Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition - North America EU edition

Coca-Cola dominates 2007 functional acquisitions

This year was characterized by larger mainstream food and beverage companies moving into the value-added and functional business.

More support for omega-3 and weight management

As we head into the festive season, and the inevitable over-indulgence, researchers from Japan have reported that omega-3-rich fish oil could reduce body weight gain by boosting fat metabolism - in mice at least.

Forbes Medi-Tech looks to reorganize

Forbes Medi-Tech announced it has taken steps towards a corporate reorganization that would made the Canadian company wholly-owned by a new company.

Green products can sustain price premium, report

Americans will be willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products in 2008, despite an overall decline in consumer spending, reveals a new study.

Dietary fibre linked to better lung function

Increased intake of dietary fibre, from both cereal and fruit sources, could boost lung health, and may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggests a new study.

Maternal omega-3 consumption boosts offspring's coordination

Increased intake of the omega-3 DHA during pregnancy could produce improved motor function in the offspring in later life, suggests a new study from the Netherlands.

Study supports pomegranate extract's safety

An ellagitannin-rich pomegranate extract is safe and effective in enhancing the antioxidant profile in humans, scientists have reported.

Procter & Gamble's claims are correct, NAD

Following an investigation, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has determined that advertising claims made by Procter & Gamble concerning the cholesterol-lower capacity of its Metamucil dietary supplement are supported.

GMPs and AERs dominate 2007 regulatory scene

In terms of regulation, 2007 has been an exciting year, with the dietary supplement industry gearing up to implement new legislation designed to better ensure the safety of its products.

Atrium plans to sell its actives and chemicals division

Atrium is planning to sell its active ingredients and specialty chemicals division in order to focus its energies on the nutritional supplements sector.

Whey encapsulation highlights 2007

Whey protein is increasingly hitting the mainstream. This year saw numerous studies published exploring the potential of the ingredient to encapsulate value-added ingredients. Here, FoodNavigator reviews the progress from 2007.

Exclusive interview

Think big, think nano

In an exclusive interview, Professor Niels Christian Nielsen, winner of this year's Danisco Award, shared his thoughts with Stephen Daniells on the rise of nanotechnology and gave insight on this fascinating new area of the food industry.

Excess folate worsens B12 deficiency effects: study

The effects of vitamin B12 deficiency may be exacerbated by too much folate, suggests a new study from Tufts University.

Meta-analysis adds weight to soy's bone benefits

Increased soy isoflavone consumption from dietary or supplemental sources for six months can boost bone mineral density in the spine by almost one gram in menopausal women, according to a meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials.

CRN denounces DHEA bill

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has expressed concern over a bill introduced to Congress and aimed at preventing abuse of dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA.

AHPA brings irradiation concerns to FDA

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) announced it has submitted a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to request that the agency deny a food additive petition that would allow the use of ionizing irradiation on dietary supplement ingredients.

Kosher tops list of 2007 product launches, Mintel

'Kosher' was the most frequently used claim on new products launched in the US during 2007, while 'All Natural' and 'No Additives or Preservatives' were amongst the other most popular claims used on new products, reveals data from Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD).

Meta-analysis supports fibre for uterus cancer protection

For every five grams of dietary fibre per 1000 calories, women may reduce their risk of endometrial cancer by over 20 per cent, suggests a new meta-analysis.

Isoflavones may stop benign breast lumps: study

The potential benefits of soy isoflavones for breast health may extend beyond malignant tumours, as a new study suggests a lower incidence of benign breast cysts.

New Years resolutions and consumers

As many consumers plan for a last blast of excess before kicking in the New Year with healthy living resolutions, functional food and dietary supplement manufacturers could leverage these goals with targeted marketing.

Supplements could benefits from Major League Baseball report

A new report investigating the use of performance-enhancing substances in Major League Baseball (MLB) could help the dietary supplement industry, whose products are often blamed for misleading athletes into consuming banned substances.

Moderate beer intake may cut Alzheimer's risk: study

The silicon content of beer may protect against the deleterious effects of aluminium on brain health, suggests a new study with mice from Spain.

Weekly comment

Time for antioxidants v2.0

'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.

Sabinsa partners with Tempo Canada

Sabinsa Corporation is taking on the Canadian market with a sales and marketing agreement with Tempo Canada for the distribution of specialized, standardized botanical extracts and cosmeceuticals.

Cloned food postponed

Food from cloned animals looks likely to take longer than expected to enter the American food supply, following the passage of a provision in the Senate's Farm Bill that requires more testing.

