Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

News in brief

Valensa and Parry team up for plant-derived health products

Valensa International and Parry Nutraceuticals have joined forces in a new agreement that will focus on developing new plant-derived nutritional products for foods and supplements.

Selenium supplements may boost heart health: Study

Supplements of selenium may increase levels of an antioxidant enzyme with a reported role in cardiovascular prevention, according to a new study.

Yakult prepares for major US probiotics education

Probiotic firm Yakult is preparing a major new education campaign in the US, which it hopes will help raise consumer awareness of the benefits of probiotics.

Prebiotic-fortified fruit juice passes formulation test: Study

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can be used to partially replace sucrose in fruit juices without detrimentally affecting physical characteristics of the juice, says new research from India.

News in brief

Fat loss capsules found to contain drugs

Capsules sold for fat loss have been recalled from the US market after an FDA analysis discovered they contained an undeclared weight loss drug.

News in brief

SunOpta board shake-up after resignation

SunOpta Inc has announced that Robert Fetherstonhaugh has resigned from his post as a director of the company.

Vitamin K may have anti-diabetes benefits: Study

Supplements of vitamin K1 may reduce the development of insulin resistance in older men, and thereby offer protection against diabetes, suggests a new study.

Garlic and onions may reduce cholesterol gallstones: Study

Consumption of garlic and onions may reduce the incidence of cholesterol gallstone formation by as much as 40 per cent, says a new study from India.

News in brief

New food safety initiative in Asia welcomed

The US Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has welcomed moves to improve food safety in Asia Pacific with the launch of the APEC Partnership Training Institute Network.

BMJ editorial says only drugs help weight loss

An article appearing in the British Medical Journal says that food and supplement products targeting weight loss are ineffective and misleading for consumers.

Early promise for almond’s prebiotic potential

Preliminary reports of a prebiotic potential of almonds are promising and intriguing, and impending human trials may reveal if the benefits can be translated from the lab to the layperson.

Report uncovers melamine in US infant formula

Some leading brands of infant formula manufactured and sold in the US have been found to contain traces of the industrial chemical melamine, albeit it at small amounts, news reports suggest.

Brand America boosted by Obama and melamine scare

The Obama effect and concerns about food safety could help boost US brands overseas which appear to be falling out of favor, according to a new report from Euromonitor International.

Grape seed extract may boost oral health: Study

Extracts from grape seeds may exert an antimicrobial effect and reduce levels of bad-breath and periodontitis-causing bacteria, according to a new study.

Section 912 harms probiotics, fish oil, vitamins: Comments filed

The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) revision of its Amendments Act (FDAAA) could discourage clinical research and wipe out whole categories of functional foods and dietary supplements, say industry organizations.

Omega-3 and the need for an RDI

Omega-3 is arguably one of the ingredients most essential to people’s overall health, but consumption still falls massively short. In this roundtable discussion, Lorraine Heller speaks to experts in the field about the necessity and challenges of establishing a recommended daily intake (RDI) for the healthy oils.

Amino acid may ease symptoms of fatigue: Study

Daily supplements of the amino acid l-ornithine, found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs, may have anti-fatigue effects, says new research.

Study backs oral HA for joint and skin health

High molecular weight hyaluronan from oral supplements does reach skin and joint tissues, supporting a role for the compound in such products, says a new study.

Whole grain health claims restricted, finds Kellogg-funded review

A study commissioned by the Kellogg Company has found that FDA’s definition of whole grains is restricting the use of health claims linking the grains to heart health and diabetes benefits.

The context of bad press for supplements

Yesterday, NutraIngredients-USA.com reported on the latest hit to dietary supplements from mainstream press. Today, we look at the background of negative media attention surrounding the category.

Herbs, spices, and whole grains, get Oldways nod

Grains, ‘mostly whole’, and herbs and spices have been added to Oldways’ Mediterranean nutritional pyramid, as the diet gets an update based on the science.

