Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Pharmachem's Phase 2 holds new FDA health claim

Pharmachem has announced that the Food and Drug Administration has been notified of structure function claims for weight control and starch reduction for the company's Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer ingredient.

Low vitamin D status may raise cancer risk, say scientists

Boosting vitamin D levels amongst people with dark skin, a population at greater risk of lower levels, could be an easy way to reduce a number of cancers, say researchers from Harvard.

Cosmeceuticals conference recommends networking

The first Canadian conference specifically focussing on cosmeceuticals has wrapped-up in Vancouver - an event that highlighted the strengthening network between personal care, beauty and nutritional products in the North American market.

Kemin & B&D set relationship in stone

Kemin Health has announced a United States distribution agreement with B&D Nutritional Ingredients for its patented FloraGLO lutein and Slendesta Potato protein extract.

Fortified milk may cut illnesses in preschoolers

Milk, fortified with four minerals and three vitamins, cut the occurrence of respiratory infections and days with severe illness, and could be a well accepted means of improving health, especially amongst pre-schoolers in the developing world, says new research.

More support for coffee's protective role against diabetes

Drinking a whopping seven or more cups of coffee a day could cut the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by over 40 per cent, say Finnish researchers from the country's National Public Health Institute.

Low selenium, B6 + B12 linked to daily difficulties

Researchers from Cornell University have linked low serum concentrations of selenium and vitamins B6 and B12 to age-related difficulties in conducting in daily activities, leading them to conclude that nutritional status is a key factor in helping people live an active life for longer.

Sabinsa confronts DNP over patents

Sabinsa Corporation has said it is taking legal action against DNP International for allegedly infringing patents protecting the use of its BioPerine and Forslean extracts.

Vitamin D deficiency common in IBD kids

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and could benefit from supplements to avoid the health problems associated with not getting enough of the vitamin.

KGK receives funding for ingredients trials

KGK Synergize has received a financial boost to help speed its pipeline of ingredients to market, with the completion of an equity private placement.

Bioriginal targets skin health with BioAsteri

Canadian essential fatty acid supplier Bioriginal is riding the nutricosmetics wave and has announced the launch of a range of nutricosmetics containing its proprietary BioAsteri lignans for healthy skin.

Berry extracts stop cancer cell growth in the lab

Antioxidant-rich extracts from a wide range of berries, including blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, could inhibit cell growth and spread for a wide range of cancers, researchers from UCLA have reported.

Canadian synchrotron could unravel bioavailability issues

Canada is home to a powerful synchrotron imaging machine, and the announcement yesterday of additional funding for this tool could spell further benefits for formulators looking to analyze the bioavailability of certain compounds.

Weekly comment

Folic acid: Sisters aren't doing it for themselves

When the idea of fortifying staple foods with vital nutrients is raised, the battlecry goes up from industry groups and advocates of consumer choice: "Why should we bear the costs?" "Educate, and let people make their own decisions". But when evidence for the benefits is overwhelming, neither the state nor the individual can afford to let their interests be shouted down.

Vitamin K supplements could improve anti-blood clot control

Daily supplements of vitamin K could help to control anticoagulation in over half the people taking the blood thinning medication warfarin, scientists from the UK have reported.

BPV offers investment in Keratec owner

BioPacificVentures has made an offer to acquire an eight per cent share in Wool Equities, owner of New Zealand biotech Keratec - and sources say it may seek a full take-over position.

Neptune closes private placement

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources has announced the closing of a $4.5mn private placement of common shares, which is designed to help accelerate its business strategy and boost R&D efforts.

Take folic acid to protect against heart disease, say scientists

Despite some controversy in reports of the benefits of folate consumption on cardiovascular disease risk, the evidence is now enough to recommend the vitamin for heart health, British scientists have reported.

Green tea improves blood lipid levels, say scientists

Regular consumption of the antioxidant rich green tea could reduce blood lipid levels and cut the risk of developing heart disease, suggests a small trial from Portugal.

Immunocal being tested for autism potential

Scientists in Texas are looking into whether or not the whey protein isolate ingredient Immunocal could lessen the symptoms of autism by raising glutathione levels in the brain.

Higher vitamin E levels linked to lower mortality

A diet rich in vitamin E may protect middle-aged male smokers from dying from diseases such as certain cancers and coronary heart disease, says a new study.

