Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Nestle targets health and wellness with new Beijing R&D centre

Nestle is investing CHF 11.5 million (€7.8 million) in a new research and development centre in Beijing to focus on health and wellness.

Vitamin E may slash lung cancer risk: Study

Increasing intakes of vitamin E may decrease the risk of lung cancer by over 50 per cent, according to a new study from the US.

News in brief

EFSA and Danish authorities to discuss science ‘perspectives’

The European Food Safety Authority’s executive director, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, will outline EFSA’s objectives and strategy at a meeting with the Danish National Food Institute on November 20.

News in brief

Organic solution to food issues

A new initiative has been launched to highlight the role that organic farming can play in current health, environmental and hunger issues by changing the way food is grown.

Explosion at ADM facility

Archer Daniels Midland Company is counting the cost after an explosion at one of its grain facilities, which ships thousands of tonnes of soybeans, corn, wheat and soybean meal, interrupted operations.

News in brief

IPA changes leadership

Probiotic industry and research group IPA this week announced a shift in leadership going forward into 2009.

News in brief

Webinar to examine NDI notification process

A webinar to be held in December will provide manufacturers with guidance on how to file a new dietary ingredient (NDI) notification, from both a legal and market perspective.

Fonterra opens R&D center in Chicago

New Zealand dairy giant, Fonterra, has opened a $2.4m research and development centre in Chicago, as the company centers its North American activities around its new Illinois corporate headquarters.

The biggest challenges in making GMPs work

Many medium and small dietary supplement companies are still not close to meeting new GMP requirements, despite the looming deadlines. Lorraine Heller speaks to industry members about the major challenges that remain, and the next steps that should be taken.

Green tea extract may lower blood pressure: study

Daily supplements of extracts from green tea (Camellia sinensis) may reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and markers of oxidative stress, and all within three weeks, says a new study.

Science builds for L-carnitine and muscle ageing

Supplementation with L-carnitine may restore natural losses of the nutrient that occur naturally with age, according to a new study with rats.

Cognis brings natural beta-carotene powder to US

Cognis has launched a water dispersible powder form of its beta-carotene ingredient in the US, which the firm says makes it accessible to a wider range of applications.

Vitamin A supplements pass quality test - just

A market survey of vitamin A supplements has found only six out of ten independently tested products met their label claims, with one cod liver supplement containing twice its stated vitamin A load.

Supplements, functional foods and the era of tighter regulations

Lorraine Heller talks to Danisco’s director of regulatory and scientific affairs in North America – Stuart Craig – who predicts an environment of increased regulation for the nutraceuticals and functional food markets.

Grapes may protect against salt-induced hypertension: study

A diet rich in phytochemicals from grapes may reduce the blood pressure increases associated with high salt intake, according to a new animal study.

Whey protein and building muscle: the sum greater than the parts?

A supplement containing whey protein can boost the building of muscle in the elderly, with the effects beyond that of just the amino acid content, says a new study.

News in brief

Supplement makers increase humanitarian focus

Embria Health Sciences and Garden of Life have both announced humanitarian donations, becoming part of a niche but increasing industry effort to improve the nutrition of populations in need while also increasing brand awareness.

Exploring the sweet future for stevia

As regulatory approval for stevia and its extracts gathers pace in the US, Mark Blumenthal from the American Botanical Council gives his thoughts and inside knowledge on his nominee for ‘herb of the year’.

News in brief

SourceOne to market TRT’s omega-3 for supplements

A new partnership signed this month will see SourceOne Global Partners take on exclusive marketing for the omega-3 concentrates produced by Twin Rivers Technologies (TRT).

News in brief

PLT takes on Advitech’s inflammatory support ingredient

PL Thomas has taken on a new ingredient for inflammatory health, as the first product from a partnership with science and technology firm Advitech.

FDA raps Bayer in ‘combo' product crackdown

In a move that has divided industry, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has told German pharma giant Bayer in no uncertain terms to cease making disease reduction claims about products that contain both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients.