Weekly comment

Conjuring with calories: Regulation and labeling changes

There was something magical about the recent news that the caloric value of both gum arabic and erythritol have been officially lowered, but whether it turns out to be a sleight of hand or a real change remains to be seen.

News in brief

Danisco spies opportunities in xylitol health claim

Danisco has welcomed the approval of a ‘very strong’ health claim that xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of caries in children, saying it now puts its customers in a strong position.

Oily fish may boost prostate cancer survival rate: Study

An increased intake of fish and omega-3-rich seafood may improve prostate cancer survival by 38 per cent, according to a new study.

Study backs dairy recommendations for weight loss

Cutting out dairy products during a weight loss programme may be misconceived, according to a new study from the US.

News in brief

Funding to investigate probiotics

The Global Probiotics Council (GPC), a committee formed by Groupe DANONE and Yakult Honsha Co, is to award two grants for research into the role of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota in health and disease.

Parry’s organic spirulina goes GRAS

Parry Nutraceuticals has said its organic spirulina product has been certified as GRAS, meaning it can be used to enhance the nutritional value of foods ranging from cereals and snacks to frozen dairy.

Mainstream media highlights harm from vitamins

Dietary supplements have received their latest dose of negative media attention, after The New York Times last week published an article on vitamins harming health.

Selenium may ease onset of metabolic syndrome: Study

An increased intake of selenium may decrease risk factors for metabolic syndrome and inflammation, suggests a new study from Spain.

Seaweed gel may help reduce energy intake

Consuming a strongly gelled alginate drink may reduce daily energy intakes by about seven per cent and play a role in weight management, says a new study.

Yakult targets military in US expansion efforts

Leading probiotic group Yakult has pursued an original marketing strategy in an effort to establish its brand in the US by striking an agreement with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA).

Petitions: The new tool to attack supplements

The petition filed earlier this year by GSK in an effort to wipe out the dietary supplement category for weight loss is unlikely to pass. But it highlights a major new threat to the industry: The use of petitions to discredit the supplements sector. Lorraine Heller reports.

News in brief

Cosucra wins brand leadership award

Market researcher Frost & Sullivan has named leading inulin supplier, Cosucra Groupe Warcoing , Brand Leader of the Year in recognition of the company’s ‘Satiety Ingredients’ campaign.

News in brief

FDA sets up offices in China to ensure food safety

The FDA is to check food being exported from China to the US before it is dispatched with the opening of new offices in Beijing.

Gum arabic shows prebiotic potential in humans: Study

Ten grams of gum arabic may produce a prebiotic effect in humans by boosting gut populations of specific bacteria, says a new study from Kerry.

Positive outlook for natural products

The number of US consumers buying natural products is still increasing across the majority of categories, indicating “continued opportunities for product and shelf expansion”, according to a new report.

FTC flies red flag at false diabetes claims

Two dietary supplement companies have been pulled up by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for making false claims about diabetes treatment and prevention.

Sleep, mood, gut health top functional priorities for Fortitech

Sleep, mood and digestive health are the areas attracting most interest this year from manufacturers in the food and beverage industries, according to nutritional premix supplier Fortitech.

Ginkgo biloba has no benefits against dementia: Study

The herb gingko biloba may not reduce the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study with 3,000 elderly people in the US.

News in brief

Glanbia expects dairy to hit Irish ingredients performance

Glanbia has signaled that its Food Ingredients Ireland business is seeing the effects of the decline in dairy prices from last year, but the overall impact will be offset by the US and nutritionals business.

News in brief

Symrise citrus showroom opens in North America

Symrise Flavors has announced the opening of a new citrus center to showcase its products at its North American flavor headquarters in Teterboro, New Jersey.

FDA warns of extortion scam by agency impersonators

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put out a warning that people falsely identifying themselves as agency officials are part of a money extortion scam.

News in brief

Beverage industry losing word of mouth advertising

The US beverage industry does not fully utilise advertising and marketing to drive word of mouth, according to a market research consultancy.

