News in brief

Scientists map genome for BLIS K12 probiotic

Europe-based scientists have mapped the genome of the probiotic BLIS K12 strain, finding no negative traits and supporting the safety of the strain.

Flaxseed shows blood pressure-lowering potential: Study

Daily consumption of flaxseed-fortified bakery products may reduce blood pressure levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), suggests new data presented at the November American Heart Association 2012 Scientific Sessions.

CLA shows anti-inflammatory potential for Crohn’s patients

Daily supplements of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may benefit intestinal health, suggests new data from a study with Crohn’s disease.

Krill wars

Neptune and Aker facing off in court yet again

Australia is the site of the latest battle between Neptune and Aker Biomarine. In addition to patent strife between the two krill majors in American courts, Canadian Neptune has now...

GMPs, elections, and multivitamins: November 2012 in pictures

It was a fascinating month for the US dietary supplements industry, with presidential elections, GMPs, multivitamins, and anti-adulteration initiatives all grabbing the headlines. 

Evolva pays €550,000 for Fluxome resveratrol business

Swiss biotech firm Evolva has bought failing Fluxome’s, yeast-derived resveratrol business for about €550,000 in cash and shares, but says it has no interest in the remaining omega-3 business being...

Port strike creating botanical 'fulfillment panic,' supplier says

A strike at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach is interrupting shipments of raw materials and is creating a “fulfillment panic” in the herbal industry, according to a...

‘Evidence is strong’ for omega-3’s heart health benefits: Linus Pauling review

The evidence supporting the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is strong, despite ‘less conclusive’ recent studies, says a new review from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State...

Senators tilt at Red Bull as FDA hints at energy action

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has told US Senators Dick Durbin and Richard Blumenthal that is reviewing the safety of energy drinks and may take regulatory action if it...

USANA chooses science over speed, official says

USANA Health Sciences has taken a conservative approach to new product development, making it a company lean on products but long on trust, says Brian Dixon, PhD, executive director of...

New models hold promise for probiotic claim substantiation

Exposing healthy people to modified pathogens in a controlled clinical trial setting could be an exciting new way for industry to overcome the challenges of health claim substantiation, says Nizo...

Pomegranate and black cohosh adulteration: Botanical collaboration lines up next focus topics

The American Botanical Council’s Mark Blumenthal has called for more self-regulating from industry and regulating from FDA to combat adulteration, as the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program lines up black cohosh...

Nestlé eyes herbal sector with Hong Kong JV; 2013 clinical trials planned

Nestlé has amplified its nutrition presence by forming a joint venture to develop Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM). Orally consumed gastro products will be first off the rank based on an...

Dearth of science limits aloe's potential, expert says

Aloe vera is a popular botanical in beverages and functional foods, but a dearth of credible science keeps the ingredient from achieving superstar status, according to a consultant.

Vitamins: A centenary of essential nutrients

Looking forward: The emerging evidence for vitamins and health

In the last 100 years vitamins have been found to play vital roles in our health and wellbeing, but the full benefits of many vitamins is yet to be elucidated.In...

Vitamins: A Centenary of essential nutrients

Birthday gifts: Vitamins celebrate centenary with EU health claim wins

2012 is turning out to be a very good year for the vitamins sector. Aside from the feel good factor of the essential nutrients turning 100, vitamins have also won...

Comment

Pharma seeks bigger dose of booming nutra sector

In just a few years the global health and wellness (H&W) products sector will be worth $1 trillion dollars – that’s a lot of billion dollar blockbuster drugs.

News in brief

Health Technology gets FDA warning letter for GMP and alleged label violations

Health Technology, Inc., from Dawson, Georgia, has received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration for alleged GMP violations, and failing to include contact details on the labels...

Sensa satiety crystals maker settles two false advertising lawsuits

The manufacturer of Sensa satiety crystals has agreed to settlements in two cases alleging false advertising.  In one case the company settled a false advertising lawsuit filed by several California...

