Cardiovascular health

Nattopharma builds case for RDI for vitamin K2

09-Apr-2020 By Hank Schultz

Norwegian supplier Nattopharma is helping to build a suite of scientific evidence on the broad cardiovascular health effects of Vitamin K2 that the company hopes will support an official recommendation on intakes of the substance.

New evidence emerges from Amarin’s EPA drug trial; company to appeal ruling invalidating patent

02-Apr-2020 By Hank Schultz

A ruling on an Amarin patent and a new paper looking through data of a clinical trial on the company’s EPA-based drug have potential implications for the omega-3s dietary supplements sector.

CRN UK highlights why essential nutrients have never been more essential

02-Apr-2020 By Will Chu

The ongoing threat of coronavirus could increase the potential for deficiencies in key micronutrients supporting the immune system, according to The Council for Responsible Nutrition UK (CRN UK).

Ahiflower, hemp, monk fruit headline new product launches

01-Apr-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Despite the cancellation of Natural Products Expo West, many brands are pushing ahead and insisting the show must go on. From supplements for first responders to multivitamins for babies, the latest products to launch offer something for everyone.

Small amount, big effects: A dose of fucoidan can affect gene expression, says Australian study

01-Apr-2020 By Tingmin Koe

Just a single dose Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan (UPF) is able to affect gene expression related to fundamental cellular processes, an Australian study – believed to be the first of its kind – has shown.

Anthocyanin supplements show heart health benefits for people with MetS: study

31-Mar-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplementation with anthocyanins from bilberries and blackcurrants may improve cardiometabolic risk factors in people with metabolic syndrome (MetS), says a new study from Australia.

Rice Bran Technologies reports steep losses, but claims pieces finally in place for profitable future

31-Mar-2020 By Hank Schultz

Rice Bran Technologies reported a narrowing loss as it finally brings a milling operation up to speed. But the company fell far short of its target revenue for 2019.

Habitual omega-3 supplementation linked to lower CVD and death risk: Study

31-Mar-2020 By Will Chu

Habitual fish oil supplementation may be linked to a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular (CVD) disease-related deaths, say researchers, who also point to a lower risk of CVD incidences as a result.

Aker writes new chapter in krill story casting it as choline source

25-Mar-2020 By Hank Schultz

The new research about krill’s choline bolsters the latest iteration of this story, said Nils Hoem, PhD, Aker’s chief scientist. Choline is a natural constituent of krill oil as part of its phospholipid makeup as a part of the molecule phosphatidylcholine.

FANCL’s Calolimit CVD and diabetes supplement backed by two new clinical trials

17-Mar-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

A FANCL-funded RCT study has discovered that the ingestion of tea flower extract, mulberry leaf extract, and chitosan could reduce postprandial blood glucose and triglyceride levels in healthy subjects.

Meta-analysis reveals omega-3 supplementation could improve urine protein excretion in diabetics

12-Mar-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

A meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials has found that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids for 24 weeks could significantly reduce urine protein excretion (proteinuria) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

DolCas tackles liver and vascular health with botanical extracts: Study

10-Mar-2020 By Danielle Masterson

A new clinical study suggests branded botanical ingredient Bergacyn is effective in providing liver support.

Wiley's Finest strikes out beyond fish with vegetarian omega-3s, pine tree sterols products

10-Mar-2020 By Hank Schultz

Wiley’s Finest has ventured beyond the realm of fish-based omega-3s with new products that feature algal and oil seed ingredients and a heart health product based on pine tree sterols that were developed by a Chilean firm.

Amino acid found in protein sources linked to cardiovascular disease

09-Mar-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified an amino acid found in plant- and animal-based protein sources like meat, beans and soy that is linked to the development of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and death.

Habitual tea drinking may help prevent cardiovascular disease and premature death: China population study

06-Mar-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

Tea consumption could reduce the risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and mortality, especially among consistent habitual tea drinkers.

96% of the globe may have insufficient access by 2100

Could climate change cause DHA omega-3 from oceans to plummet?

04-Mar-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Warming oceans may deliver a crushing blow to the production of DHA omega-3 by algae, which would ripple up the food chain and slash the global availability of this critical nutrient by 2100, says a scientific paper. But could rapid advances in plant...