Rising prices harder to swallow in 2009

Food manufacturers will find it harder to pass on rising costs to consumers next year and, in a shaky economy, competition will remain intense, according to a new report.

BI ups steam sterilization as irradiation alternative

Ingredient supplier BI Nutraceuticals has expanded its steam sterilization capacity, which the firm says will allow it to sterilize more than 15,000 metric tons of herbal botanical, spice and food ingredients annually.

‘Smiling Bob’ to be sold for $2.75m

Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals – the Cincinnati-based manufacturer of the herbal, male sexual enhancement product infamously promoted by a character named Smiling Bob – is to be sold.

China and Canada found guilty of citric acid dumping

Ongoing US Department of Commerce investigations have found Chinese and Canadian companies are dumping citric acid and citrate salts into the US.

'Call to action' issued for raising vitamin D levels

Recommended daily intakes of vitamin D should be raised to 2,000 International Units, says a group of 18 scientists from the University of California.

News in brief

NattoPharma wins twice with K2

It’s been a good week for Norwegian supplier, NattoPharma, which has had its application for the safe addition of vitamin K2 (menaquonine) to various foods and food supplements accepted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and won a Frost & Sullivan award.

Round table: Gut health and obesity

Modifying our gut bacteria with probiotics and prebiotics may be a new weapon in the fight against obesity. Three experts active in this field discuss the current state of play, and what the future may hold for weight management with probiotics and prebiotics.

News in brief

China asks US to ease dairy import controls

A Chinese official has called on the US to lift its restrictions on dairy products imported from China, hinting it could damage bilateral trade, it was reported.

Confidence in safe food supply slipping

More needs to be done by the government to protect the public from contaminated food, a new survey on food safety and labeling has found.

Most ginkgo products fail quality testing

Product tester, Consumerlab.com, has found five of seven ginkgo biloba products are contaminated or do not meet their label claims.

Magnesium may be key to calcium’s cancer benefits: study

The anti-colon cancer effects of calcium may be linked to magnesium levels, suggesting a need for both minerals in reducing the risk of the disease, says a new study.

Weekly comment

Tackling obesity is no fair-weather game

The long shadow cast by obesity over public health means that encouraging healthier eating should be high on the agenda of every food firm, come financial rain or shine.

Blackcurrant compounds target Alzheimer’s progression

Armed with a ₤60 million war chest from the Scottish government, researchers in Aberdeen are aiming to slow the progress of Alzheimer’ with bioactive compounds from blackcurrants.

Cyanotech profits from increased microalgae productivity

Microalgae supplier Cyanotech said an increased productivity for spirulina and astaxanthin have helped lift its business out of loss in the second quarter.

News in brief

Chinese ginseng producer gets GMP certification

Chinese ginseng extract manufacturer Hongjiu has received NSF International Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) registration, allowing it to better meet the needs of US manufacturers looking to step up to new quality regulations.

ARS cultivar provides early-season blueberries

A new blueberry variety released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) could extend the growing and harvesting season for the fruit, providing early-season blueberries.

Dispatches from HIE

Exclusive: EFSA speaks!...on gold standards; article 13,14; 2010 deadline

At HIE in Paris, NutraIngredients gained an exclusive interview with EFSA's chief health claim assessor, Professor Albert Flynn. EFSA has copped a lot of flak for its gold standard scientific approach, but Professor Flynn said his agency would not be changing tack.

In search of probiotics' oral potential

UK-based Leatherhead Food International (LFI) is seeking commercial interest for a research project that will explore the potential of probiotics to deliver oral health benefits.

News in brief

DSM tests casein in foods and supplements

DSM research has demonstrated strong consumer interest in its hydrolysed casein ingredient, InsuVital, in the diabetes field of blood glucose control.

FDA cracks down on Chinese imports

The FDA has stepped up its import controls for dairy products from China following the melamine scare and extended its investigation into non-dairy protein products.