Nutrition 21 explores chromium for cognitive health

Nutrition 21 is publicizing new clinical data indicating a positive effect of chromium picolinate on cognitive function, the results of which look set to expand the functional profile of the ingredient.

Green tea extracts may stop Parkinson's: study

The antioxidant effects of green tea polyphenols may protect neurons against the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), thereby offering potential benefits for Parkinson's, says new research from China.

Survey reveals consumers still don't know nutrients well

There is still a long way to go in educating consumers on which nutrients support which systems in the body indicates a new survey from the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC).

More relevant research needed for antioxidants, says expert

Antioxidants should be the focus of more relevant research, especially for the high doses used in dietary supplements, according to an editorial in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

Decas cranberries deliver high PAC punch

As Christmas celebrations approach, consumers have all things red on the mind, and Decas Cranberry Products is using the occasion to promote its sweetened dried cranberries as a rich source of proanthocyanidins.

Omega-3 shows benefits for fat loss in diabetics

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids could reduce fat mass in diabetics, as well as improving blood lipid levels associated with the formation of arterial plaque, suggests a new study from France.

L-carnitine linked to better mental function in the very old

Supplements of L-carnitine improved total muscle mass and boosted cognitive performance among a group of centenarians in Italy, reports a new study.

North Dakota farmers to appeal hemp rights at federal court

Two North Dakota farmers who had their commercial hemp farming case dismissed are now appealing the decision with the federal court, further battling for the protein crop's right to grow.

Oceangrown to launch marine bioactives

New company Oceangrown International is counting on the science and appeal for consumers behind marine-derived nutraceutical ingredients as it sets out to launch products for the cosmeceutical, nutrition and weight management markets.

USDA predicts more commodity price rises

US wheat stocks will fall to their lowest level in 60 years, which will contribute to a sharp rise in prices, according to US Department of Agriculture projections.

Vitamin D dose study adds weight to intake increases

Doses of vitamin D3 of 2,000 International Units (IU) - the current tolerable upper intake level (UL) in Europe and the US - are needed to ensure blood levels of the vitamin amongst post-menopausal African-American women, says a new study.

Bilberry tester will help detect contaminants

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has launched a toolbox designed to help determine whether powdered bilberry extract is contaminated.

Study backs isoflavones safety rep for blood clotting

Isoflavones from soy, despite having weak oestrogenic activity, do not adversely affect blood clotting function, says a new study from Brazil.

MB North America gets Go-luo ready for sweet and natural foods

Martin Bauer (MB) North America is launching its branded Go-luo for foods in the US following its independent designation of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status.

US and China sign for food safety in exports

The US and China signed agreements Tuesday aimed at improving the safety of food following a spate of contamination cases involving Chinese exports.

Med diet linked to longer life - study

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, olive oil and fish, may reduce the risk of dying from cancer and cardiovascular disease, says a new US study.

Innobio launches organic omega-3 powder for foods

Innobioactives has launched an organic omega-3 powder, thereby marrying two very important trends in the food industry.

Interhealth links with Nealanders for Canadian market

Interhealth Nutraceuticals has entered into an exclusive agreement with Nealanders International for distribution of its ingredients in Canada.

Analysis questions calcium's benefits for fractures

Placing all the eggs in one basket and relying on calcium supplements alone to protect against fractures in old age may be inefficient, according to a new review by Harvard researchers.

SunOpta acquires Neo-Nutritionals

The SunOpta natural food group has added another link to its acquisition chain with the purchase of Neo-Nutritionals in Canada.

MM2 and Genotec partner on Chinese softgels

MM2 Group announced its subsidiary, Genotec Nutritionals, has entered into a joint venture to manufacture softgel capsules in China.

Weekly Comment

Infant nutrition: Too close for comfort?

Industry has to walk a tightrope between lending a benevolent hand to support infant nutrition for the good of public health, and cynical marketing that seems to cash in on sensitivities.

MSM makes its name known for osteoarthritis

Researchers have associated methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, to protecting articular cartilage and reducing inflammation in osteoarthritis - findings that could bolster the profile of the ingredient for joint health.

Plant compounds for cancer shine at conference

Active compounds from plants - such as polyphenols and antioxidants - played an important role at a cancer research conference held in the US last week, with research on the clinical potential behind the ingredients being pushed forward.

Pilot study supports raspberry potential for oesophageal cancer

Freeze-dried black raspberries have received a new boost for their role in preventing oesophageal cancer, with a pilot human study reporting a reduction of oxidative stress in patients with condition Barrett's oesophagus.

Danisco USA plugs the prebiotic-probiotic combo

In a drive to spread the message on the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health and immunity, Danisco USA held a symposium on the science behind these ingredients.