Naturex gets US patent for Fraxinus excelsior seed extract for MetS

The US Patent and Trademark Office has approved a patent for Naturex for its Fraxinus excelsior seed extract for combating metabolic syndrome by improving blood sugar regulation.

Vitamins: A Centenary of essential nutrients

Low vitamin D status linked to higher risk of diabetes

Deficiency in vitamin D may be associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes, according to new research.

Collaboration drives contract manufacturer's success

A commitment to quality and to an “abundance mentality” has driven contract manufacturer VMI Nutrition to far surpass its original goals, said managing partner Bruce Remund.

Calcium supplements safe for heart health: Harvard study

Supplements of calcium do not increase the risk of arterial hardening, says a new study that used state-of-the-art CT scans of over 1,200 men and women.

Neptune to outsource production as part of recovery plan

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources has announced a plan to recover from an explosion and fire at its processing plant in Sherbrooke, Quebec that put a halt to production of  the...

Equateq, Cognis and Pronova: “Each are complementary”, says BASF

BASF’s ever-expanding nutrition unit says its €644m bid last week bid for Norwegian omega-3 firm, Pronova Biopharma, is as important for its food supplements business as its pharmaceutical operations.

Global healthy foods to hit $1 trillion in 2017: Report

The global functional, allergen-free, organic and other healthy foods market will push through the $1 trillion (€770m) mark for the first time in 2017, as consumer interest in preventing illness...

Omega-3 backed for postpartum depression

Increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids could help to battle postpartum depression, according to a new review.

Steroids, an injunction and more warning letters: FDA enforcement round-up

It has been a busy couple of weeks for the Food and Drug Administration, with the Agency filing another injunction, and sending warning letters for GMP violations and product claims.

Protein supplements effective for muscle mass boosts in young and old: Meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials shows that protein supplements are effective for boosting muscle mass and strength gains during resistance exercise in both younger and older subjects.

Gatorade responds to July article on controversial scientific study

Gatorade and bananas: Comparing apples and pears?

PepsiCo brand Gatorade tells BeverageDaily.com that a direct comparison between the drink and bananas should not be made, after a recent US study concluded that the fruit was as effective...

Study backs acidity regulator for bone health benefits

Potassium citrate, commonly used to regulate the acidity of food and drink products, could also help to boost bone health according to new research findings.

GMPs, Prop 37, and market opportunities: The best of SupplySide West

GMP compliance, Prop 37, market opportunities, hot ingredients and many more dominated this year’s discussions at SupplySide West. In this special newsletter, NutraIngredients-USA round-ups its exclusive coverage of the event.

Reckitt Benckiser-Schiff: Another giant jumps into nutra space

UK-based consumer goods firm Reckitt Benckiser told NutraIngredients today, “nutrition had been on its radar for awhile”, as it plunged $1.4bn (€1.09bn) to outbid German pharma firm Bayer for the US’s second...

Fluxome finds a last-minute buyer: But is it resveratrol or omega-3 to be sold?

Swiss biotech firm Evolva has agreed to buy undisclosed assets from Fluxome, as it leaves its pure pharma research past in the dust and throws the embattled Danish supplier a...

Low barriers of entry have enabled ‘grifters, cobblers, and vermin’ to give industry bad GMP compliance press: BI chief

The industry’s big names have been complying with GMP regulations for years, but low barriers to entry have made it easy for less serious companies to do business with low...

BASF bids $823m for GSK omega-3 supplier Pronova Biopharma

BASF has made a bid for Pronova Biopharma ASA, underlining its intention to become the dominant player in the pharmaceutical grade omega-3 API market.  

Study calls for maternal vitamin D supplementation

New data that ‘strongly implicates’ maternal levels of vitamin D with the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in children means there is now a strong case for supplementation of pregnant...

DNA analysis offers authentication for true black cohosh

A new method based on specific markers in DNA can ‘consistently’ distinguish black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) from closely related species that may be accidental or deliberate adulterants in herbal dietary...

