All news articles for November 2009

Yeast ingredient shows promise for reducing airborne allergies

Supplementation with a yeast fermentate may improve allergy symptoms like runny nose, according to the results of randomised clinical trial.

Resistant starch may cut food intakes: Study

Adding resistant starch to breakfast and lunch meals may reduce the amount of calories consumed over a 24-hour period by about 10 per cent, says a new study.

News in brief

IADSA meeting to clarify Brazilian regulatory demands

The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) is hosting a workshop in Brazil to discuss regulatory issues in the country and boost success

Omega-3 welcomes big fish into fold

Bioriginal director of sales for North America, Michael Chubb, speaks to Shane Starling about how the entry of major suppliers like DSM and Cognis are having on the omega-3 segment.

Vitamin D deficiency linked directly to heart disease

Researchers from Utah presented fresh evidence this week linking vitamin D deficiency to heart disease at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Congress event defends supplements against athlete attack

The state-of-play in the sports nutrition market has come under discussion by a Congress working group in association in an effort to clear up some of the misinformation that is prevalent in the sector.

Obama bill unlikely to alter medical stance on supplements

The Obama administration is pushing through health care reform that promises greater access to health insurance for tens of millions of Americans. Will the reforms bring benefits to the dietary supplements industry?

Solae launches new high-protein soy nuggets

Solae has launched a high protein soy nugget with 90 percent protein on a dry weight basis, said to be the highest containing soy protein nugget on the market.

Folic acid study misleads claims supplement industry

A recent study linking folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements with higher risks of cancer is misleading, claim two trade associations representing dietary supplement manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.

AAHF claims Senate victory for supplement choice

The American Association for Health Freedom (AAHF) has claimed victory in the Senate after an amendment to the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act loosened the language on international regulatory harmonization.

Exposure to nano titanium dioxide could up cancer risk, says study

There may be a potential risk of cancer and genetic disorders for individuals working with high concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, according to US scientists.

Folic acid supplements lift cancer risk: Study

UK and Australian food safety officials should pay particular attention to a new study linking folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements with higher risks of cancer, according to the lead scientist who conducted the research at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.

Heart-health benefits of omega-3s depend on how fish is cooked: Study

Baked or boiled fish delivers the heart-health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids more effectively than fried, salted or dried fish, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2009 at Orlando, Florida.

The untold success stories of vitamins

As the world population increases, so does the shadow of malnutrition. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children, yet continues to cause blindness in up to 500,000 children each year. Vitamin Angels is making a difference, but so much more still needs to be done.

Selenium supplements linked to high cholesterol

Taking selenium supplements may increase cholesterol levels by as much as 10 per cent, according to a new study.

Probiotics intake beneficial against infections in kids: study

Lactobacillus GG (LGG) can decrease the risk of upper respiratory tract infections including rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis, and the common cold in children attending day care centres, claims a new study.

GM soybean oil increases omega-3 EPA in blood, says research

Research presented this week at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions quantified the impact of GM soybean oil on levels of omega-3 EPA in red blood cells.

NutraCea wins court approval for DIP financing

Nutraceutical and stabilized rice bran company NutraCea has obtained credit totaling $6.75m through its successful application for Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing provided by Wells Fargo Bank.

Weekly comment

Alleviation of hunger should top CSR agenda

Climate change dominates the CSR agenda but new USDA figures on food insecurity are a sharp reminder that alleviating poverty and hunger should always be the top priority.

Sterols do not affect antioxidant defences: Study

Dietary supplements of plant sterols do not adversely affect our antioxidant defences, says a new study which boosts the overall safety profile of this booming ingredient group.

FDA examines caffeinated alcoholic drinks

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked nearly 30 beverage manufacturers to provide information showing that their caffeinated alcoholic drinks are safe.

Diet rich in sulfur amino acids may aid bowel healing

A higher intake of sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine following intestinal surgery might aid healthy intestinal recovery, claims a new study.

News in brief

GMP Herbal Products recalls slimming pill

GMP Herbal Products is recalling a weight loss dietary supplement called Pai You Guo after the FDA found the product contained undeclared drug ingredients.

