Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

More evidence for tea's anticancer potential

Teas, both green and black, have potent anti-cancer effects against a wide range of tumours, says a new study led by the US Department of Agriculture that adds to an ever growing body of science behind the compounds.

NSF will enhance testing for contamination

NSF International is gearing up to provide a microbial test system to detect any contamination in dietary supplements for clients.

Christmas spice and all things nice

Christmas-time is closely associated with feasting on special foods and (dare we say it?) gross overindulgence that ends only after bells have rung in the New Year. But many of the seasonal treats we enjoy also have a healthy aspect. If eaten in the right quantities. And not smothered in cream…

Magnesium pills could boost bone content in young girls

Daily magnesium supplements led to significantly increased bone mineral content in adolescent girls, and could lead to long-term protection from osteoporosis, suggests new research from Yale University School of Medicine.

Advitech takes Dermylex to Taiwan

Advitech, the maker of psoriasis nutraceutical Dermylex, has announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Enbio-Life Biotech and Medical Company for distribution in Taiwan - the latest development in the oral supplement's path to market.

Increased vitamin D may protect against multiple sclerosis

Higher levels of vitamin D in the body may reduce the risk of developing the neurological disease multiple sclerosis by as much as 62 per cent, Harvard researchers report.

Ocean Spray expands cranberry production to meet increased demand

Cranberry giant Ocean Spray is expanding its dried cranberry production to meet expanding global demand for the healthy ingredient, which is said to have grown 30 percent over the past year.

Tea polyphenols - antioxidants or prebiotics?

Polyphenols in tea may preferentially suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, but not the growth of 'friendly' bacteria, says a new study from Singapore.

Sabinsa's BioPerine patent confirmed

The US Patent and Trademark Office has completed a formal review of Sabinsa Corporation'spatent for black pepper extract, BioPerine, and has found the intellectual property to be valid.

Dark chocolate beats fatigue, study

Further evidence of the health benefits of chocolate has come to light in a new study - giving manufacturers yet another route into the functional food niche.

Canadian suit adds $20mn CDN to vitamin price-fixing class action

A sum of $20mn CDN is set to be disbursed to universities and other organizations involved in vitamins and food education in Canada, as part of a class action lawsuit involving the price fixing of vitamins in the 1980s and 1990s.

Acquisitions: 2006 round-up

The year 2006 has seen notable expansions in the nutraceutical industry as companies made acquisitions based on their need for increased geographic scope or manufacturing capacity.

Black cohosh same as placebo for hot flushes, says study

Hot flushes associated with the menopause are not helped by black cohosh supplements, say results from the largest and longest trial for the herb to date.

Questions raised about Echinacea's effect on gut health

US researchers have reported that the herb Echinacea, commonly used against colds, could stimulate the growth of certain gut bacteria, some potentially pathogenic.

Guest article

Dual marketing of nutraceutical products in the United States and Canada

As American nutraceutical manufacturers are increasingly seeking opportunities for selling their products outside the United States, Canada might seem to be an appealing and relatively easy market for expansion. However, Canadian laws governing products such as dietary supplements vary in several respects from US laws and, accordingly, companies should not assume that the products they sell in the United States will receive the same regulatory treatment in Canada.

Low-fat diets cut breast cancer recurrence, says study

Cutting fat intake to 20 per cent of the daily total calories could reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by about 25 per cent, researchers from the US have reported.

Weekly Comment

Response and Responsibility

Bah, Humbug! It has been that kind of year in general for the food industry, and in particular for some major companies.

Vitamin K2 higher bioavailability than K1, say scientists

Vitamin K2 derived from the fermented soy product natto has a higher bioavailability than vitamin K1, results that may have implications for functional food formulators.

Whence your Christmas dinner?

For some, the holiday season is a time to be introspective and appreciative of the relationships in their life. While this generally refers to friends and family, it could also apply to your relationship with food and where your meals come from.

Glycemic-control is still a rising star, says research

Low-glycemic products are only just gaining momentum, according to Packaged Facts, which predicts that the glycemic-control angle will be an ever more pressing consideration for marketers and formulators in the coming years.

Vegetarianism link to higher IQ

Children with a higher IQ in childhood are more likely to be vegetarian in adult life, researchers report in the British Medical Journal.

Resveratrol could counter metabolic diseases, animal study

Resveratrol, the phenolic derivative found in red wine and certain plants, may play a role in protecting against diabetes and obesity, suggest the results of an animal study.

Regulatory triumphs and disappointments for 2006

Dietary supplement trade associations appear to agree on what the regulatory successes and failures have been for the industry in 2006.

Nestlé confirms Novartis Medical Nutrition buy

Swiss food giant Nestle has confirmed its plan to purchase Novartis Medical Nutrition for US$2.5bn - a move that propels it from a minor player in healthcare nutrition to the world number two.

New FDA rule allows "per day" supplement labeling option

FDA has published a final rule giving dietary supplement manufacturers the option to issue nutrition label information on a 'per day' basis, as a voluntary option in addition to the mandatory 'per serving' information.