What is Section 912?

Stuart Craig, Danisco's director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, North America, explains why Section 912 could have a major impact on the way dietary supplements are regulated in the United States.

Section 912 and the blurring of the supplement-drug line

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday said it is extending the comment period for Section 912 of its Amendments Act (FDAAA), which has the potential to radically change the way dietary supplements are regulated in the country.

Omega-3 needs of pre-term infants higher than thought: study

The requirements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may be higher for pre-terms infants than previously thought, according to a new study from Australia.

Raw broccoli best for anti-cancer potential: study

Consuming cooked or processed broccoli may result in less of the potential anti-cancer compounds being available for absorption, suggests a new study from TNO Quality of Life.

New panel appointed to review dietary guidelines

A review of the current US dietary guidelines to help improve the nation’s health through proper nutrition is now underway with the appointment of a new panel, which includes experts in probiotics, prebiotics and satiety.

GMP inspection reports only accessed through FOI requests, confirms FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that GMP inspection reports are not, in fact, available online, and that the only way to access these is by filing a Freedom of Information request.

Weekly comment

The hour of stevia is nigh

The course of true love never did run smooth. The same could be said of stevia’s road to regulatory approval as a food ingredient. One final concerted effort is needed to ensure approval of this hot ingredient.

Bilberry extract may ease the damages of stress: study

Extracts from bilberry may reduce stress-induced damage in the liver, according to a new study with mice.

AHPA issues botanicals guidelines

Specifying which botanical products may be called “extracts” along with suggested limits for heavy metals and microorganisms, have been mooted by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).

News in brief

Vice-chair elected for AACC technical committee

Members of the American Association for Cereal Chemists (AACC) International have elected FutureCeutical’s Dr Boris Nemzer as the vice-chair of the organization’s new Technical Methods Committee for Bioactive Compounds.

What NutraIngredients-USA took away from SSW

The curtains have closed on SupplySide West 2008. Our reporters Stephen Daniells and Lorraine Heller share their thoughts on the major take-aways from the ingredients, science and education on offer at the biggest annual event for the North American nutraceutical and functional food industries.

Lipid Nutrition deal brings weight management focus to US

Lipid Nutrition has signed an agreement to make ChemPoint the exclusive distributor of its weight management ingredients to the North American dietary supplement market.

Ganeden, GTC team up for gut health and immunity innovation

Fiber supplier GTC Nutrition is teaming up with probiotic firm Ganeden in a move designed to develop new ingredients for digestive and immune health.

The coffee and energy drink caffeine divide

Coffee and tea-based products are free from the caffeine labelling requirements of energy drinks. But is this in consumers’ best interests? Neil Merrett reports.

Lutein and zeaxanthin can benefit colon cancer, say researchers

Korean researchers have found alga-extracted carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce colon cancer growths.

Dispatches from SupplySide West

FDA should lift stevia import alert, says ABC

The American Botanical Council has called on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to rescind its "outdated import alert" on stevia.

Dispatches from SupplySide West

GMP inspection reports available online, says FDA

An update to this article has been published here . The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published the first round of GMP inspection reports on its website, according to the director of the agency’s Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, Dr Vasilios Frankos.

DS quality, safety, efficacy no problem for 80 percent of Americans

A new survey has found high levels of interest, understanding and respect for the quality of dietary supplements in the US.

Dispatches from SupplySide West

'Stevia is a drug', says FDA citizen’s petition

A two-man law firm from Washington DC has petitioned the US Food and Drink Administration (FDA) to prevent the addition of steviol glycosides to food.

GM purple tomatoes boost life of cancer-prone rats

UK scientists have found genetically modified (GM), anthocyanin-boosted purple tomatoes can increase the life-span of cancer-susceptible rats.

Disptaches from SupplySide West

GMPs and the management obstacle

The successful implementation of new GMP regulations needs to start with the education of upper management on the requirements and implications of the rules, industry heard yesterday.