The turkey toll

The turkey's gone, except for the bits still wrapped up in the fridge ready for sandwiches. So does that mean you're off scot-free from the caloric carnage of Thanksgiving Day? Unfortunately, nutritionists say "no".

UK solution to junk food ads more effective, says US lobby group

Regulation introduced by the British government to protect children from junk food advertising is far more effective than the voluntary US approach, an American consumer lobby group has said.

Advitech builds testimonial approach to marketing

Advitech, the maker of psoriasis nutraceutical Dermylex, signed on a former Canadian Olympian to promote the product in order to build a testimonial base and draw the over one third of psoriasis patients it said are outside the traditional medical system.

Wild wheat gene could boost nutrient content of modern varieties

US scientists have identified a gene from wild wheat that could increase protein and micronutrient content of its cultivated cousin by 10 to 15 per cent, and could soon be used in food products with enhanced nutritional value.

Nutrition and brain health: It's a big deal for Nestlé

Nestlé underlined its intentions yesterday to get a head start in the merging brain health market with the signing of an agreement with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) to investigate the role of nutrition in cognitive function.

Growth in sports supplements lags behind sports food & drinks

More people are buying sports nutrition products than ever before, according to a new report from Datamonitor, but growth in the sports nutritional supplements sector is not outpacing general supplements.

More support omega-3 may protect against colorectal cancer

A diet rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 85 per cent, suggests a new study from Japan.

Advitech to promote Dermylex with former Olympian

Advitech, the maker of psoriasis nutraceutical Dermylex has announced it is signing on a former Canadian Olympian to promote its whey-derived ingredient - this is the latest in a series of announcements as the company plugs the oral supplement.

ONC eyes China as 'the new frontier'

Ocean Nutrition Canada is aiming to extend the reach of its Meg-3 fish oil ingredient to embrace the whole of Asia - a strategy that may prove shrewd given estimates of a 200 percent increase in market value in the next six years.

Solbar bounces back with US plan

After a turbulent two years following its IPO, Israel's Solbar is back on track and is positioning to be a major force in the US as a supplier of soy protein solutions.

FDA launches tools to explain nutrition labels

The Food and Drug Administration has introduced two consumer tools designed to help people understand nutrition facts panels so that they are able to better control their food choices.

The fishy link to low rates of depression

Australian researchers found omega-3 fatty acids to be the most promising nutrient for alleviating the symptoms of depression, a finding that adds to the putative benefits associated with the lipid.

Neptune's surprise investment to spur new product pipeline

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources is planning a private placement of common shares that will raise between C$3m and $4.5m to help accelerate its business strategy and boost R&D efforts.

National Biosciences secures Aralox weight loss patent

National Bioscience Corporation has received a weight loss patent for its phyto-ingredient Aralox, which opens up possibilities for exclusive marketing in the booming weight loss segment.

Oragenics plugs oral probiotics

Biopharmaceutical company Oragenics, is looking to use probiotics for oral applications as a result of what it claims is positive data from a clinical trial for its oral probiotic mouthrinse, Probiora3.

Fish oil prices squeeze omega-3 manufacturers

Omega-3 fish oil manufacturers have been feeling the crunch as their crude oil suppliers have upped prices by about 15 percent in the past year, which could in turn spike prices for formulators as well.

Weekly Comment

Self-entitlement and food: the globally irresponsible spiral

Until consumers lose the attitude that they deserve and have a right to goods from all over the world, our food systems and the environment are at peril.

SOD supplement may protect against AMD

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement, GliSODin, boosted antioxidant levels by 30 per cent in mice and could protect against AMD, French researchers have reported.

Scientists probe omega-3 DHA as anti-obesity agent

The omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), suppressed the development of fat cells in vitro, and could lead to reductions in body fat, US researchers have reported.

DSM PeptoPro stars in a Rad new drink

DSM Food Specialties' protein ingredient PeptoPro is featuring in a new sports drink being launched in the United States, a formulation for sports beverages that was applauded earlier this year by the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) on sports nutrition and performance.

USDA receives whole grain comments for new WIC guidelines

The government's new WIC nutritional guidelines should allow for a broader range of whole grain foods than currently proposed, according to the AACC International Whole Grains Task Force.