Small Nitrosigine dose matches big citrulline dose in dilating blood vessels

03-Mar-2020 By Hank Schultz

Nutrition 21’s Nitrosigine has been shown to dilate blood vessels as effectively as a much higher dose of citrulline in a study published recently.

Omega-3 supplementation may prevent capsular contracture: Study

02-Mar-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Scientists in Italy surgically inserted miniature implants in mice to determine whether fish oil is effective in reducing the occurrence of a common breast implant complication.

Pea protein interest spiking in run-up to trade show

27-Feb-2020 By Hank Schultz

Pea is among the leading plant based protein alternatives. Interest in the ingredient and product launches are spiking in the run-up to the Expo West trade show.

Cumin essential oil boosts effect of fermented soy milk in diabetes model

26-Feb-2020 By Hank Schultz

Fermented soy milk to which cumin essential oil was added improved blood glucose levels and other markers in a rat diabetes model.

Specific gut bacteria linked to blood pressure

26-Feb-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Researchers have identified a distinct collection of bacteria found in the gut that may contribute to, and predict, the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Sports Nutrition Summit 2020

Dr. Susan Kleiner on the female athlete: 'They should be shown grunting, sweating'

25-Feb-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Sports nutrition marketing of the female athlete has come a long way as the industry embraces representing her as strong and powerful image rather than skinny and sexy, says Dr. Susan Kleiner, founder of High Performance Nutrition, and director of science...

Aker deploys drone to improve efficiency, add to ecosystem data collection

21-Feb-2020 By Hank Schultz

Leading krill harvester Aker BioMarine is making progress in its efforts to support the science of the Antarctic ecosystem with the full operational release of an autonomous sail drone.

Sports Nutrition Summit 2020

Highlights from San Diego: Online reviews, influencers, latest research and more

19-Feb-2020 By Hank Schultz, Danielle Masterson and Mary Ellen Shoup

The recent Sports Nutrition Summit brought cutting edge scientific and market insights to attendees who also had the opportunity to make important contacts with major players in the industry.

Mediterranean diet promotes gut bacteria linked to 'healthy aging' in older people: Study

19-Feb-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Diets high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes and olive oil may impact gut bacteria by increasing bacteria diversity and curbing the advance of physical frailty and cognitive decline in older populations.

Herbalife notches $4.9 billion in annual sales despite hit in China

19-Feb-2020 By Hank Schultz

Herbalife reported a 3% rise in sales for its full year, recording $4.9 billion in revenue. The increase was achieved even with sharp declines in China attributable to that country’s regulatory crackdown on multi level marketing companies.

Plant-based diet may help boost bacteria that protects heart health: Study

18-Feb-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Researchers explore the role that diet plays in gut bacteria and how it may impact cardiovascular health.

Deadline for entry is April 3, 2020!

IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas 2020 call for abstracts: Got groundbreaking research to shout about?

11-Feb-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Are you researching the latest state-of-the-art developments related to prebiotic, probiotic and microbiome science relevant to human health, well-being, consumers and industry? If so, we would like to hear from you!

From the editor's desk

Persistent nutrition gaps at sports teams provides opportunity

07-Feb-2020 By Hank Schultz

Many pro sports leagues still have a long way to go when it comes to supporting players with proper nutrition and supplementation, which could be a big opportunity for sports nutrition companies.

NutraCast Podcast: Industry trends with Randal Kreienbrink

07-Feb-2020 By Danielle Masterson

We sat down with an industry insider to find out what practices and ingredients are on trend.

USANA's sales fall; future outlook dimmed by coronavirus crisis

07-Feb-2020 By Hank Schultz

USANA Health Sciences net sales dropped 7% in fiscal 2019 according to its annual report. The future outlook is clouded even further by the expected continuing market dislocations caused by the coronavirus crisis in China.

GOED analysis supports quality levels for majority of US omega-3 supplements

05-Feb-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The majority of the 48 most widely sold retail EPA/DHA omega-3 dietary supplements on the US market are of good quality, according to a new analysis by GOED that the trade groups calls “a timely snapshot of product quality in the US”.

Review: Plant pigment can significantly reduce blood pressure

30-Jan-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

A new review has concluded that intake of the flavonoid quercetin can greatly reduce high blood pressure in patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.