Routine features first in breakfast choices, says study

Taste preference and familiarity remain the most important drivers behind peoples' breakfast choices, according to a new study by market researcher the NPD Group.

Supplements should position to counter health crisis, says NBJ

If the United States nutraceutical industry is to continue experiencing accelerated growth, formulators will have to be strategic and lure the remaining 65 percent of the population who do not take supplements, according to the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ).

Danisco trial tips probiotics into pain relief arena

Oral administration of Lactobacillous acidophilus NCFM has been seen to have an analgesic effect in the gut similar to that of morphine - a finding that opens up a new realm of applications for Danisco's probiotic strain.

Australian project to turn food waste into healthy ingredients

A new project was launched this week by Australian food researchers to tap bioactive compounds from agricultural and food industry waste for use in health-enhancing foods and nutraceuticals.

Nestlé rejects FDA doubts on infant formula

Infant formula made by food and nutrition giant Nestlé will not be recalled in the US, the group has said, despite warnings from the country's food regulator.

Martek sales up in 2006 despite restructuring

Martek Biosciences has announced strong financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October, 2006 despite weathering the significant cost of restructuring its operations this year.

Folic acid no good for weak hearts - and the rest of us?

Folic acid supplements have no effect on cardiovascular disease events amongst people with existing vascular disease, says a meta-analysis of 12 randomised control trials.

Beta-glucan blunts insulin response after eating, says study

Consuming foods containing beta-glucan could reduce the insulin and glucose response after a meal, thereby easing a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, says a new study.

AHPA informs herbal protection body on goldenseal

American Herbal Products Association has presented comments to the US Fish and Wildlife Service on revisions to its list of endangered wild plant species to be protected from specimen trading - particulary the natural antibiotic goldenseal.

Blue California rolls out micro-encapsulated essential oils

Ingredients manufacturer Blue California has introduced micro-encapsulated essential oils in powder form for water soluble applications, particularly suited for beverages.

Açai plantations may one day pad supply

If the Brazilian açai industry is going to satisfy growing demand for the wild-harvested superfruit, plantations may be the only answer, according to a distributor who says the country's government will also have to charge royalties for the germplasm to be grown in other countries.

Vitamin E pills fails to slow cognitive decline in trial

Taking vitamin E supplements does not slow the natural cognitive decline associated with age in older women, says a new study from Harvard.

National Starch launches info portal on resistant starch

National Starch Food Innovation has launched what it claims to be the most comprehensive source of information on resistant starch, designed to provide an easy reference base for nutrition experts.

Adverse events bill awaits Bush's signature

The House of Representatives has passed the Dietary Supplement and Non-Prescription Drug Consumer Protection Act on adverse events reporting, and the bill is now on its way to President George W Bush for signature.

Fish and whole grains linked to asthma protection

An increased consumption of whole grains and fish could reduce the risk of developing asthma by about 50 per cent, suggests a new study from The Netherlands.

Weekly Comment

Trans Fats: A Farewell to Harm

There's no way but out for heart-damaging trans fatty acids, and procrastinators in the food industry will achieve nothing by delaying reformulation other than lagging behind in the game as the rest of the world waves goodbye.

Açai could help save the rainforest

Not all açai is ethically equal, according to one distributor, but managed the right way the industry for this Amazonian superfruit could protect the endangered rainforest and bring about positive social development in the region.

Mechanism proposed for black cohosh menopause benefits

Scientists from the University of Illinois in Chicago have reported for the first time just how black cohosh may alleviate hot flushes in menopausal women - information previously lacking about the herb.

Albion gets new testing patent

Michigan-based Albion Advanced Nutrition, who specializes in fortification, has been granted another US patent relating to its mineral amino acid chelate technology.

Vitamin K may reverse artery hardening, suggests study

A high-dose vitamin K supplement reduced calcium precipitates associated with hardening of the arteries by 37 per cent in rats, scientists from The Netherlands have reported.

Can prebiotics protect probiotics during processing?

Using prebiotics as carriers could protect probiotics during processing and storage, as well imparting their own beneficial effects in the finished product, suggests new research from Finland.

FDA's new commissioner could strenghten policy for industry

A new FDA commissioner has been confirmed before the US Senate, after serving as acting commissioner since the September 2005 resignation of the previous holder of the position.

Still no GMPs, CRN

As the year inches to a close, dietary supplement industry associations are left wondering when good manufacturing practices will be finalized - the last indication was that they would come through in December, yet there is still no news to this effect.

More support for coffee's anti-diabetes benefits

Drinking four or more cups of coffee a day could cut the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by over 23 per cent, say American and Finnish researchers.

New Danisco stabilizer cuts fat, costs for ice cream makers

Danish ingredients group Danisco has launched a new stabilizer ingredient designed to allow ice cream manufacturers to cut the fat content of their products while still maintaining a creamy mouthfeel.

