September warning letter concerning the alleged marketing of its products as drugs.

Broccoli extract provides long-lasting sun protection

Topical application of broccoli extract may provide long-lasting protection against UV damage by stimulating the cell's own protective mechanisms.

Onion compound linked to lower blood pressure

Quercetin, the compound most commonly associated with onions, may reduce blood pressure by an average of five millimitres of mercury, indicates new research.

Whole-grains breakfasts cut heart failure risks - study

Consuming at least one serving of whole grains cereal a day could reduce a man's risk of heart failure by 30 per cent, says a new study from the US.

Sciona study reveals nutrigenetics could secure long term weight goals

Nutrigenetically tailored diets can result in better compliance with weight management goals, as well as longer-term BMI reduction and improvements in blood glucose levels, says new research.

Prebiotics in formula may cut infant infections

Inclusion of prebiotic fibres in infant formula may cut the recurrence of infection during the first six-months of life by about 10 per cent, suggests new research.

Nutratech settles with Syntech over patents

Another patent infringement case has been settled between two nutraceutical ingredient companies - this time involving Nutratech and Syntech International over the use of citrus aurantium extract.

Metagenics gets patents for hops joint formulas

Metagenics has been awarded three new patents for discoveries relating to Luduxin and Tetrase, two hops-derived ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties for joint health.

Antioxidant interactions may cause formulation headache

The absorption of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) may be reduced by 36 per cent when the vitamin is ingested simultaneously with other antioxidants like carotenoids, suggests new research from France.

Weekly Comment

The weather excuse

With all the threats facing food and beverage production -- from contamination in the food chain, to rising input prices -- there appears to be one menace that towers above the rest, namely 'The Weather'.

Vitamin E pills may cut heart disease risk in diabetics

Supplements of vitamin E may counteract complications in type-2 diabetics linked to an increased risk of heart disease, says a new study from Italy.

Biocell launches taste-free collagen for foods

Biocell Technology has introduced a version of its Biocell collagen II ingredient that is being marketed as taste-free and therefore with applications expanded to include ready-to-drink formulations, chewables and functional foods.

Vitamin K shows potential in the fight against wrinkles

Research suggests that vitamin K plays a role in protecting skin elasticity and may help protect against skin aging and the development of wrinkles.

Soy proteins designed to replace milk

Two new soy-based ingredients could allow processors to replace higher-priced dairy counterparts without significantly affecting nutrition and taste, their manufacturer claims.

Verdure Sciences enhances serotonin profile of bacognize

Verdure Sciences claims to have further enhanced the profile of its serotonin-active proprietary ingredient, bacognize extract.

Futureceuticals promotes Vitacherry for anthocyanins

Futureceuticals is beginning to promote its cherry ingredient Vitacherry as an anthocyanin-rich version of the original fruit compounds that can be used in a variety of functional applications.

Pine bark extract boost for blood flow and heart health

Extracts from French maritime pine bark may boost the body's production of nitric oxide - key to better blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles - suggests a new study.

Pre- and probiotics show promise against childhood eczema - review

Supplements of prebiotics and probiotics may prevent eczema and other allergic diseases and food reactions in infants who might be susceptible, according to two recent reviews.

Northwest picks Tresalbio for omega-3 gummies

Northwest Natural Products has introduced a novel omega-3 product format geared directly at children, containing Valensa International's proprietary chia seed extract.

Chrysantis zeaxanthin gets GRAS

Chrysantis announced its branded zeaxanthin has achieved Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) status, opening up the potential for the ingredient to be used in a new category of functional food and beverages.

Berkem builds sports science behind Powergrape

Supplements of a polyphenol-rich Bordeaux grape extract increased power during exercise by 21 per cent, and increased recovery by eight per cent, says a new study.

Ocean Spray 'bogs' cranberries as healthy and wholesome

With the Thanksgiving season approaching, Ocean Spray is launching a creative marketing campaign to spread awareness of the healthy aspects of cranberries.

Indena reports new technique for bilberry purity standards

Only 15 per cent of commercial bilberry extracts actually contain sufficient quantities of the active anthocyanin to have a physiological effect, according to new research from Italy.

Cargill olive oil joint venture points to healthy fat demand

Agri-business giant Cargill has engaged in a joint venture with Spain's largest olive oil producer, Hojiblanca, to source, trade and supply customers worldwide with private label and bulk olive oil.

GOED looks to bolster omega-3 market via science

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s, or GOED, is looking to further increase the market for the fatty acids by means of a new consortium set to be run out of Purdue University.

Schwarzenegger vetoes hemp

Hemp advocates are angered by Governor Schwarzenegger's veto of an industrial hemp bill that would have allowed local farmers to legally produce and supply the nutritious seed.

Unigen launches European drive with Brussels office

Unigen announced it has established an office in Brussels, Belgium so as to facilitate its access to the European nutraceuticals market.