‘Huge’ opportunities in the emerging cognitive health market: Enzymotec USA CEO

The cognitive health sector offers huge opportunities for dietary supplements, but it’s still evolving, says the CEO of Enzymotec USA.

Resveratrol-calcium fructoborate combination may benefit angina patients

A combination of resveratrol and calcium fructoborate may improve markers of inflammation and heart muscle function in angina benefits, says a new study from Romania.

DuPont on EU probiotic health claim ban: “Mention specific strains”

Giant of probiotic supply, DuPont, is not afraid to admit its European business has been altered by the rejection of probiotic health claims under the EU nutrition and health claims...

Mexican officials block Nestlé’s Pfizer Nutrition acquisition

Nestlé’s $11.85bn (€9bn) acquisition of Pfizer Nutrition has been blocked by Mexican competition officials over concerns that the deal could lead to price increases.

Response to GRAS self-determination inventory database (GSID) is ‘overwhelmingly positive’

The response to the new GRAS Self-Determination Inventory Database (GSID) has been “overwhelmingly positive and supportive”, according to its creator AIBMR Life Sciences, which has helped dozens of firms prepare...

Is Reckitt trumping Bayer for Schiff?

A $1.4 billion counterbid by Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc may be winning the race for Schiff Nutrition International Inc., with reports indicating that German pharmaceutical giant Bayer will not raise...

GMP compliance levels are ‘all over the place’: Alkemists CEO

Current compliance levels to good manufacturing practice (cGMP) are ‘all over the place’, but ‘for the most part there is an increase in compliance’, says the CEO of Alkemists Laboratories.

FSMA facility registration: ‘It’s an easy one for industry,’ says CRN’s Mister, ‘so remember to register!’

Dietary supplement companies have six weeks to ensure they have registered their facilities with FDA to comply with FSMA, an issue that is easy to fix for the industry, says...

Demographics will continue to drive cardiovascular category growth: ENI President

The cardiovascular health segment is here to stay, with the surge in product demand by baby boomers ensuring that growth will continue, says Cal Bewicke, president of Ethical Naturals Inc.

'You can feel the difference in half an hour...' PLT on why Zembrin could be a blockbuster

One of the most interesting new product launches at Supply Side West last week was stress-buster Zembrin, the first patented, standardized and clinically studied extract of Sceletium tortuosum, a succulent...

Maternal vitamin C backed for baby’s brain development

Maternal deficiency in vitamin during pregnancy could have serious consequences for the development of the foetal brain that cannot be reversed, according to new research data.

VITAMINS: A CENTENARY OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

Global population demands, ‘confusing’ media coverage and the 100 year old vitamin

It’s 100 years since Casimir Funk came up with the term ‘vitamin’, but with an ever-increasing global population and negative reports in the media of their ‘ineffectiveness’ for select health...

Vitamin D supplements backed to slash diabetic heart disease risk

Low levels of vitamin D may be responsible for the increased risk of heart disease among diabetic people developing clogged up arteries, according to new research.

LifeVantage's shift to network marketing saved company, CEO says

LifeVantage, the manufacturer of the herbal supplement Protandim, was on the financial ropes when it took the leap into network marketing.  The turnaround since then has been nothing short of...

Hershey antioxidant labeling claims under spotlight in US court

Hershey is to face a lawsuit over antioxidant labeling claims made on its Special Dark Cocoa and Special Dark Kisses.

Durbin seeks meeting with FDA following 5-Hour adverse events news

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) read a statement on the Senate floor late Thursday calling for FDA action on the safety of energy drinks in apparent reaction to the news that...

Dietary supplement industry needs ‘cultural shift’ to deal with GMPs

Supplement manufacturers – particularly smaller companies – need a ‘cultural shift’ to cope with the demands of good manufacturing practices (GMPs), says a former associate chief counsel with FDA.

Arla says UHT-friendly whey can tackle elderly malnutrition

About 60% of elderly hospital patients in the UK are malnourished according to recent data from the British Dietetic Association, a problem companies like Danish firm Arla Food Ingredients are...