Pepsi Canada re-jigs labels for the caffeine concerned

PepsiCo is redesigning the Canadian packaging for some of its leading beverage and food products to detail their per serving caffeine content, a move it says is a national first in terms of nutrition labeling.

Soy joint venture yields patent application

Solae and Novozymes have jointly filed a production patent for isolated soy proteins as the companies consolidate Novozymes’ enzyme know-how and Solae’s soy capabilities.

Hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure: researchers

Drinking hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults, according to new research presented to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

HIE round-up: quality, not quantity

As the stands came down on day three in Paris, NutraIngredients.com canvassed industry opinion about Europe's marquee healthy nutrients event, Health Ingredients Europe. Had it been affected by the financial crisis and impact of new EU regulations?

News in brief

Cognis launches new beverage concepts

Privately owned German ingredients giant, Cognis, used the Health Ingredients Europe show in Paris to launch a range of health benefit-backed beverage concepts ranging from natural carotenoids to lutein esters.

The pros and cons of antioxidant claims

Stephen Daniells canvases views on the use of the term 'antioxidant' and whether the industry is storing up future problems by over-egging their potential.

Italian biscuit maker gets first bite of Barliv

The first product using Cargill’s Barliv heart health ingredient is expected to hit shelves next month, following a long period of technical play and awareness-building on its cholesterol control effects.

AHD extends seaweed focus in functional push

A supplier of nutraceutical and functional food ingredients is extending its range of seaweed-based extracts with a new product that it claims is an antioxidant with cardiovascular benefits.

Alliance unites technology and ingredients players

Two US suppliers have joined together to use a patented technology to bring a range of powers to market that had previously only been available in oil form.

GOED prepares omega-3 authorized health claim submission

An omega-3 trade association is preparing to apply to the FDA for an upgrade of the heart health claim linked to omega-3s from a qualified health claim to an authorized health claim.

News in brief

FDA roundtable to examine major industry issues

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) roundtable discussion next month will examine topics including health claims, functional foods, labeling and the implementation of section 912 of the FDAAA.

Vitamins E and C not OK for CVD

Vitamin E and C do not prevent cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) this week.

Is the economic climate squeezing supplements?

The supplements industry will not be escaping the impact of today’s economic environment. But there are some signs that the impact could be a positive one. Lorraine Heller speaks to US industry representatives for their take on the situation.

News in brief

Trace Minerals Research joins NPA China

Utah-based Trace Minerals Research (TMR) has boosted its international expansion plans by becoming a member of the Chinese Natural Products Association.

Promising stevia sales ahead of GRAS

Sales of a stevia supplement across the US could hint at the potential demand for the natural sweetener in food and beverages as GRAS notification is expected within days.

Kemin hones eye health vision

Kemin Health has launched an initiative with the American Optometric Association (AOA) to deliver eye health information to optometrists and their patients as it expands its lutein-based, eye health education program.

Weekly comment

Beijing Olympic Games clean-up a dirty business

This year’s Beijing Olympic Games may have been good for China’s public image but the smooth running of the event was built on multiple state-prompted sacrifices and the food ingredients industry was one of the lambs that copped it in the neck for ‘the greater good’.

GTC launches ‘high-purity’ prebiotic

GTC Nutrition has introduced a new prebiotic ingredient, which it claims is one of the highest purity galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) available on the market.

Innovation strategy for next generation products

Food and beverage companies need to institutionalize innovation with a dedicated budget and executives in place to drive growth, according to a new report.

Round table: Food policy under Obama

Barack Obama has pledged to bring change to his country. Three food industry executives discuss what his election could mean for food regulation and trade, and policy interplay with healthcare and energy.

B vitamins may protect over-65s from cancer, says study

A daily supplement of B vitamins may reduce the risk of breast cancer and other invasive cancers in women over the age of 65, according to a new study from the US.

Probiotic may prevent respiratory illnesses: study

The bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299 may protect intubated, critically-ill patients from pneumonia, suggests a small Swedish study.