Chr Hansen markets cranberries to fight infection

Chr Hansen is set to launch a new range of cranberry ingredients available for both the dietary supplement and functional food industries.

World Food Day

Hunger a reality for 854 million

The UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) today called for governments around the globe to guarantee the world's population the right to feed itself.

Garlic's heart benefits pinpointed

The chemical compounds behind garlic's breath-tainting properties may also be the source of its heart benefits, according to new research from the US.

Cyanotech takes Bioastin to condition-specific formulas

In a bid to attract a greater gamut of consumers, Hawaiian Cyanotech Corporation is rolling out new condition-specific formulas containing its proprietary astaxanthin.

Chocolate study signals way to personalised health diets

A study has shed new light on people's food preferences and a specific chemical signature that can be programmed into the metabolic system, leading the way to healthy diets that cater to an individual's needs.

FDA seizes over $71k in products

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) last week showed potential false marketers of dietary supplements that it means business when it requested US Marshals to seize approximately $71,000 of goods from Fullife Natural Options in Florida.

Weekly Comment

Time to get serious on health claims criteria

The European Food Safety Authority's task to assess thousands of health claims is a headache in anyone's book - and one made worse through vague instructions to industry.

Vitamin D deficiency linked to greater pain

A new study has linked vitamin D and a reduction of chronic pain, lending to voices calling for increased fortification or supplementation of the nutrient in diets.

FDA rolls out AER draft guidance for comments

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is opening a comment period on a draft guidance for following regulations concerning Adverse Events Reporting.

Green tea may halve prostate cancer risk

Drinking five cups of green tea a day may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 48 per cent, reports a new study from Japan.

Fruit, veg antioxidant profile increases with time

The antioxidant capacity of fresh fruit and vegetables does not decrease during storage, and the polyphenol content even increases, suggests new research.

Gaps in probiotic labeling reveal need for regulatory pinch

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has released a paper on probiotics that adds to claims the value-adding active cultures are not appropriately regulated.

New logo for grain foods aims to convey vitality

The industry body Grain Foods Foundation has revamped its logo - used on the packaging of member products - in order to better convey the link between grains and vitality.

FTC takes steps to halt international bogus hoodia operation

The Federal Trade Commission has put a stop to an international spamming operation that sold a product masquerading as hoodia gordonii.

Fruit & veg event ignites disease prevention discussion

Houston, Texas, is hosting a symposium on the functionality of fruits and vegetables this week, set to provide a forum for academia and industry to exchange ideas on how to tailor phytonutrients for health.

Low fat diet shows decreased risk for ovarian cancer

A low fat diet could reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women, according to the US' Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Dietary modification trial.

Chemi Nutra launches PS for functional drinks

Chemi Nutra has launched water dispersible PS (phosphatidylserine) for use in functional beverages, which could attract manufacturers looking to tap into the cognition market.

BI Nutraceuticals takes on Mexican market with Nutraseutica

BI Nutraceuticals has announced an exclusive agreement with Nutraseutica International for the distribution of its line of ingredients in Mexico.

Low zinc levels may raise pneumonia risk in the elderly

Low blood levels of zinc may be linked to an increased risk of pneumonia amongst the elderly, suggesting the benefits of supplements for this at risk population, says new research.

Guest article

Patently wise: what, how and where to patent

Patent protection can be an effective tool for excluding competitors and generating revenues, if used wisely and married to a company's business strategy.

Consumers get functionality, food companies need to tap in

Consumers are now looking beyond basic nutrition and towards condition-specific functionality in their purchases, according to an IFIC survey.

Full-fat dairy may protect prostates from cancer

An increased intake of full fat dairy products may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, says a new study from Hawaii.

Weekly comment: Food prices

Will value-added lose out to the basics?

Food companies have been focussing on value-added products in a bid to reduce their reliance on commodities, which can fluctuate wildly and deliver slim margins. But now that prices of basic foods are at an all-time high, can value-added foods still compete for their share of the consumer buck?

Industry and academia partner to create cholesterol-reducing snacks

In an arrangement where university researchers will supply ideas to industry, Corazonas Foods has paired up in an exclusive deal with Brandeis University for use of the institution's technology in heart-healthy snacks.

Crude palm oil may lower blood fat levels

A diet rich in crude palm oil, different from the refined industrial oil, may reduce blood levels of very LDL-C and triacylglycerol in healthy, young individuals, Brazilian researchers report.

Soy may aid men at high risk of prostate cancer

Men at high risk of prostate cancer, a cancer on the rise worldwide, may benefit from increased intake of soy isoflavones, suggests a new study from the University of Minnesota.

Natrol targets college freshmen

Finished product manufacturer Natrol has thought up an innovative marketing campaign for getting its supplements to young adults.

ConAgra Mills promotes Sustagrain for fiber intake

ConAgra Mills is promoting what is says is the first commercially available whole grain product that is high in dietary fiber and low in starch.