How to show a clinical trial benefit in healthy populations

By applying physiological stressors like partial sleep deprivation, it is possible to test the effects of dietary supplements in healthy populations and stay compliant with DSHEA, says Dr Jay Udani,...

5-Hour Energy: Adverse event reports do not prove that our shots caused 13 deaths

5-Hour Energy is “unaware of any deaths proven to have been caused” by consuming its top-selling energy shots, distributor Living Essentials has insisted, after the FDA confirmed it has received...

Roquette seeks sports blends for pea protein

Roquette is intensifying its research efforts into the protein potential of various plant forms, and used HIE to launch a pea form targeting sports nutrition products.

Alcrea: Our new online tool offers ‘a shift in the way nutraceuticals are developed’

A new online tool from Alcrea Health is offering entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals and medically-minded marketers ‘total customization’ of products.

Dry labbing practices ‘mushrooming’ and ‘metamorphosing’: Chromadex CEO

The practice of dry labbing in the industry is continuing, and the practice is becoming more sophisticated, increasing the need for continued vigilance, says Frank Jaksch, CEO of Chromadex.

Green tea extract shows potential sperm benefits: Lab study

Extracts from green tea may boost the quality of sperm, says a new study from Italy, but there too much of the extract may confer a negative effect.

Functional foodstuffs: The challenge of omega-3 in finished products

The challenge of getting beneficial omega-3 fatty acids into finished products is a big one for the food ingredients and manufacturing industry. But how can suppliers and manufacturers work to...

News in brief

Heart health tops health concerns for 35-65 year olds: Survey

Almost 85% of American adults are concerned about their heart health, according to survey results from Solae of 35-65 year olds.

Customized nutrition driving growth in healthcare practitioner channel

Consumer demand for personalized nutrition, and the response of healthcare practitioners to the potential for more holistic approaches to patient care and  potential additional revenue streams are driving growth in...

Regulatory momentum to continue for dietary supplements industry: CRN’s Mister

The results of the recent elections mean that it’s business as usual for the dietary supplements industry, and the defeat of Prop 37 in California is not the end of...

Vitamin K2: Study unlocks which forms have higher bioavailability

Consuming vitamin K2 in its MK-7 form is better for raising levels of the vitamin in serum than K2 in the MK-4 form, says a new study from Japan and...

Sourcing non-GMO: Prop 37 supporters have lost the battle, but may ultimately win the war, predicts The Scoular Company

Despite the ‘NO’ vote on Prop 37, the momentum behind sourcing non-GMO ingredients remains as strong as ever, with non-GMO Project verified sales up 66% and a new class action...

'Our probiotic science will lead to an EFSA health claims approval': DuPont VP of marketing

Recent studies using DuPont’s HOWARU strain combination, combined with a better understanding of ‘the rules of the game’, will lead to positive health claims in Europe, DuPont’s Scott Bush has...

Is finished product testing the next big wave in GMP warning letters?

Once GMP inspectors from the FDA move beyond the first tier of GMP compliance, the next big wave of warning letters from the agency could be on the issue of...

Probiotics may help cut body fat levels: RCT data

Daily probiotic yogurt consumption may improve energy metabolism and reduce body fat levels by up to 4%, say results of a placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over clinical trial in Canada.

Kalsec draws a bead on fish oil oxidation

Dealing with oxidation-prone fish oil emulsions in sensitive dairy applications will be a little less problematic with a new system solution from Kalsec.

GRAS status, milder taste to broaden market for organic spirulina, Valensa says

Valensa has cleared significant regulatory and formulation hurdles with the release of its updated Parry Organic Spirulina ingredient, the company says.

New EFSA health claims chief: Probiotics can win claims within “one or two years”

Emerging genomic data and better understanding of European Food Safety Authority requirements will win probiotic health claims within “a year”, the EU science agency’s new health claims panel chief told...

Is it too risky to market foods containing GMOs as 'all-natural'?