Condition-specific supplements still driving innovation

Dietary supplement sales look set to grow upwards of $6bn by 2011, according to a new report from Packaged Facts, and products geared towards specific ailments may account for a large share of this growth.

Soy during childhood linked to lower breast cancer risk

High consumption of soy-based foods during childhood could reduce the risk of developing breast cancer later in life by 58 per cent, say researchers from the US National Cancer Institute.

Omega-3s may cut colorectal cancer risk in men

Men who eat fish at least five times a week could slash the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 40 per cent, compared to men who ate fish less than once a week, Harvard researchers told the American Association for Cancer Research's Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research meeting.

Nutrition 21 slides by Q1 with optimism

Nutrition 21 has reported a spike in sales in its first quarter 2007 results, as it says its shift from ingredients to finished products is paying off.

Pycnogenol may reduce edema in hypertensives on meds

Daily supplements of the French maritime park bark extract, Pycnogenol, could reduce edema, a typical side-effect of antihypertensive medications, by 36 percent in patients taking these medications, says a new study.

Omega-3 fatty acid may slash dementia risk - study

Increased bloods levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenioc acid (DHA) could slash the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, suggests a new study from the US.

US get worst health marks

Even though Americans are willing to spend money on healthy products, they are less likely than other nationalities to make long lasting behavior changes, according to a new report from Business Insights.

New Hispanic nutrition guidelines promote healthy eating

A Californian nutrition council has published guidelines for Hispanic consumers in an effort to encourage good nutrition amongst the nation's most unhealthy population.

NSF sports cert program gives suppliers peace of mind

NSF International has certified a second manufacturing facility as part of its Good Manufacturing Practices for sport registration - a program designed to minimize the risk that sports nutrition products contain banned substances.

Lupin-enriched bread could boost satiety, reduce energy intake

Bread enriched with lupin kernel flour at the expense of wheat flour reduced energy intake and increased the feeling of fullness, says new research from Australia that may have important implications for weight management.

Kerry to market calming bars with Essentra

Ingredient supplier NutraGenesis has announced an alliance with Kerry Foods to market its proprietary adaptogen product Essentra for use in functional foods, such as stress relief snack bars.

Cargill launches fiber fortification ingredient

Cargill has announced the launch of a proprietary ingredient system to increase fiber content and maintain crispiness, as the company expands its health-promoting solutions portfolio.

Scientists to probe B-vitamin osteoporosis link

Researchers at the University of Ulster are recruiting women for a new study to see if B-vitamin supplements could reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis.

Mediterranean diet set for major push in US

Next year could mark the onset of a new diet pattern in the US, with an influential nutrition group saying it plans to comprehensively promote the healthy Mediterranean style of eating.

Industry needs standardized testing methods

The biggest problem facing contract testing in the dietary supplement and herbal industries is that there have not been enough standardized methods for different formulations and products, according to a contract lab specialist.

Harvest green lipped mussels in spring for max omega-3, say scientists

New Zealand green lipped mussels, marketed under the Greenshell mussels trade name, should be harvested in spring for optimal omega-3 content, scientists have reported.

Polyphenol-enriched tea may double cholesterol excretion

Drinking a cup of polyphenol-enriched oolong tea with a high fat meal may increase the amount of cholesterol excreted by the body by half, says a small study from Japan and Taiwan.

Weekly Comment

Why climate change cannot be ignored

Ignoring climate change will cost countries billions and lead to food scarcity.

PLThomas expands Tomat-O-Red distribution

PLThomas is set to offer LycoRed's natural colorant line to food and beverage companies throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, in an exclusive deal that expands the distrutors reach with the natural red antioxidant food coloring.

Vegetable-rich low-carb cuts heart disease risk, says study

Low-carb diets, like the once fashionable Atkins diet, do not increase the risk of heart disease, says new research from Harvard - and if vegetables rather than meat are the source of fat and protein then the risk of heart disease may be cut by 30 per cent.

Prebiotic effects of konjac get control trial boost

A daily supplement of konjac glucomannan to a low-fibre diet boosted lactic acid bacteria and colonic fermentation, and promoted defecation frequency, says a new study from Taiwan.

