Beneo-Orafti offers organic inulin for US market

Beneo-Orafti has launched a liquid organic fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) called L58, offering companies a prebiotic ingredient for the rapidly growing organic sector.

Grants offered for keen young probiotics researchers

Companies active in the probiotics field are aiming to expand scientific knowledge of the relationship between probiotics, gastrointestinal microbiota and the body, with two new $50,000 research grants.

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Abbott invests in innovation for infants through adults

Global health-care player Abbott has dedicated a new nutrition facility, as the company looks at continued innovation.

Folic acid and colon cancer: Some benefits and no harm

Supplements of folic acid may reduce the recurrence of colorectal cancer in people with low levels of the nutrient, but not people who already have adequate amounts, says a new...

Maternal folic acid, iron linked to better baby survival

Taking folic acid and iron supplements during pregnancy may reduce infant mortality up to age 7, suggests new research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Frutarom glucose control herb ready for US DS market

Frutarom USA has followed the European release of a herb extracted from the purslane plant that studies show have glucose-controlling properties, with a US launch targeting the dietary supplements area.

Coke defends omega-3 superjuice ads

Coca-Cola has defended a television advert for a DHA-fortified superjuice, saying the advert used humor to imply general brain benefits that were construed as being more specifically memory-boosting by the...

Rooibus extract may boost acai's health punch

Formulating açai products with extracts from rooibus tea may enhance the colour and improve the stability of açai’s healthy components, suggests a new study from Texas.

Chewing gum may keep appetite at bay - study

Chewing gum can help to reduce calorie intake and burn up energy, claims a US study.

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EFSA rejects article 14 cholesterol-lowering claim

EFSA's Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) has issued a negative opinion for a grape extract (Vitis vinifera) claiming to have cholesterol-lowering benefits.

Collagen ingredient better than glucosamine for joint health?

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

Vegetarian form of Celadrin launched

New Jersey-based Proprietary Nutritionals Inc. (PNI) has begun distribution of a vegetarian form of the bone health natural compound, Celadrin, with Asia a key market.

New pea product boosts functional fiber range

SunOpta Ingredients Group is expanding its range of functional fibers to include organic and conventional pea fiber.

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Coca-Cola omega-3 superjuice can nourish brain (but not memory), says NAD

Coca-Cola-owned Minute Maid has been told to discontinue TV advertising that suggested an omega-3 DHA-fortified pomegranate and blueberry superjuice could give an immediate memory boost.

PL Thomas goes to India for slimming botanicals

PL Thomas is expanding its slimming portfolio with two new botanical ingredients that attack hunger as well as fat tissue.

Soy isoflavones may slow bone loss for women

Supplementation with soy-germ derived isoflavones may reduce the loss of bone in postmenopausal women, according to results of a new study from the US.

Mum’s veggie-rich diet may protect baby from diabetes

Mothers-to-be should eat a vegetable-rich diet in order to protect their babies from type 1 diabetes, according to results of a new Swedish study.

Sabinsa supports drugs to supplements status switch for brain health ingredient

New Jersey-based botanicals specialist, Sabinsa, has thrown its weight behind a citizen’s petition lodged by Canadian firm, Ovos Natural Health, that seeks to have its brain health ingredient recognized as...

GM soybean omega-3 source edges to market

Monsanto and Solae have received GRAS notification from the FDA for their soybean omega-3 but the product is unlikely to hit food shelves until the early part of the next...

Industry must embrace change, says CRN CEO

The US dietary supplements industry should make itself the master of change not its victim, according to Steve Mister, president and CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Vitamin D supplements show anti-diabetes potential

Supplements of the sunshine vitamin may improve insulin resistance and sensitivity, both of which are risk factors for diabetes, says a new study from New Zealand.

Pomegranate’s prostate protection potential grows

The anti-prostate cancer effects of pomegranate and its extracts may be related to stopping an enzyme in the liver which processes environmental carcinogens, says a new study.

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CRN awards industry stalwarts

Three industry veterans were last week honored by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), for their commitment and contribution to both the association and the dietary supplement industry.

Measuring wellness, and other testing challenges

How much wellness do you get out from dietary supplements? Measuring the efficacy of supplements is a tricky business that needs more discussion time, according to CRN.

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Tackling E.coli – legislation or self-regulation?

Everybody wants food to be safe - but the recent slugging match over how best to protect US consumers from E.coli-tainted meat highlights whether legislation or self-regulation is the answer...

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Himalaya International invests in Indian functional foods

India’s burgeoning middle class is opening up opportunities for functional foods, with nut-based products eyed by Himachal based Himalaya International set to open a new functional food project.

Krill oil safe, well tolerated and effective, says study

Daily supplements of omega-3-rich krill oil is a safe and effective way of increasing levels of EPA and DHA, says a new study from Aker Biomarine.