News in brief

Kaneka receives Canadian NPN for Floradapt Cardio

29-Jan-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) has issued a Class III approval for Kaneka’s Floradapt Cardio probiotic.

Consumption of chilli pepper may increase physical activity and reduce fat in older adults – Japan study

29-Jan-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

Capsinoids from non-pungent chilli peppers have been reported to increase physical activity (PA), reduce body fat mass, and promote metabolism in older Japanese adults.

Walnuts' impact on gut health may explain blood pressure benefits

27-Jan-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

The heart health benefits associated with walnuts may be due to their ability to boost good gut bacteria, according to a new study by Penn State researchers.

Centenarian-inspired: Metabolite supplementation shows benefits for fatty liver disease and weight management

23-Jan-2020 By Tingmin Koe

Consuming plant-derived metabolites is able to bring a hosts of health benefit, such as weight management and reversing fatty liver disease, according to the clinical trial director at Japanese firm Mi Innovation Labo.

Satiety makes a comeback in weight management

22-Jan-2020 By Hank Schultz

Promoting satiety as a weight management strategy has had a checkered career, but the concept is regaining some acceptance as a viable way to help consumers battle the bulge.

Fiber product offers new take on old standby

22-Jan-2020 By Hank Schultz

A new fiber product called Bellway has generated interest from the investment community as it presents a new take on an old standby—psyllium seed husk.

Two drug trial failures not good news for omega-3s sector

15-Jan-2020 By Hank Schultz

The omega-3s sector has endured a bad week with the announcement of the failure of clinical trials of two high profile drugs—one based of fish oil and the other on krill.

Drinking green tea may contribute to a ‘longer and healthier life,' study finds

13-Jan-2020 By Will Chu

Tea consumption is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease as well as improvements to health and longevity, especially among consistent habitual tea drinkers, a study concludes.

Nestlé Health Science acquires personalized medicine platform

08-Jan-2020 By Danielle Masterson

New year, new acquisitions. Nestlé Health Science is once again bolstering its presence in the personalized nutrition space by acquiring LivingMatrix.

Watermelon supplements found to benefit obese mice: Study

08-Jan-2020 By Danielle Masterson

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that watermelon byproducts positively alter glucose levels, the gut microbiome, and inflammation in lab mice. Now researchers are ready to take their findings to human studies.

The NutraIngredients-USA Awards are back! Submit your entries!

08-Jan-2020 By Stephen Daniells

The NutraIngredients-USA Awards 2020 have three new categories but the same commitment to honor the best and brightest in ingredients, finished products, companies, people, and initiatives in the dietary supplements industry.

NIU’s Global Round-up: Folic acid fortification coming to the UK? India’s booming sports nutrition market, and more

06-Jan-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Happy New Year! The first week of 2020 was relatively quiet but there was still important news for the nutra- industry around the world: Stay on top of things with our weekly round-up of key news from across the globe.

Aker: Krill outlook even brighter than for omega-3s as a whole

02-Jan-2020 By Hank Schultz

Major krill oil supplier AkerBiomarine expects its subset of the omega-3s realm to outperform the sector as a whole in 2020.

Calcium supplements have ‘little place in modern medicine’ – Controversial review

18-Dec-2019 By Richard Whitehead

A new review suggests that calcium and vitamin D supplements have little effect in increasing bone density and preventing fractures.

OmegaQuant partners with Australian agency to drive omega-3s research

16-Dec-2019 By Hank Schultz

A new lab partnership will help drive omega-3s research in the Asia Pacific region, according to OmegaQuant, a firm that has developed a simple blood test to measure levels of these important nutrients.

New point-and-shoot method can measure omega-3 levels in fish oil at every step of supply chain

16-Dec-2019 By Guan Yu Lim

Researchers from New Zealand have found a way of using Raman spectroscopy to quickly analyse omega-3 fatty acid concentration in intact soft gel fish oil capsules without destroying them.

Guest article

New health claims, new science, and steady sales: Why 2019 was a ‘solid’ year for omega-3s

12-Dec-2019 By Ellen Schutt, Executive Director, GOED

The year 2019 was a solid one for the omega-3 business, with sales remaining steady. In the US, the market was mostly flat, but strong regional growth in the Asia-Pacific region and other emerging markets led to category growth overall.