Blue California launches high concentration CoQ10

Ingredient manufacturer Blue California announced it is introducing a 40 percent concentration of coenzyme Q10, in response to the dietary supplement industry's demand for higher concentrations.

Probiotic veg sales in a pickle?

The relative resistance marketers have faced trying to push probiotic ingredients in the US, when compared with Europe, could be solved via another market: fermented vegetables.

Açai berries top the antioxidant rankings, says study

The Amazonian palm berry, also known as açai, has the highest ORAC antioxidant values of any food, says a new study, but the researchers suggest that such values are dependent on the drying technique and not applicable to other commercially available açai products.

Calcium again linked to lower colorectal cancer risk

Getting plenty of calcium from the diet and supplements could reduced the risk of colorectal cancer in Chinese women by 40 per cent, says a new US-Chinese study.

Burcon/ADM canola proteins inch closer to market

Burcon NutraScience said it has secured three-way material transfer agreements for the provision of proprietary canola protein samples to undisclosed third parties for testing, following a bid for participants in August.

Eugene Science expands phytosterol facility to cushion growth

Korean biotech company Eugene Science has signed a definitive agreement with the Kyonggi-Do State Government of South Korea for a new corporate facility in Seoul.

Mars chocolate lowers cholesterol, study

Mars' CocoaVia nutritional chocolate bar range has had its healthy image boosted by a new study indicating that the product actively reduces cholesterol levels.

Price not enough to stymy omega-3 growth in Asia

Price is the most significant barrier to companies looking to market omega-3 fortified products in Asia, says an analyst, but it is not big enough to prevent growth in demand.

Supplements preferred over drugs for weight loss

In a survey of 3,500 people, a University of Connecticut team discerned that 34 percent of Americans trying to lose weight are using supplements - an encouraging indicator for the dietary supplement industry.

GTC Nutrition brings Nurture into the fold

GTC Nutrition has bought the majority of oat-derived ingredient manufacturer Nurture's assets as part of a deal that brings with it the promise of a larger distribution network for Nurture.

Indian probiotic yoghurt linked to slower diabetes development

A daily supplement of the Indian probiotic yoghurt, dahi, may lower the risk of diabetes, says a new study from the home of the dairy product.

Scientists start unlocking slowly digestible starch secrets

A US-Chinese collaboration into the properties and structural basis of slowly digestible starches (SDS) could lead to healthier carbohydrates that do not cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.

Weekly Comment

Transparency is the key to the science kingdom

In the food and nutrition world, science is king. So when journals do not force scientists to fully disclose financial support and potential conflicts of interest, they are not helping anyone.

Declining baby foods boosted by health, convenience

A declining US baby food market could receive a significant boost from products that focus on infant weight control, as well as premium baby goods and 'all natural' items, according to a new report by Mintel.

Are whole grains benefits passed on to offspring?

Eating more whole wheat during pregnancy may reduce the risk of breast cancer in female offspring, if a study with rats can be translated to humans.

Maypro Group gets investment from Marubeni America

Maypro Group announced it has received a minority investment worth around 20 percent of its value from Marubeni America Corporation, an association that could open up new commodity and ingredient sources.

Balchem boosted by microencapuslation trend

Profits are up at Balchem Corporation following the announcement of its results for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, and the group reported nutritional products formed an important part of this growth.

Red wine compound may extend life, says mice study

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, extended survival rates of mice and prevented the negative effects of high-calorie diets, says a new study published in Nature.

SunOpta Q3 dips on sunflower crop blip

The Canadian food group SunOpta announced a drop in Q3 operating profits over the same quarter last year due to losses from its sunflower division, but reports its food division's operating profits increased over 50 percent on a on a year to date basis.

Biotec adopts branded ingredient strategy

Agrigenic is the latest company to pursue growth through co-branding with third party supplement makers, naming its proprietary blend of antioxidant agonists IsoSproutPlex.

More evidence for pro, prebiotics aiding eczema

A combination of probiotics and prebiotics for newborns reduced the incidence of eczema by 34 per cent in high-risk children, says a new study from Finland.

Berkeley Nutraceuticals settles in $4.7m suit

An Ohio judge granted a $4.7mn settlement in a class-action lawsuit against Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals for falsely advertising the sexual dysfunction effects of its dietary supplements.