Consumers, market researchers tell us, want foods that are ‘wholesome’, ‘authentic’, and above all ‘natural’, although few of them can articulate what this means. And they are not alone. Regulators have not...

Guest editorial: Steve Mister, President & CEO, CRN

Multivitamins – They Won’t Wash the Windows or Change the Oil Either!

Positive results of the Physicians’ Health Study II show that supplement users - usually more likely to have healthier lifestyles than non-users - may gain potential additional benefits from a daily multivitamin....

Fabricant on GMPs: ‘There is not a clear indication there will be a drop in non-compliance anytime soon, and that concerns us’

Strong enforcement from FDA on cGMPs (current good manufacturing practices) will continue, says FDA’s Dr Daniel Fabricant, but given that many GMP basics are still not being met and the...

‘Big Pharma’ and FMCG companies ‘will not tolerate hiccups’ in dietary supplements standards: EPAX CEO

The growth in branded omega-3 product has been great for ‘professionalizing’ the industry, says the CEO of EPAX, and the arrival of ‘Big Pharma’ and FMCG companies will be good...

Breaking News

Neptune out of krill oil production indefinitely as a result of blast

The explosion at the processing facility of Neptune Technologies and Bioressources that killed three workers will keep the company out of krill oil ingredient production for the near future, according...

Demand from fish farms drives crude fish oil prices higher

Bulk fish oil prices are rising, driven both by competition from large aquaculture purchasers and lower catch quotas in the all-important Peruvian anchovy fishery.

Global aloe market estimated at $13 billion

The global market for aloe vera products is estimated to have reached $13 billion, according to information presented at a recent workshop held by the International Aloe Science Council.

Fat-blocking Pepsi will launch in Japan this week

This week will see the launch of a fat-busting new Pepsi variant that is targeting the health conscious. 

Focus on multivitamins

Multivitamins: 'The cheapest health insurance a person will ever buy'

The benefits of a daily multivitamin – from filling nutrient gaps to a potential reduction in cancer risk – have dominated the headlines in recent weeks. In this NutraIngredients-USA special...

Who has self-affirmed GRAS? New database addresses transparency concerns

A new database of self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) determinations has been launched to tackle concerns about a lack of transparency in the process.

Dispatches from Supply Side West 2012

NPA chief: We backed right horses in election

Natural Products Association executive director John Shaw said the organization was highly effective in its campaign contribution strategy in the recent election.

DSM buys Fortitech for €495m; “We are done for awhile”

Rampant nutrition business acquirer, Royal DSM, has splashed the cash for the ninth time in two years – this time to the tune of €495m ($634m) on US-based multinational nutrient...

New lawsuit targets Monster and its ‘dangerous and potentially lethal’ ingredient: EGCG

A lawsuit has been filed in Orange County, CA against Monster alleging that the company failed to warn against the dangers of a an extremely dangerous and potentially lethal ingredient...

Probiotics may ease eczema for children: RCT data

Daily supplements of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 may improve eczema in children, says a new study from South Korea.

News in brief

Bioriginal to distribute Norwegian krill

Canadian lipid specialist Bioriginal has inked a deal with Olympic Seafood to distribute the Norwegian firm’s krill offerings.

California voters say 'No' to GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37

GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37 has failed at the ballot box in California.

Live from Vegas! SupplySide West 2012 as it happens

The election is over, but SupplySide West in Las Vegas is only just beginning. We will bring you the live breaking news from the show, including latest innovations, regulatory insights,...

Vegetarian, 'free from' positioning drives sports products' growth

Vega, the British Colombia-based line of natural health and performance products, has used a vegetarian and “free from” positioning to fuel explosive growth in recent years.

Pycnogenol shows benefits for asthmatics: Study

Daily supplements of the French Maritime Pine bark extract Pynogenol may improve symptoms of asthma, according to results of a clinical trial. 

Do organic beat conventional vegetables for immune system support?

Organically grown carrots may stimulate the immune system, with ‘more’ organic carrots have more of an effect, says a new study that adds to the debate on the health benefits...