Natraceutical files counterclaim against Mars in patent dispute

In an ongoing legal battle over polyphenol enriched cocoa extracts, Natraceutical Group has filed counterclaims alleging Mars' patents are invalid and unenforceable.

Health-conscious Asia delivers for Ocean Spray ingredients

Ocean Spray has reported huge growth in sales of cranberry ingredients to the Asia-Pacific market in the past 12 months, as health-conscious are tuning in to the red berry's health benefits.

Soy-equol study may lead to better ingredient selection

The bioavailability of the soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein, and metabolism of the latter to form equol, is higher after soymilk consumption than soy germ, says a new study.

Folate may reduce depression symptoms for men, says study

Increased intake of folate may reduce the incidence of depression amongst by 50 per cent, suggests a new study of over 500 Japanese subjects.

Energy drinks to steal soda's thunder

Energy drinks, including sports drinks, are gaining momentum at the expense of carbonated beverages, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

B vitamins vital before conception: study

Mothers with low B vitamin levels before conceiving tend to have fatter male offspring at greater risk of high blood pressure, suggests new research with sheep.

Bisphenol A in infant formula at 'dangerous' levels, says group

Bisphenol A (BPA), known as the 'gender bender' chemical, leaches into liquid baby formula from the linings of cans at levels dangerous to infant health, according to new research published yesterday by a US environmental group

Test claims sports supplements contain illegal substances

A non-profit supplement testing program has issued a report revealing banned substances exist in certain sports-related dietary supplements, which has generated a buzz in the mainstream media and concern from industry itself.

Carotenoid-rich tomatoes linked to cholesterol cuts

Including tomato products such a sauce and juice into the everyday diet may cut LDL cholesterol levels by 13 per cent, says a new study from Finland.

Combating the moody blues

With winter underway, it may be the right time for marketers to position their dietary supplement or functional food products to stave off seasonal mood changes.

Ganeden to bring sturdy probiotic strain to foods

Ganeden Biotech is planning to bring its proprietary probiotic ingredient, GanedenBC30, to functional foods, thereby adding one more strain of friendly bacteria to the market.

New analysis reignites antioxidant efficacy debate

Positive results for vitamin E and beta-carotene from observational studies are continuing to be cited in the literature despite contradictory evidence from randomised trials, says a new analysis.

Burgundy builds science behind Devil's Claw ingredient

Burgundy's IridoForce ingredient may inhibit the activity of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) by 31 per cent, says a new study that adds to the joint health benefits of the ingredient.

NAD advises Bayer to temper claims

The National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus is recommending Bayer Healthcare modify or discontinue certain claims surrounding its Vital and Sharp Mind supplement.

FDA funding gap has reached crisis levels, says report

Safety issues concerning dietary supplements could reach a "crisis" point if more money is not channeled into the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), according to a new report from the Subcommittee on Science and Technology.

Canada invests further into nutraceuticals

In a bid to foster further innovation and growth in the country's functional food industry, the Canadian government is investing C$950,000 towards the Atlantic Bioventure Centre Project.

Indian herb's diabetes benefits gets study boost

Supplements of the Indian herbal Coccinia indica may reduce blood sugar levels by about 20 per cent, says a new study from India that adds to the Indian herb linked potential to aid diabetics.

Martin Bauer launches prickly pear for diabetes

Martin Bauer North America has launched Opundia, a line of proprietary prickly pear cactus extracts to support healthy blood glucose levels.

Timing of antioxidants key to easing oxidative stress after meals

Consuming antioxidant-rich foods during meals reduces the oxidative stress associated with eating, says a new study that highlights the importance of timing for maximum health benefits.

Industry calls for new UN climate change agreement

Major food and drink companies such as Nestle are part of an industry group calling on the world's leaders to forge a binding UN agreement to tackle climate change.

Neotropico to harness South American biodiversity for nutraceuticals

In an effort to bridge the gap between the ample nutraceutical potential of biodiversity in South America and research and industry in North America, Argentine consultancy Neotropico has opened an office in Los Angeles.

Weekly comment

Industry's role against HIV/AIDS

Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues to sweep a devastating toll.

Study gives vitamin K anti-inflammation boost

Increased intake of vitamin K1, and to a lesser extend vitamin D, could protect against inflammation, and positively effect chronic disease risk, suggests a new observational study.

Scientists probe tomato's benefits beyond lycopene

Phytoene and phytofluene, lesser known compounds from tomatoes, also accumulate in significant quantities in key organs, and may play a role in the health benefits previously attributed to lycopene, suggests a new study with rats.