New SunOpta deal expands vegetable oil business

SunOpta is continuing its march into the organic vegetable oils sector as it announces a new deal with Daabon Organic USA to distribute organic palm oil products.

China lifts DHEA ban

The Chinese government has lifted the ban it placed on the manufacture and export of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) in the lead up to the Beijing Olympic Games in August.

Tart cherries can reduce ‘belly fat’: rat study

Tart cherries, a relatively new entrant to the superfruit category, have been shown to benefit heart health as well as body weight, in a study on obese rats.

ADM makes cocoa liquors in Asia, for Asia

ADM has launched a new range of cocoa liquors for Asian chocolate-makers, which is said to leverage the characteristics of specific cocoa beans – including fine Papua New Guinean beans.

News in brief

Socially Responsible Business Award winners announced

The Socially Responsible Business Awards have announced this year’s honourees as a special breakfast at Natural Products Expo East.

Companies line up chewable probiotics

Probiotic chews are being rolled out by manufacturers looking for varied ways of encouraging consumers to introduce ‘friendly bacteria’ into their diet.

Glutamate Association joins ‘Soup Wars’

Competing claims by food companies over the removal of MSG from their products are a marketing gimmick which will simply confuse customers and make them think that a perfectly safe product poses a health risk, according to the USA’s Glutamate Association (GA).

Resveratrol draws drug marketing heat

The Food and Drug Administration has warned a Georgia-based supplements manufacturer to stop making drug claims about one of its resveratrol products.

Yoghurt can benefit bladder cancer, say researchers

Two servings of yoghurt per day can reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer by up to 40 per cent, say Swedish scientists.

Scheme could improve food chain efficiency

A new project aims to connect farmers with food manufacturers by building strong working partnerships based on mutual understanding, said the group behind the initiative.

Demand for zeaxanthin moves to drinks market

Chrysantis said it is developing its eye-health ingredient zeaxanthin for use in food and beverages as the company announced it is boosting its sales force to meet growing demand in the supplement sector.

Ocean Nutrition Canada unveils $19m expansion plans

Ocean Nutrition Canada Limited (ONC) has announced a $19m investment into capacity expansion which it claims will secure its position as the world’s largest fish oil manufacturer.

Gum and extracts experts establish new venture

Milan-based firms, Indena and the Gum Base Company have teamed up to bring fruit extract-fortified gum to market in a project that combines...

Doctors advise more vitamin D for infants

The American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled its advice on vitamin D intake by children and infants to 400 IU per day, on the basis of clinical evidence for the prevention of rickets and deficiency – and possible links with diabetes and cancer prevention.

Weekly comment

Banks’ rescue package points the way for food crisis remedies

Question: When is a crisis not a crisis? Answer: When it’s a food crisis. Compare the two responses to failures in the food system and financial markets.

Soy boost after melamine scare

Companies are spying opportunities to market soy based products as a replacement to dairy following the melamine milk crisis that hit China and echoed across the globe.

Frutarom steps in for US oral health distribution

Frutarom is to take responsibility for the marketing and distribution of a new probiotic linked to a variety of oral health benefits across North America.

Mars US adopts European-style nutrition labels

Mars is to launch a new front-of-pack labeling system on all of its chocolate, other confectionery and foods amid fresh calls in the US for a labeling overhaul.

Resveratrol may protect against fatty liver in alcoholics: Study

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, may prevent against the development of fatty liver disease associated with chronic alcohol consumption, according to a new study.

Special edition: Gut health

Science: The wider impacts of gut health

In the final part of our gut health series, NutraIngredients.com reviews the science behind the ‘friendly bacteria’ and the prebiotics fibres that ‘fuel’ them.

News in brief

Capsugel’s capsules stretch over 12m miles

Contract manufacturer Capsugel has said that last month marked the production of its trillionth capsule.

Ocean Nutrition builds omega-3 awareness on Oprah

Ingredient supplier Ocean Nutrition Canada has taken the unusual step of advertising its omega-3 directly to consumers, in an attempt to build awareness of its ingredient and boost sales of co-branded fortified foods and beverages.