Folic acid over-intake not an issue: Study

Less than five percent of Americans are exceeding safe limits of folic acid despite intakes from a multitude of sources, both enriched and natural, says a new study.

Special edition: Healthy chocolate

Regulation: the rules governing healthy chocolate

In the final part of our series on healthy chocolate, NutraIngredients scans the regulatory landscape to see how the movement towards healthy cocoa offerings is being affected by the rules...

Costa Rican omega-3 milk irons out UHT problems

Austrian-based microencapsulation specialist, GAT Food Essentials, is supplying latin America’s largest dairy with an omega-3 form that is allowing the dairy to offer a difficult to achieve, non-chilled milk containing...

Supplements find converts in the recessionary gloom

Fresh data suggests that use of dietary supplements is on an even keel despite the wobbly economy.

Phytochemical index measure may aid obesity battle

A phytochemical index (PI) that ranks the number of calories consumed from plant-based foods compared with overall daily calorie intake could be a useful tool to optimise dietary intake for...

Sambazon first to gain acai fair trade status

Global acai leader, Sambazon, has become the first acai player to win a fair trade certification for its harvesting practises in the Amazon, where the ‘superfruit’ is grown.

Benecol debuts in Colombia

 Raisio has launched its cholesterol-lowering Benecol products into its fourth south American market, Columbia, as the result of a deal inked with Columbian dairy, Colanta.

Fuji targets excipients expertise at nutra industry

Pharmaceutical company Fuji Health Science is bringing its expertise with functional excipients to the dietary supplement industry, with a rapid disintegration technology.

Changing dietary fats could reduce disease risk: Study

Consuming a diet rich in monounsaturated fats could lower the risk of metabolic syndrome – even without weight loss, says a new study.

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GOED continues to push for higher omega-3 DRVs

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA (GOED) continues to fight for higher EU omega-3 dietary reference values (DRVs) of 500mg per day or more.

Study fails to find omega 3 benefit for depression

New research, contrary to previous studies, shows augmenting antidepressant therapy with an omega-3 fatty acid supplement does not result in improvement in levels of depression in patients with coronary heart...

Special edition: Healthy chocolate

Supply: Sourcing heart healthy chocolate

In the third part of a special series on the health benefits of cocoa polyphenols, NutraIngredients looks at the sourcing and supply issues associated with ensuring antioxidant levels in chocolate.

Algatech obtains 12 astaxanthin functional health claims

Algatechnologies’ astaxanthin ingredient has obtained 12 new structural health claims, allowing manufacturers to add the claims to the packaging.

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Online superstore offers greater gluten-free range

A new online store has opened in order to offer a greater range of gluten-free products to people suffering from celiac disease and gluten intolerance, the company said.

Profit remains elusive in heart health foods

Sales of some big heart health brands have yet to deliver “any real returns” once development and promotion costs have been accounted for, according to Leatherhead.

Green tea may combat depression in elderly

Drinking frequent cups of green tea a day is linked to a lower incidence of depressive symptoms in elderly people, say Japanese researchers.

Special edition: Healthy chocolate

Markets: functional chocolate finding its feet

In the first of a four-part special series, NutraIngredients.com dips its investigative strawberry into the world of healthy chocolate and finds a relatively embryonic sector still finding its way but...

IADSA clarifies Codex rumor confusion

Internet rumors surrounding the work of Codex Alimentarius on food supplements have “absolutely no factual basis at all,” according to the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA).

Burcon eyes market as canola patents loom

Burcon NutraScience has spent ten years developing its canola protein isolates and is about to be granted three new patents, but its newer soy protein ingredient is closer to market.

Olive oil component could avert Alzheimer’s

A compound in extra virgin olive oil could deter proteins from disrupting nerve cell function that causes the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease.

Heart health claims grow in uncertain times

Heart health claims are becoming an increasingly common sight in food stores but Leatherhead Food Research says future success is not guaranteed.

Court asked to rule on selenium claims

The legal firm behind two actions that challenge the US qualified health claims system has asked a District of Columbia District Court to issue a summary judgment against the FDA...

Taste receptor for carbonation discovered, claim scientists

Scientists claim to have discovered the taste receptor for carbonation, saying that it is perceived in a similar way to sour flavors – and provide an explanation for fizzy drinks’...

Med diet cuts breast cancer risk in older women, says study

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet along with avoidance of Western-type foods may contribute to a reduction in postmenopausal breast cancer risk, claims new French study.

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Branded Corn Flakes are great for branding

Will we all be waking up bleary-eyed to bowls of tattooed Corn Flakes any time soon? Probably not, but by suggesting that we could, Kellogg’s has hit on a winning...

Cognis wins rare Chinese approval for CLA

Global CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) leader, Cognis, has won a category-first novel foods approval to use its weight management ingredient in Chinese functional foods and dietary supplements.