Infant formula maker spun off from parent company

Biopharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb Co is to sell its 83 per cent holding in pediatric nutrition company Mead Johnson which produces Enfamil infant formula.

Naturex launches brain health botanical

French botanicals supplier Naturex has launched an American ginseng extract, which a yet-to-be-published clinical trial has indicated can boost short term brain health and preserve mental alertiveness.

White bean derived supplement may lower GI of bread

The glycemic index (GI) of foods could be reduced through the intake of a white bean derived dietary supplement, claims a new study.

Biomarkers may hold the key for nutrition and health claims

Biomarkers to measure the state of our health may hold the key to establishing the benefits of a dietary compound or ingredient, but more efforts are needed to produce a list of biomarkers with a validated end point, says a key industry figure.

Coffee linked to breast and colon cancer

More research is necessary to explore links between a compound in coffee and breast and colon cancer, according to Texas AgriLife Research scientists.

News in brief

Natrol gains cGMP certification from NPA

Nutritional products maker Natrol has been certified by the Natural Products Association (NPA) Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Certification Program.

Gut microflora and obesity: Study highlights potential for pre-, probiotics

US researchers have successfully transferred gut bacteria from obese humans to germ-free mice, a breakthrough that will allow a more detailed study of the link between gut microflora and obesity.

The healthy immune health market

As swine flu continues to grab headlines around the world, interest in immune health has never been healthier. Stephen Daniells talks to Jay Udani from UCLA and CEO of Medicus Research about the science behind the growing immune health market.

News in brief

Seltzer changes name to Glanbia Nutritionals (NA)

Seltzer has been renamed Glanbia Nutritionals (NA) three years after joining the Glanbia Group.

GLG and Weider row over Sweet Naturals contract

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has filed a statement of defense against allegations from Weider Global Nutrition that it had breached conditions of their joint stevia business by setting up its own sales team.

Demand for nutraceutical ingredients to reach $21.8bn by 2013

Global demand for nutraceutical ingredients is tipped to reach $21.8bn by 2013, according to a new study by research firm The Freedonia Group.

Milk may boost iron uptake from fruit juices

Formulating iron-enriched fruit juices with milk may improve uptake of the mineral, suggests new research that offers a way of boosting iron intake for people at risk of deficiency.

Pea flour could create tasty low-GI foods: Study

Whole yellow pea flour could be used to create low-GI foods with similar sensory characteristics to whole wheat flour, according to a new study from the Journal of Food Science.

News in brief

Stratum and ESM sign eggshell partnership

Stratum Nutrition has partnered with ESM Technologies to help sell NEM (Natural Eggshell Membrane) to functional food and supplement makers.

Congress must fund omega-3 DRI review, say groups

A consortium of trade, scientific and consumer groups has launched a campaign to establish an Institute of Medicine expert panel to establish dietary reference intakes (DRI) for EPA and DHA omega-3, and secure funding from Congress.

Dietary supplement ads review to continue through 2014

The dietary supplement advertising review program, tasked with testing the truth and accuracy of advertisement claims, is to continue for another five years, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and the National Advertising Review Council (NARC).

Bilberries may prevent artery hardening, boost heart health

Extracts from bilberry may prevent the build up of plaques in the arteries, preventing hardening of the blood vessels and boosting overall heart health, says a new study from France.

Nano curcumin could boost spice’s health benefits

Nano-sized curcumin capsules may boost the body’s uptake of the ingredient, and enhance its potential to prevent colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, suggests a new study from Japan.

Danisco’s Madison plant expansion underway

Danisco has started expansion of its cultures plant in Madison, Wisconsin, which it says responds to increased demand for direct vat inoculants (DVI) cultures in the US.

Weekly comment

Life in a European health claims wasteland

Ka-CHING! Hear that? No it’s not the sound of overflowing cash registers as consumers throw endless wads of euros at scientifically-backed, healthy foods in greater numbers than ever before.

‘Unauthorised' drinks to be reformulated on health fears

The range of “unauthorised” Chaotic Beverages pulled from Canadian shelves recently on health fears will be reformulated to meet the country’s ingredient regulations, said importers of the product.