Collagen ingredient beats glucosamine, chondroitin for joint health

A patented collagen ingredient, UC-II from InterHealth Nutraceuticals, may be twice as effective as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, according to results of randomized, double-blind study.

New ADM cocoa plant to meet growing demand

ADM has this week opened its new cocoa processing plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, a project it began in 2006 in a bid to expand and cater to growing demand for cocoa and chocolate materials from manufacturers.

Apples and onions may protect athletes from flu: Study

Quercetin, the compound most commonly associated with onions, may boost the immune system and protect against flu, according to results of a study with mice.

World Food Day

Spotlight on climate change’s effect on food security, safety

The message blasting out from World Food Day events is ‘adapt now, or the consequences will be grave’. While the world’s poorest will bear the brunt, food safety could be affected everywhere.

Special edition: Gut health

Supply: Gut health supply low-down

In the third installment of this gut health series, prebiotic and probiotic supply issues are examined.

Comments to weight loss petition continue as deadline looms

The supplements industry continues to fight for its territory just weeks before the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to respond to a petition that would reclassify weight loss claims as disease claims.

Finished product groups are next target in whey functional push

With dairy companies increasingly looking to push whey as functional ingredient, the industry says it must do more to court and target leading food manufacturers to make use of the additive’s potential benefits.

News in brief

Supplement donations boost poor kids’ performance

Vitamin manufacturer Tishcon Corp has donated almost one million bottles of multi-vitamins to children of low-income families, eight years after joining the non-profit group Nourish America.

European shoppers do not steer clear of GM labels, says study

European consumers do buy GM foods when they are available in supermarkets, an EU survey has concluded – despite shoppers’ protestations that they would avoid products bearing a GM label.

Blocking vitamin K can harm kids' bone health: Study

Blocking vitamin K activity in the body via the use of anticoagulants can have a detrimental effect on bone health in children, according to researchers.

Special edition: Gut Health

Regulation: Rules and health claims for gut health

In the second part of a series on gut health, NutraIngredients examines the way products in this category are regulated – and what types of health claims they can make.

Fiber’s raised expectations

Tate & Lyle research has found more than half of Americans want more than regularity from their fiber intake – they want higher levels and better taste.

GRAS audit will bring in the business

Californian-based herbal ingredients supplier, BI Nutraceuticals, says a third-party GRAS review of its ingredients suite will offer added value to its growing number of food and beverage clients.

News in brief

Tester names safe sports supplements

Supplement testers, HFL Sports Science, have named six USANA Health Sciences dietary supplements on its safe list for use by athletes.

'Intriguing' results link vitamin D and Parkinson's: Study

People with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to be vitamin D deficient than healthy adults of the same age or patients with Alzheimer's disease, says a new study from the US.

Solae, Novozymes soluble soy protein gets closer to market

Solae and Novozymes are expecting the publication of some patents related to the joint development of new soluble protein isolates, brining the products one step closer to commercialization.

AHD brings coconut ingredients to functional foods, beverages

AHD International is to supply functional food and beverage makers in the US with a range of coconut products, further to a new partnership announced yesterday.

Special edition: Gut health

Market: How global consumers view digestive health

One of the first functional foods was a digestive health product – Yakult – a probiotic drink a Japanese scientist began selling in his home country in the 1930s.

FMC announces across-the-board price increases

FMC BioPolymer has announced a 15 per cent increase in all of its products as of next month, to off-set costs that its savings program does not cover.

News in brief

Fortitech explains food and mood

Nutrient premix supplier Fortitech will focus on the role of food in gut health, stress, anxiety and sleep in a webinar it is hosting at the end of this month.

FDA slammed for lax claims policing

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has come in for criticism from a government watchdog for failing to adequately crack down on false and misleading food labeling.

Pectin may protect against cancer: Study

A fragment released from pectin may protect against cancer by binding to a protein that plays a role in all stages of cancer progression, suggests new research from the UK.