Diet and color: Mind the ‘phytonutrient gap’!

Eighty per cent of Americans are endangering their health by failing to eat a diet rich in specific colorful fruits and vegetables, according to a new study entitled America’s Phytonutrient...

Antioxidant OPCs may boost memory: Animal study

Supplements of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) improved memory in animals with age-related cognitive decline, says a new study from Japan and Korea.

Omega-3 may protect healthy men from chest pains

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA, and DHA may protect men against acute coronary syndrome (ACS), says a new study.

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E. T. Horn and BASF link on vitamins and carotenoids

Californian-based E.T. Horn will distribute BASF vitamins and carotenoids in 11 western and central states as the companies expand a previous relationship.

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FDA withdraws Procter and Gamble warning letter

The FDA has withdrawn a warning letter published on its website and issued to two Procter and Gamble vitamin C-fortified dietary supplement/drug combination products.

Study reveals absorption power of nanotech delivery system

SourceOne claims a new human study on the nanotech delivery system Vesisorb illustrates its power to improve the absorption and bioavailability of PMFs.

Water may trump chocolate in pain relief effects

Eating chocolate may provide pain relief but scientists at the University of Chicago believe that it may be no better than ordinary water.

Omega-3 arguments continue after krill court case

Arguments about the nutritive value of Aker BioMarine’s omega-3 based dietary supplement Superba Krill are continuing even after it won a court case in Oslo, Norway against cod liver oil...

Resistant starch and wheat bran may boost bowel habits

Increased intakes of resistant starch and wheat bran may improve regular bowel habits in healthy adults, say findings from a new study funded by Tate & Lyle.

UAS acts against probiotic piracy

Minnesota-based UAS Laboratories says at least three companies are selling probiotic products that fraudulently claim to contain its trademarked, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 strains.

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Carob juice extracts repositioned as blood sugar ingredient

Cyvex Nutrition has repositioned its carob juice extract as a blood sugar control products targeted for women, in response to ‘significant supporting scientific data’.

New protein for clear drinks in clear bottles

Creating a clear functional drink suitable for transparent bottles is the key advantage of a new hydrolyzed whey protein from Milk Specialties.

New research examines the psychology of food choices

How food choices are presented may have more influence on consumers than they realize, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Green tea extracts may slow smokers’ lung damage

Daily consumption of a Chinese green tea extract may slow the damage of cigarette smoke in the lungs, according to results from a rat study from Hong Kong.

Lallemand puts spotlight on immune-benefits for probiotics

Immune health from gut health is not too obscure for consumers, but work needs to be done on identifying the mechanisms involved, said the conclusions from a two-day meeting in...

Harvard names 11 cholesterol cutting foods

Harvard Medical School has recommended 11 foods including nuts and fatty fish that make easy work of lowering cholesterol.

'Oxygen quenching' system delivers omega-3 benefits

Improved shelf life, stability, taste and texture are some of the benefits being offered to omega-3 suppliers and food makers by Michigan-based firm, Kalsec.

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House puts up $121 billion for nutrition and food stamps

The House of Representatives approved a $121 billion agriculture spending bill for the 2010 budget year, with nutrition programs set to get $7.3 billion.

Lawsuits against Cheerios cholesterol claims combined

A federal court panel has ruled that five pending lawsuits against General Mills for claims about the purported cholesterol-lowering benefits of Cheerios will be consolidated into one multi-district case.

Green tea may ease mental distress: Study

Drinking five cups of green tea per day may reduce the incidence of psychological distress by 20 per cent, says a new study from Japan.

Antioxidants may protect pilots from DNA damage

Increased intakes of vitamins C and E and other antioxidants from the diet may protect against DNA damage in people exposed to ionizing radiation such as pilots, says a new...

Scoular goes to China for cheaper, GM-free soy

Scoular has signed a distribution agreement with a Chinese manufacturer to secure a lower cost, non-GM supply of soy protein isolate for nutritional products and meats.

Senate steroid hearing animates DSHEA reform call

A prominent member of the Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School says DSHEA needs urgent reform because it is holding the FDA back from ensuring that dietary supplements are...

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Probiotics market set to continue bullish growth

Despite a flurry of negative press about probiotics, the global market is predicted to continue its growth, with estimations for 2014 of $32.6 billion.

Vitamin D recommendations don’t prevent elderly falls: Meta-analysis

Existing recommendations for vitamin D are inadequate to prevent falls amongst the elderly, according to a new meta-analysis from a team of international scientists.

Canada confirms six month probiotic compliance deadline

Probiotic products on sale in Canada have been given six months to comply with new health claims guidelines by Health Canada.

Scientists accept first-ever lawyer into their fold

Veteran food lawyer Jonathan W Emord has become the first non-scientist to be accepted onto the American College of Nutrition’s Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS).

