British healthcare business Peter Black has sold its vitamin and
mineral unit to Belgian company Omega Pharma for an undisclosed
sum, thought to be worth tens of millions of pounds.
A study by researchers in Manchester, England, suggests that
Cognis' Xangold natural lutein ester supplements may promote eye
health in the elderly. If the evidence is confirmed, dietary
supplements and a higher intake of fruits...
A research project investigating how a member of the vitamin E
family, alpha-tocotrienol, helps protect against neurodegenerative
diseases has received $1 million in funding from the US National
Institute of Health.
The maker of hemp and flax-based products Nutiva claims it has
launched the only certified organic hemp oil and gel capsules
widely distributed in the US.
Honey contains similar levels of antioxidants as broccoli, and a
range of antioxidants comparable to that found in apples, bananas,
oranges and strawberries, according to research presented at the
national meeting of the American...
A survey by Mera Pharmaceuticals has found that its
microalgae-derived supplement, AstaFactor, could act as an
anti-inflammatory agent. The primary ingredient, astaxanthin, is
also a powerful antioxidant.
The American Arbitration Association has ruled that the disputed
agreement between PharmaNutrients and Norwegian company Natural,
created when the joint-venture separated in 1999, is 'valid and
enforceable.'
A medical investigation of chronic lead poisoning in a woman, who
gave birth at an Adelaide hospital in Australia, has found it was
caused by imported herbal tablets.
Nutritional supplement maker Metabolife has issued a statement
responding to calls for an investigation into reports of
side-effects caused by its ephedra products.
Researchers in the US have developed a new compound, designed from
a known anti-cancer agent found in broccoli, that shows potential
for preventing breast cancer.
California-based Naturade, the marketer of soy protein products,
posted a decrease of 24 per cent in net sales for the second
quarter, and an operating loss of $0.7 million (€0.7m).
Red wine in particular has benefited from scientific evidence that
it is good for the heart, but little has been said about wine-based
drinks such as Cognac. But one company, Pierre Boullmer Estates, is
focusing on the health benefits...
The US Food and Drug Administration calls for a criminal
investigation into Metabolife over the safety of some of the
company's ephedra-based diet products.
The speciality chemicals business has signed an agreement with
Natural, giving it worldwide marketing and manufacturing rights for
two of Natural's CLA brands.
A long-term study is one of the first to analyse the link between
diet and heart disease in women, rather than grouping both women
and men together. The research is published in this week's
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
BSP Pharma, a joint venture between Aarhus Oliefabrik and
pharmaceutical company Astion, has reported strong results in
pre-clinical trials on its shea nut oil-based treatments.
The world's biggest vitamin and supplements maker Numico is the
latest company this week to post a slide in first-half profits well
below expectations. The company was severely hit by weak US vitamin
sales with the Rexall Sundown...
Alternativa Natural is to market the natural antioxidant Origanox,
produced by RAD Natural Technologies, as a dietary supplement
available for the health, food and cosmeceutical industries.
A new report on the US nutraceutical industry claims that the
sector has become so popular that soon so-called "unhealthy" foods
will have added health benefits.
Further evidence that a natural supplement may be a better
alternative to HRT for treating menopause symptoms. Two new studies
find positive results on red clover supplement Promensil.
Pharmaceuticals giant Roche this week reported a 28 per cent fall
in net profits for the first half of the year. The Swiss company
saw net profit fall from SF2.5billion to SF1.8billion, partly due
to a 39 per cent drop in operating...
With an overall drop of 3 per cent in sales for this year's first
half, Degussa refutes expectations of an upturn in the second half.
Restructuring of core businesses and divesting non-core operations
will continue in a drive...
Nutraceutical company reports successful first half year,
attributing results to new product launches and returns from the
restructuring carried out in 1998.
A new study has found that taking a daily vitamin E supplement does
not prevent respiratory infections in older people and could even
aggravate symptoms in those who do get a cold. Further research is
necessary to explain the results.
US-based Sterling Foods has signed an agreement with Nutraceutical
Clinical Laboratories International (NCLI) to use its natural
preservative NuPreserv in its baked goods.
US-based Lifeway Foods reported second quarter revenues of $3
million (€3.03), an increase of 9 per cent on the same period last
year. The success continues the strong trend seen this year by the
functional foods manufacturer.
America's National Honey Board (NHB) has developed a sports
beverage formula which it claims offers the same nutrients as major
branded versions but has a higher level of potassium.
The German pharmaceuticals group reports that sales in the first
six months of 2002 rose 21 per cent on the previous year to €3.7
billion while operating income showed growth of 48 per cent to €495
million. Business in the US was...
The manufacturer of functional food ingredients derived from rice
bran reported lower revenues and net income for the second quarter
compared with the same period last year, but said sales in domestic
markets have grown.
Zinc intake among the elderly in Europe is generally low - but
European researchers are currently trying to discover the role of
zinc in preventing the chronic and degenerative diseases associated
with ageing.
Quorn Foods has defended its meat-free foods, following an attack
by the Center for Science in the Public Interest which wants Quorn
to be recalled from US supermarkets.
People with a low amount of potassium in their diet could be more
likely to experience a stroke, find scientists. Increasing dietary
intake of fruits such as bananas and nuts could help reduce the
risk.
The Swiss food giant has confirmed its interest in some of
Novartis' functional foods, part of the unit put up for sale
earlier this year. Analysts speculate that the food group could
easily afford to buy the drug company's...
British retailer the Co-op is calling for the UK government to
crack down on products which make misleading health claims. The
company is to launch a new consumer-friendly food label following
research on consumer needs.
A new European project is to study biomarkers for antioxidants and
look at ways in which the release of dietary antioxidants can be
successfully measured.
Energy drink maker Hansen Natural reported record gross and net
sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2002. The company
attributed strong sales to its core beverage lines and new product
introductions.
Japanese company Yakult Honsha, maker of the probiotic drink, saw
its shares plummet today following a report that it had paid off a
suspected racketeer.
Nutritional supplement maker AIM has introduced a new whole food
concentrate derived from young barley plants. BarleyLife is said to
have more than three times the beta carotene of its predecessor
Barleygreen, and twice the protein...
Signs that the functional food market is gaining ground were
revealed this week when the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA)
announced it is considering a 'novel food' application by a food
manufacturer to market 'milk and...
Yet another natural product touted as an effective alternative to
HRT has been launched in the US. OsteoPure Plus is a spin-off of
the bone-building supplement from Marathon Nutrifoods.
Processing fruit and vegetables is known to reduce their vitamin C
content, but this does not necessarily mean that their antioxidant
properties are reduced, claim scientists in the US.
The producer of plant-based dairy alternatives shrugs off flat
sales to post a strong rise in profits in the first quarter of
fiscal 2003 as its restructuring and expansion programme begins to
pay dividends.
An increase in the number of outlets, as well as good growth in
sales from existing stores, helped natural foods retailer Whole
Foods Market to a 37 per cent hike in profits in Q3.