News in brief

Earthrise obtains HACCP for spirulina

Earthrise Nutritionals has gained third party HACCP certificate of registration to underline the safety credentials of its spirulina.

News in brief

Blood pressure management ingredient receives industry accolade

DSM’s lactotripeptide blood pressure management ingredient, tensVida, won the Outstanding Application in Nutraceuticals category at this year’s European Outsourcing Awards.

Green tea extracts may protect against oral cancer: Study

Extracts from green tea may prevent the formation of mouth cancers in people with risk signs of the disease, according to a new study from Texas.

Carotenoid-rich broccoli could lead to better extracts

Careful conventional breeding of broccoli may boost the levels of antioxidants in the vegetable, especially lutein – a carotenoid linked to improved eye health.

Canadians warned off Chaotic Beverages over possible health risks

Health Canada has told consumers not to drink four “unauthorised” drinks made by Chaotic Beverages on fears they contain ingredients that could pose a health hazard to children.

General Mills expands open-source innovation network

General Mills is beefing up its Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN) with an online collaboration tool to align “scientists, researchers, engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs” with technical challenges highlighted by the company.

'Unique' probiotic and omega-3 combo offers longer shelf life

A 'unique' combination of a probiotic and omega-3 fish oil offers greater shelf life and enhanced activity, claims its manufacturer Nutrition 21.

Maternal folic acid – pregnancy stage may influence asthma risk

Taking folic acid supplements in late pregnancy may increase the infant’s risk of developing asthma, but supplementation in early pregnancy presents no such risk, says a new study from Australia.

Acid-sensitive gum may fill you up for longer, cut snacking

A solution that forms a gel on entering the acidic environment of the stomach may suppress appetite and offer an interesting opportunity for the burgeoning weight management market.

Antioxidant levels in chocolate show stability - study

The levels of antioxidant activity and flavan-3-ol levels in chocolate products are stable over a controlled shelf life of one year, according to a new study.

OmniActive extends eye health range

A combination ingredient with lutein and zeaxanthin has been launched by OmniActive, as the company eyes the growing visual health market.

News in brief

New probiotic gum prototype claims to boost immune system

A functional gum containing a new oral probiotic bacteria helps boost the immune system, say makers Fructarom and Tab Labs.

Swine flu prompts Kellogg to quit Rice Krispies immunity claims

The Kellogg Company has pulled immunity claims from its popular antioxidant-fortified Rice Krispies range, rather bizarrely citing swine flu links as the principal reason.

Lychee extract may trim waist fat: Study

An extract from lychees may reduce abdominal fat in people with metabolic syndrome, a lead to improvements in overall health, says a new study from Japan.

Dairy proteins again linked to blood pressure benefits

A combination of milk proteins may reduce salt-induced increases in blood pressure by about 10 mmHg, according to results of a rat study from Valio.

Human nutrition business born from animal health firm

Animal nutrition and health company Novus International is branching out into human health with the launch of Stratum Nutrition.

News in brief

BI Nutraceuticals boosts extracts range

BI Nutraceuticals has extended its ingredients library with the addition of four new extracts for use in dietary supplements and functional foods and beverages.

P&G to work with FDA over 'illegal' Vicks cold product

Procter & Gamble says it is working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the issues that caused the regulator to issue a warning letter over vitamin C-fortified cold and flu remedies.

CRN: industry must ‘protect own real estate’

CRN’s annual symposium has heard how the industry needs to better fight its corner when faced with the threat of product contamination, but was benefitting from challenging economic times.

Walnut-rich diet may boost diabetic heart health

Daily consumption of walnuts, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, may improve the health of blood vessels, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease, says a new study from Yale.

Low vitamin D again linked to higher mortality

Low blood levels of vitamin D have again been linked to lower survival in the elderly – a study which strengthens calls to confirm if vitamin D supplements could offer protection.

Boston Globe slams DSHEA and 'powerless' FDA

TheBoston Globe has called for a repeal of DSHEA, stating that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is “virtually powerless” in regulating the industry.

Consumer education a key trend in US dietary supplements

Consumer education and industry regulation will dominate the US dietary supplement industry, according to a panel discussion group of leading executives.

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