Swine flu tactics needed to fight hidden steroids

Swine flu style enforcement policies should be pursued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the fight against steroids in body building products, according to an industry body.

Freeze-dried strawberries may slash cholesterol levels

Supplements of a freeze-dried strawberry may improve cholesterol levels by about five per cent, according to a study with overweight women.

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USDA grants $1.6m for organic trade research

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $1,666,000 to the Organic Trade Association (OTA) for projects that tackle trade issues for organic products.

USDA updates primary nutrient database

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated its nutrient database with more than 200 new nutrients and thousands of nutrient references for the likes of vitamins, minerals and...

Valensa brings partners to astaxanthin table

Florida-based Valensa International has signed licensing agreements with three supplement makers for its patented eye health ingredient, astaxanthin.

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Former Pfizer VP to champion supplements

Randy Dennin, a former VP of Pfizer, will lead a new organization to champion initiatives that serve to provide more dietary supplements and health foods to consumers around the globe.

Inulin-polyphenol innovation may offer weight loss opportunities

A combination of inulin fibre, green coffee polyphenols, and nut polyphenols could help with weight loss, in addition to promoting digestive comfort, according to its inventor.

Canada must amend its natural product regulations

Canada’s controversial Natural Health Products (NHP) Directorate must be amended if the Canadian functional foods market is not to face severe long-term regulatory restriction, according to a leading trade group...

FDA and DEA need to crack down on steroids

The FDA and DEA should exercise greater muscle in cracking down on products containing steroids and other contaminants, according to a Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) response to a Senate...

Milk protein may protect premature babies from infection

Supplements of the milk protein lactoferrin alone or in combination with a probiotic the reduced incidence of infection in pre-term babies, says a new study.

Folate may prevent hearing loss in men

Increased intakes of folate and folic acid may reduce the risk of hearing loss in men by 20 per cent, says a new study from the US.

Recession not driving ethical spending underground

Tighter purses are not turning consumers away from ethical shopping with interest in all things sustainable or humane thriving despite the recession, according to market researcher, Packaged Facts.

Boost vitamins with diet not pills, Harvard tells public

In light of the recent attacks on supplements both in the US and Europe, NutraIngredients-USA.com takes a look at the position of one of the most respected sources of nutritional...

FTC issues revised guides on use of endorsements

Companies will need to disclose if they have sponsored a study discussed in an advertisement for their product under new guidance issued yesterday by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Med-style diet may battle depression

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes, may prevent depression, according to a new study from Spain.

Groups unite to fight US obesity

About forty companies and partner organizations have united to battle obesity in the US – especially among children.

News in brief

Cellulase enzyme gets GRAS for beverages

The FDA has raised no objections to Florida-based Dyadic International’s GRAS application for it cellulase enzyme derived from a GM strain of its patented and proprietary C1 organism.

Neptune works to meet supply backlog after expansion

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources has said its recent capacity expansion will allow it to maintain high operating rates that are expected to help meet a large backlog in demand incurred...

Chilli extract may prevent obesity complications: Study

Dietary intakes of capsaicin, the compound that gives red pepper its heat, may prevent the development of diabetes-like symptoms in obese people, says a new study with mice.

Food insecurity increases US children’s risk of obesity, says study

New research from the American Dietetic Association has found a "paradoxical correlation" between obesity and food insecurity – defined as lack of access to food, or nutritionally adequate food –...

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Coca-Cola adopts front-of-pack energy labeling

Coca-Cola has said that it will add calorie counts to the front of drinks packaging in the US and Mexico, with energy information on “nearly all” its products by the...

Vitamins can be useful, says FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration has advised consumers that certain vitamin supplements “can be useful”, stating that “there are many good reasons” to consider taking them.

Meta-analysis supports safety of soy, red clover

Phytoestrogens like soy and red clover isoflavones pose no safety issues with regards to heart health and breast cancer risk, according to a new meta-analysis from Austria.

Researchers seek to improve soy tocopherol concentration

Scientists have investigated the concentration of tocopherols among various soybean genotypes in different environments to ultimately improve the quality of functional food ingredients.

CSPI files against Bayer as selenium claim products not recalled

The Center for Science in the Public Interest says it has filed a lawsuit against Bayer over claims on One A Day supplements that selenium could prevent prostate cancer, on...

Burcon receives US patent allowance for protein isolate

Canadian firm Burcon has received a notice of allowance from the US Patent and Trademark Office for its Puratein canola protein isolate.

Foods for beauty in the spotlight: Euromonitor

Anti-aging and beauty from within are expected to be in the functional food spotlight, despite the recent shadow cast over the category by the high profile failure of Danone’s Essensis...

Naturex builds sports case for Powergrape

Supplements containing a Naturex grape extract may improve the performance of elite athletes during competition, according to a new study.