News in brief

NutraCea appoints new CFO

Rice bran supplier Nutracea has appointed Olga Hernandez-Longan to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), replacing the retiring Todd Crow.

LycoRed files patent for skin health science

‘Surprising’ results from a recent study have prompted Israel’s LycoRed to file for patent protection for its Lyc-O-Mato tomato extract and skin health.

Taiyo expands green tea range

Green tea supplier, Taiyo, is adding active ingredients with weight management, taste and stress relief benefits to its green tea range.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe (HIE)

Don’t shoot the messenger, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will not moderate its ‘gold standard’ approach to health claims and should not be criticised for doing so, according to the chair of its claims assessment panel.

Study seeks commercialised resveratrol beer breakthrough

Potentially cancer-fighting benefits may be the last thing consumers would associate with beer consumption, though ongoing research in the US is assessing the commercial possibilities for producing antioxidants in the product.

Bergstrom expands bone and joint health portfolio

Bergstrom Nutrition is diversifying its product range with the addition of new joint and bone health ingredients for supplements that could also be considered for use in food and beverages.

Herbalife sees strong international sales, weak outlook

Strong international sales contribute to 20 per cent growth in third quarter earnings for Los Angeles-based nutritional supplement firm Herbalife, but a weak fourth quarter forecast disappoints Wall Street.

FDA to publish GMP compliance guide in 2009

The US Food and Drug Administration may be publishing a compliance guide that would provide crucial help to small dietary supplement manufacturers trying to implement current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) legislation.

Multivitamins and minerals help children's brain function: study

Daily supplements of multivitamins and minerals may improve the brain function of children, says a new study from British and Australian researchers.

New soy protein isolate to rival high-cost dairy

Burcon NutraScience Corporation said it has developed a new soy protein isolate for food which it claims offers a competitive alternative to high-priced dairy proteins.

News in brief

ADM diverts operations after explosion

ADM said it intends to meet all of its obligations to customers following an explosion at one of its grain elevator facilities which ships thousands of tonnes of soybeans, corn, wheat and soybean meal.

FDA publishes final rule on food imports

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put out a final rule and draft compliance policy guide (CPG) on prior notice of imported food shipments.

Learning from the GSK weight loss petition

As the initial shock of a petition attacking the dietary supplement weight loss category starts to wear off, industry needs to work on developing a unified protection strategy, say US trade associations.

Commodity costs silver lining for ADM in Q1

Archer Daniels Midland Company is seeing the benefit of increases in commodity costs as its net sales income increased 65 percent for the first quarter.

News in brief

European backing for US food label

A new nutrition label launched in the US will make it easier for consumers to make better food and drink choices, according to the Brussels based, Choices International Foundation, a global, cross industry initiative to promote healthier eating.

Prebiotic oligofructose passes safety test: study

Consumption of the prebiotic fibre oligofructose at a dietary level of almost 10 per cent is safe, according to a new Anglo-American study.

Weekly comment

A menu for American food policy

At the time of writing, the US is poised to go to the polls. The next two days are going to be hugely exciting. And when it’s all over, after the victor gets some well-earned rest… he’ll rub his sleepy eyes and ask: ‘What’s for breakfast?'.

Fluxome prepares yeast-fermented resveratrol for US market

Danish biotech firm Fluxome is preparing to launch a yeast-fermented resveratrol in the US market, which it claims will deliver a consistent high quality and purity ingredient at a commercially viable price.

Consumers blinded by product claims

Food manufacturers are confusing consumers by overdoing the number of claims they make on products and need to go back to a simpler style of labeling, according to a new report.

Weight loss supplements may contain banned diuretic

The spotlight has once again fallen onto weight loss supplements for the wrong reasons after two professional American football players tested positive to the banned substance, bumetanide.

News in brief

USP calls for comments on monograph redesign

The US Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention has called for comments on proposed design changes to all monographs contained in its United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary (USP–NF).