Q3 wrap: Nutrition stars for DSM and Naturex

Royal DSM saw Q3 sales slip 7% to €2.3bn across all divisions with polymer intermediates performing worst, but as has been the case in recent quarters, the Dutch firm’s nutrition...

‘Eye-opening’ data reveals reformulation opportunities for dietary supplements for children

Over one-third of American children are not meeting calcium and vitamin D recommendations, even with the use of supplements, says new data from the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Randomized trials show benefits of magnesium chelate ingredient

Daily supplements of magnesium bisglycinate chelate may reduce the frequency and intensity of pregnancy-induced leg cramps, say results from a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

‘Memory enhancing’ ingredient boasts new beverage potential

Alchem USA has launched a new concentrated liquid form of natural plant extract vinpocetine for beverage applications and claims the ingredient can enhance memory and alertness.

Don’t forget mental health when targeting seniors, says Leatherhead

Fortified breads, snacks and cereals targeting mental health in older consumers is an avenue of opportunity for manufacturers, a Leatherhead analyst says.

News in brief

Maypro named US distributor for AmealPeptide blood pressure ingredient

New York-based Maypro Industries has been named the US distributor of AmealPeptide, a patented clinically proven ingredient for healthy blood pressure from Calpis, Co., Ltd.

Multivitamins may not benefit heart disease risk, but 'don't forget the aim and other potential benefits of supplements'

A daily multivitamin may not reduce the risk of developing heart disease for a healthy population of men, according to data from the Physicians’ Health Study (PHS) II study.

AHPA suggests changes for Canadian TCM monograph

The American Herbal Products Association has suggested changes to a Canadian government draft monograph on Tradition Chinese Medicine and recommends a more thorough process to review the document, the group...

ABC bilberry article seeks to close door on adulteration

An article published by the American Botanical Council for the first time gathers in one place all of the information available on how bilberry extracts are being adulterated in the...

Green tea suggested for GI cancer benefit: Human data

Long term consumption of green tea could help to slash the risk of gastrointestinal cancers by over a quarter, according to new research in Chinese women.

“Cowboy sector” blamed for black cohosh problems

Last week’s warning from the UK medicines regulator that menopausal herb black cohosh must carry warnings about potential liver problems is not a problem of the mainstream food supplements sector,...

FDA develops rapid screening for adulterants in weight loss products

Scientists from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have developed a rapid procedure to screen for adulterants in weight-loss products, which could benefit the industry by impacting the ‘rate at...

Ganeden BC30 strain shows potential against C. diff: Mouse study

Supplements containing the GanedenBC30 ingredient may reduce the recurrence of C. difficile-induced infection, according to a study with lab mice.

Nestlé launches Institute of Health Sciences to support healthy ageing

The launch of Nestlé’s Institute of Health Sciences will help the company to provide targeted nutrition for the complex problems of ageing and metabolic health.

October 2012 in pictures: Multivitamins, supplement sales, and $1.2 billion for Schiff

There was a lot of good news in October! NutraIngredients-USA looks back at an important month for the dietary supplements industry, which included the proposed acquisition of Schiff by Bayer, another attempt...

GNC to accelerate pace of new product launches, CEO says

GNC is ramping up its already brisk pace of new product introductions to drive future growth, CEO Joe Fortunato said in a Q3 earnings conference call on Thursday.

News in brief

Citizens for Health (CFH) urges consumers to visit AHPA’s KeepSupplementsClean.org

Consumer group CFH is urging its supporters to visit KeepSupplementsClean.org as an information source to help consumers avoid products that masquerade as dietary supplements.

Prop 37 is a dead heat, latest poll says

California’s Proposition 37, once considered a shoo-in after earlier poll results, is now looking like a dead heat, according to a Los Angeles Times poll.

Meta-analysis supports fish, questions supplements, for stroke risk

Regular consumption of fish may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, but the benefits of fish oil supplements may be minimal, says a new analysis by researchers...