Folic acid supplements may slash arsenic levels

Supplements of folic acid may lower blood levels of arsenic in individuals exposed to the toxin in contaminated drinking water, researchers have suggested.

Special edition: Food prices

Diving dollar makes US less resistant

The falling dollar is likely to cause a shift in strategy for US food manufacturers as they feel both the pinch and the benefit - depending on how global their operations are and from where they source ingredients.

Daily cuppa may compare to calcium for bones

Drinking tea regularly may lead to improvements in bone health similar to that observed with calcium or physical exercise, suggests new research from Australia.

FTC goes after nutraceutical HRT

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched complaints against seven online sellers of alternative hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products for not backing-up their health claims.

Study to strengthen bilberry-cancer link

A series of clinical trials is underway in the UK to test the anti-cancer effects of bilberry extracts, offer a potential boost to the anthocyanidin-rich extracts.

Consumers taking dietary supplements more regularly, says survey

More consumers say they take dietary supplements on a regular basis than before, according to a new poll conducted for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Probiotic soymilk makes calcium more bioavailable

Fermenting calcium-fortified soymilk with probiotics could enhance solubility of the mineral up to 90 per cent, thereby boosting bioavailability, new research reports.

Soy milk gets a functional makeover in Asia

Soy milk manufacturers in the US and Europe could take a page of out of Southeast Asia's book when comes to innovating and driving the market.

Embria opens $10m Iowa headquarters

Embria Health Sciences has opened a $10m headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, which will in part support the manufacture and development of promising immunity ingredient Epicor.

Plant sterols in low fat milk effective for cholesterol cuts

Phytosterols incorporated into low-fat fermented milk was effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels in people with slightly elevated cholesterol, French researchers have reported.

Expo East witness to industry's growth

The success of Natural Products Expo East this year is representative of an industry that is simultaneously growing and flourishing.

Shopper marketing to increase brand competitiveness, GMA report

Manufacturers of food and beverage products are expected to start investing more in shopper marketing strategies, which are widely thought to increase sales and competitiveness, and build brand loyalty, according to a GMA report.

Emails surface in Berkeley fraud case

In the latest string of developments surrounding a class action lawsuit against Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals, the company is being accused of fraud and money laundering.

Review questions efficacy of tailored herbals

The efficacy of herbal medicines, tailored to an individual's needs, is not supported by 'good evidence', a new review has stated.

ODS releases annual bibliography as gold standard

The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) has highlighted the most far-reaching research from 2006 in the area of nutraceutical compounds in its Annual Bibliography.

Toyo introduces flower extract for weight loss

Japanese ingredient company Toyo Bio-Pharma has introduced branded Puer flower extract as an ingredient for weight management in the US.

Gene breakthrough could boost anthocyanin stability

British scientists have identified an enzyme in plants that chemically modify anthocyanins to alter their properties, and may lead to more stable and tailoring of the antioxidant pigments.

Broccoli compound identified for heart benefits

The heart healthy effects of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower may be due to their ability to influence the secretion of a cholesterol transporter, researchers have reported.

New probiotics conference set for 2008

The International Probiotics Association (IPA) is holding a global conference on probiotics in 2008, thereby setting the stage for discussion on standards and regulations for the so-called friendly bacteria.

Prebiotics may prevent excessive teenage weight gain

A daily supplement of prebiotic inulin and oligofructose may help adolescents maintain an appropriate body weight and BMI, according to new research from the US.

NIH study tracks children's supplementation in US

A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study is calling for individual and national estimates of children's nutrient intakes to account for the consumption of dietary supplements.

Canadian bioproduct researcher teams up with India

Canadian research and development organization POS Pilot Plant Corporation has announced it will be assisting in the launch of new capabilities for the development of bioproducts and a bioprocessing facility in India.

Ginger shows potential against infant diarrhea

The popular spice ginger has potential as a herbal supplement against bacteria-induced diarrhea, suggest results from a preliminary study in animals.

Pharmachem expands Lonza's response time in US

Lonza has chosen Pharmachem Laboratories as its US distributor in the East coast for its nicotinate ingredients.

Analytical lab opens on market promise

Contract analytical laboratory Tampa Bay Analytical Research (TBAR) is officially up and running, injected with the promise of a positive business climate for testing in the dietary supplement industry.

Common sweetener eyed as new prebiotic

The sugar alcohol lactitol, commonly used as a sweetener, can positively affect the population of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, and may be considered a novel prebiotic, researchers have reported.

Vitasoy promotes the bean for breast health

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and Vitasoy is trying to undo what it says is a misperception regarding soy and breast cancer.

Weekly comment

Ripping the red tape

They say that patience is a virtue. But when it comes to the regulatory process on both sides of the Atlantic, patience too often results in dust gathering in the "to do" box on some regulator's desk.

Apples and onions may slash pancreatic cancer risk

A diet rich in flavonols from foods such as onions, apples and berries may cut the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by about 25 per cent, a multi-ethnic study has reported.