Burcon engages advisor to further explore canola properties

Burcon Nutrascience, the company behind Puratein and Supertein, is to investigate issues relating to the physiochemical properties and nutritional characteristics of canola meal and canola protein.

Omega-3, fibre, vitamin E linked to lower Lymphoma risk

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, beta-carotene and vitamin E appear to offer significant protection against non-Hodgkin lymphoma, says a Swedish-Danish-American study.

Low-protein diets could protect against cancer, says new study

Adhering to the recommended daily amount of protein may help protect against certain cancers that are not directly associated with obesity, says new research from the US.

Adverse Events bill clears Senate by unanimous consent

The United States Senate has passed S 3546, the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Act, which would require manufacturers to notify the Food and Drug Administration of all serious adverse events for dietary supplements.

Survey taps into consumer nano fears

US consumers are willing to use specific nanotechnology products - even if there are health and safety risks - when the potential benefits are high, according to a survey.

Garlic, onions may offer wide-ranging cancer protection

High intake of garlic and onions was associated with significantly reduced risks of a wide-range of cancers, according to a large epidemiological study from Italy.

Canadian foundation gives stamp of approval to omega-3 in dairy

Fortified dairy products have received approval from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation's as it granted the country's NutriOne Corporation licensee a four-year extension to its Health Check program.

FDA hears views on what to do about functional foods

The US Food & Drug Administration's public hearing on functional foods saw food industry groups present testimonies on how this evolving category of goods should be regulated.

Bad diets leading to earlier prevalence of metabolic syndrome

Health conditions that were once almost exclusively associated with the elderly are now being increasingly diagnosed in children, according to a new report, which calls for immediate dietary intervention.

Could brown algae extract be novel prebiotic?

Chinese researchers have reported that alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have significant prebiotic activity in rats and, if the results can be reproduced in humans, could offer an novel source of the health promoting ingredients.

French heart patients not getting phytosterol message

People in France at a high risk of cardiovascular disease are not consuming phytosterol-enriched margarine, suggesting that marketers and health practitioners need to retarget their efforts, says a new study.

Expectant mothers may be at risk of vitamin A deficiency

Women expecting twins or their second child inside two years are at an increased risk of vitamin A deficiency and could benefit from beta-carotene supplementation, says a study based in Germany.

BI Nutraceuticals expands organic line to meet demand

Supplier BI Nutraceuticals has announced it is expanding its product line to include six new organic ingredients - signalling increased demand in the organic herbals sector.

Curcumin not noticed enough, says PLThomas

New Jersey-based distributor PLThomas is stepping up efforts to promote its curcumin extract, after it sat on the backburner for over five years, and is hoping to draw further attention to the benefits of the ingredient.

CSPI threatens Enviga on eve of FDA hearing

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has served notice on Coca-Cola and Nestlé, the companies behind functional beverage Enviga, and said it will sue them if they continue to market the drink using calorie-burning and weight loss claims it says are 'fraudulent'.

Weekly Comment

Taking the junk out of junk food

The relationship between child and crisp has long been a sacred one but instead of exploiting this dynamic to shovel unhealthy food into young mouths isn't it about time healthier companies exploited it to push junk food without the junk?

Antioxidant-rich almonds may help in blood sugar control

Almonds may improve the control of blood sugar levels and eliminate 'sugar spikes' after eating, says new research from Canada that may have implications for diabetes and heart health.

Beta-carotene may protect certain people against Alzheimer's

High levels of the carotenoid beta-carotene may protect cognitive decline in people with a certain genotype that is said to increase the risk of Alzheimer's, say researchers.

Healthy adolescents regularly take vitamin supplements

A quarter of American adolescents regularly take multi-vitamin supplements, says a new study, and these young people have healthier diets and lifestyles than non-users.

Soy industry involved in protein, AIDS research

The US soy industry is supporting a new research project in South Africa to fill a gap in the data as to how soy protein supplementation could help people living with HIV and AIDS.

Studies question policosanol effectiveness

The effectiveness of policosanol, the waxy sugar-cane extract, to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels has been called into doubt by two new studies from North America.

Oligosaccharide identification may aid food and formula development

Researchers from Aglient Technologies and UC-Davis have developed a technique to enable the rapid analysis of oligosaccharides in individual samples human milk, which could prove a useful tool for the food and infant formula markets.

Soy and bone health: effective for women but not men?

Supplementation with a drink rich in soy isoflavones does significantly improve spine bone density in post-menopausal women, but the effects are not significant in men, says a new trial from the US.

Americans report on adverse events from supplements

A survey of prevalence of dietary supplements use and reported adverse events sheds interesting light on consumers' perceptions of product safety, and highlights the importance of health care professions asking about supplement use.

Health, environment amongst key trends for 2007, says market researcher

Local sourcing of ingredients, fresh food, and health are some of the major trends expected to gain increasing importance in the food and beverage market next year, according to Datamonitor's Productscan Online.