Melamine crisis makes manufacturers extra-cautious over safety

The fall-out from the melamine crisis in China is prompting manufacturers to be super careful about sourcing safe ingredients, say industry sources – not just dairy and not just those coming from China.

Weekly comment

Waking up to smell the caffeine

Before reading this you’re probably going to need a coffee, in fact why not have a few? After all who’s to say when enough is enough in our hunt for a caffeine kick.

AAP calls for kids’ vitamin D intakes to double

A new report issued by the nation’s leading pediatricians states that children should be consuming double the usually recommended levels of vitamin D, as evidence of its protective health benefits continues to emerge.

News in brief

ABC provides herbal updates

The American Botanical Council (ABC) last week hosted a day’s educational event designed to provide the latest updates in the herbal arena.

Vanillin alternative targets active ingredient applications

Symrise is highlighting its aldehyde-free vanillin flavor, which it said can be used in functional food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications without compromising active ingredients or causing browning in products.

Flavonoids’ heart health benefits in the blood vessels: Study

Oral supplements of flavonoids commonly found in onions and tea may enhance the function of the lining of blood vessels, according to new research from Australia.

Supplements industry set to shrink, predict experts

The dietary supplement industry in the United States could shrink as a result of heightened regulations and the financial squeeze, said industry representatives.

Scientists deliver key info about soy-stabilised soy emulsions

Modifying the ingredients and manufacturing parameters may enhance the stability of soy stabilised emulsions for food, says a new study from Ireland.

St John’s wort works for depression, says review

Extracts of St. John's wort are effective in reducing the symptoms of major depression, according to a new review in the prestigious Cochrane Systematic Review.

Wild blueberries take antioxidant crown

Wild blueberries have greater antioxidant content than common fruits such as apples, bananas, red grapes and strawberries according to Cornell University researchers.

Latino diet needs healthy boost

The benefits of healthy food such as grains need to be promoted among the Hispanic community which is at greater risk of suffering the impact of a poor diet than any other ethnic group, according to an industry body.

Stay on top of supplement labeling changes, says NPA

Dietary supplement manufacturers in the US should inform the nation’s regulator of the cost burden they are likely to incur if proposed labeling regulations are passed, an industry association said yesterday.

Brown seaweed launched at weight management market

AHD International has launched a new version of its brown seaweed extract it says is the highest grade available for the US dietary supplements market.

Olive oil compound may boost satiety between meals

Oleic acid from olive oil and other sources may prolong the feeling of fullness between meals, according to results of a new rat study published today.

Vitamin D may protect skin from within: Study

Oral supplements of vitamin D may boost production of protective compounds in the skin, and may ultimate help prevent skin infections, according to a new study.

Questions raised over Goji science

The methodology and conclusion of a recent study linking consumption of Goji berry juice to improved energy and happiness have been criticized.

Ingredient group turns to testing amidst irradiation fears

A manufacturer of food and nutritional ingredients says it is taking a stand against irradiating raw materials to remove harmful microbes with a new in-house testing system for its products.

Dietary supplements where they are crucially needed

The nutraceutical industry’s charity Vitamin Angels has this year reached seven million children suffering from malnutrition around the world, but says more support is needed to consistently address malnourishment.

Enzyme technology may lead to new prebiotics: Study

By playing with the starting sugars and applying enzymes, German scientists report they have produced potentially novel prebiotic fibres.

Unpopular veggies vital for cancer protection: Study

Vegetables with the highest anti-cancer potential make up only a “miniscule” part of the diet, and measures should be taken to boost consumption, says a new study.

KGK takes back Sytrinol license from SourceOne

KGK Synergize has taken back the global distribution rights for its cholesterol lowering Sytrinol ingredient, but the company said supply to customers would not be impacted by the move.

PNI strengthens marketing platform for berry concentrates

Proprietary Nutritionals Inc (PNI) has grouped together its berry concentrates under one line, in an effort to highlight the ingredients’ antioxidant properties for condition-specific applications.

Wheat products back in favor after diet fad

Wheat flour consumption is increasing in the US following a dip that was driven by a trend for low-carbohydrate diets, according to the USDA, as demand for higher fiber, protein and whole grains rises.

Mediterranean diet linked to lower asthma risks

Getting children to consume a Mediterranean-style diet may reduce their risk of asthma by up to 40 per cent, suggests new research from Spain and Mexico.

Weekly comment

Bringing organic back down to earth

Organic has an image problem. As some consumers fear they are, quite literally, priced out of the farmers market, it’s time to stir up more debate about organic as a set of principals, not as a status symbol.

Calcium may be vital for CLA's bone benefits: Study

Combining conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) with calcium may enhance bone mass, and explain inconsistencies from earlier studies, says new research from the US.

Economic crisis places weight on supplement prices, survey

Half of US supplement users said that the economic squeeze is unlikely to change their purchasing habits, although price could become an issue, according to a survey released last week.

FDA uncertain over infant melamine limits

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it is unable to set a safe level of melamine contamination in infant formulas after issuing a wider ruling on the chemical’s presence in food products containing milk.

Flax and borage oil may boost skin health from within

Supplements containing flaxseed or borage oil may protect skin against reddening and improve skin health from within, suggests new research from Germany and France.

System offers cost effective fat content monitoring, says FOSS

The new XDS Direct Light system provides accurate measurement of the fat content in ground meat on the processing line as well as offering cost savings to processors, claims FOSS.

Can the food industry effectively self-regulate?

The issue of whether businesses are solely driven by profits and will not respond to voluntary guidance to improve the health effects of their products is a matter of hot debate in the British Medical Journal this week.

Plant-based omega-3 can carve functional niche

Growing consumer interest in the potential functional benefits of omega-3 will also drive strong demand for flax-based varieties of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), says a new report.

US consumers acting on cholesterol concerns - survey

Consumers in the US are increasingly aware of the need to check their cholesterol levels, highlighting growing concerns of the potential health risks of hypercholesterolaemia, suggests a new survey.

Kyowa-Daiichi team up for North American approach

Daiichi Fine Chemical Co. (DFK) hopes to strengthen its presence in the North American supplement and speciality chemicals markets through a new distribution agreement with parent company Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co.

Vitamin C may inhibit cancer fighting drugs: study

Vitamin C may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy by protecting the cancer cells, suggests new research that adds to the ongoing debate on the use of supplements by cancer patients.

Fonterra launches improved protein range for nutrition bars

Fonterra has launched a new range of concentrated dairy proteins for the nutritional bar market which it claims solve the discolouration, texture and shelf-life issues associated with traditional proteins.

Processes can bring ‘new’ hydrocolloids, Leatherhead

Leatherhead Food International has completed a three-year research project that aimed to improve the performance of hydrocolloids using physical processing – methodology likely to be better-perceived by consumers in the natural-centric era.

Labels for nutrients food contains, not what it lacks

The nutrition panel on food packaging should reflect the product as a whole rather than just ranking the single ingredients they contain or the unhealthy ingredients that have been taken out, according to an expert.

More transparency needed for AERs, says industry

The dietary supplements industry is calling for a freer flow of information linked to the adverse event reporting system, in order to be better prepared to address failures.

USDA updates composition data for isoflavones in food

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated its database of isoflavone compounds in foods, which the agency says provides analytical values for the compounds in almost 550 foods.

Probiotics may reduce eczema in young children: Study

Daily supplements of a probiotic strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus may reduce the incidence of childhood eczema by about 50 per cent, according to a new study.

Martek responds to rejected omega-3 health claim

Martek Biosciences Corporation is disappointed but not devastated by the European Food Safety Authority’s rejection of its article 14 DHA/ARA infant nutrition health claim.

Manufacturers should help parents make healthy choices

Food manufacturers need to work with retailers to make it easier for parents to choose more nutritious food and tackle childhood obesity, according to a new study.