Healthy aging

JAMA study links low vitamin D levels to ‘profound’ and ‘rapid’ cognitive decline

15-Sep-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency may have “substantial” accelerating effects on cognitive decline in the elderly, says a new study from UC Davis and Rutgers University.

Probiotic specialist brings Mitsubishi's 'immunobiotic' ingredient to US market in gummy form

11-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

Florida-based probiotic specialist Viva 5 Corporation has launched an ‘immunobiotic’ ingredient in a gummy delivery system for the US market.

$35 million for cognitive & metabolic resilience, women’s health & cutting edge technologies: NIH’s natural product research projects

10-Sep-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Five research centers will focus on topics ranging from high-throughput functional annotation of natural products to botanicals for women’s health, with funding coming from the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the...

ABC report shows US herbal supplement sales rose 6.8% in 2014

09-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

Overall sales of herbal dietary supplements rose 6.8% in 2014, according to new information released by the American Botanical Council.

AstaReal announces plan to further expand US astaxanthin facility as finished product brand hits market

08-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

Astaxanthin manufacturer AstaReal has announced plans to further expand its production facility in Washington State and has followed other producers of the carotenoid into the direct-to-consumer finished products market.

Vitamin K2 shown to reduce arterial calcification in kidney disease model

03-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

A new study has found the vitamin K2 supplementation suppresses calcification and resultant muscle damage in rats in a kidney disease model. The result helps bolster the vitamin’s bone and cardiovascular health benefits, according to Norwegian company...

Cannavest gets CBD oil products on natural channel retail shelves amid mounting losses

02-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

Cannavest, a Las Vegas, NV-based company active in the CBD marketplace, has reported a sharp increase in losses in its second quarter, 2015 earnings statement. But the company also hit the retail market with its PlusCBD Oil product and secured significant...

With no study showing how CoQ10 eases statin side effects, it's two steps forward, one step back for ingredient

01-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

A recent article in The New York Times that hinged on the side effects of statins had nothing to say about CoQ10, despite widely available information about the ingredient’s potential benefit in dealing with these side effects.

Vitamin D increases muscle strength: Review

01-Sep-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Vitamin D supplementation significantly increases upper and lower limb strength, a review of seven trials has found.

BlueOcean launches consumer brand to boost visibility of extended release technology, omega-3 shrimp oil

31-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

BlueOcean Nutrasciences has taken the direct-to-consumer route with an extended release, tablet form of omega-3 fish oil. The company intends to boost the viability of that technology in its own right as well as to use the launch to boost the visibility...

Amino acid supplements may boost vascular endothelial function in older adults: Study

28-Aug-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

A combination of HMB (a metabolite of leucine), glutamine and arginine may improve vascular function and blood flow in older people, says a new study.

NBTY's acquisition of Dr Organic mirrors trend in supplement industry toward personal care

26-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Dietary supplement manufacturing giant NBTY has acquired UK skincare line Dr Organic, a move that mirrors a trend in the supplement industry toward higher margin personal care offerings.

Pre hypertension link to risk in young adults widens scope for grape seed extract, Polyphenolics says

25-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

High blood pressure has been called the silent killer, and a recent study indicates its effects may be more widespread than previously believed.  It creates a market opportunity for those few dietary supplement ingredients that have data backing their...

Firm automates ingredient discovery based on epigenetic activity

24-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Finding new bioactive molecules has in the past been something of a treasure hunt that had developers combing records of traditional uses of botanicals for clues pointing the way to new products. UK-based natural products company Sibelius Limited is one...

CoQ10 patent infringement hatchet far from buried, association president says

24-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

A patent dispute among CoQ10 producers which had faded from view because many in the industry assumed it was settled is still very much alive via court procedures in Texas and has the theoretical potential to upset the apple cart for an ingredient that...

Probiotic growth engine to continue humming for near future, UAS Labs exec says

21-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

UAS Labs is well positioned to ride the wave of probiotic popularity and has responded with a tripling of its manufacturing capacity, CEO Kevin Mehring said.

Twinlab rounds last bend in restructuring marathon with acquisition of Reserveage supplement line

21-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Twinlab Consolidated Holdings LLC has competed the last lap of a journey that began when CEO Tom Tolworthy took the reins of the previous version of Twinlab in 2011. The plan has now come to full fruition with the impending acquisition of Organic Holdings...

Tate & Lyle Ventures invests in Evolve BioSystems for newborn probiotics & prebiotics

20-Aug-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Evolve BioSystems is receiving a $2 million investment from Tate & Lyle Ventures to support Evolve’s ongoing clinical activities and preparations for commercial launch of its novel probiotic and prebiotic products.

Brain boosting bioactives, Part 2: From citicoline and curcumin to resveratrol

19-Aug-2015 By Stephen Daniells

In the run-up to the NutraIngredients-USA’s Cognitive Health Online Summit on September 2, 2015, we’re taking a look at the leading ingredients… 

Brain boosting bioactives, Part 1: From omega-3 to vitamin E

19-Aug-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Memory, attention and focus, development, mood; there are numerous ways that a nutrient or ingredient can affect cognitive health. But which have the most science, how do they work, and how are they performing in the market?

Remember to back up memory claims with precise substantiation, expert says

18-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Losing one’s memory continues to be one of consumers’ number one health concerns. While that represents a healthy market opportunity, companies seeking to address that concern with a dietary supplement need to be very careful about what they say about...

‘Demonstrating efficacy through clinical trials will drive future marketing’: JBSL-USA President

17-Aug-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Nattokinase, an enzyme extracted from fermented soy, has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with its foundation of science key to driving future marketing and consumer understanding, says Vincent Hackel, President of JBSL-USA, Inc.

More grab-and-go, high-protein breakfast items needed to fight chronic diseases, researcher says

17-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research showing high protein breakfasts can prevent weight gain, curb hunger pangs and stabilize glucose levels reveals unmet needs in the marketplace and opportunities for packaged food manufacturers, according to the lead investigator. 

Mannatech joins network marketing trend where Asia is primary growth driver

14-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Mannatech, a Texas-based network marketing company selling dietary supplements, is becoming part of the trend in the direct selling industry where most of the growth is occurring in Asia.

Investor blasts Omega Protein's human nutrition diversification plans, calls for breakup, sale of company

13-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein Corporation has received a harsh critique of its diversification strategy from a major investor.  Wynnefield Partners filed a Form 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission calling for the company to seek alternatives—up to and including...

Calcium & magnesium reduce risk of metabolic syndrome: 9000-strong study

13-Aug-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Calcium and magnesium may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome – but men need above and beyond recommended levels for this effect, say researchers.

Snacks now comprise 50% of all eating occasions

Eating alone, continuous snacking and the slow death of the primary shopper: 10 things you need to know about the changing American consumer

11-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

American households - and eating habits - are changing, and food marketers need to catch up, says the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) in its 2015 US Grocery Shopper Trends report. Here are 10 things that caught our eye...

In the year 2020: Global nutraceuticals market to be worth €35bn; 7% annual growth forecast

10-Aug-2015

Botanicals are the fastest growing nutraceutical ingredient class in a category being driven by ageing populations around the world, a report has found.

Research review questions whether low FODMAP diets are solution to digestive woes

07-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Limiting consumption of certain carbs may not be the panacea once thought for bloating and abdominal pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome, and actually could cause more harm if not overseen by a healthcare provider, a new data review suggests. 

Prebiotic boosts healthy elderly immune systems: Study

30-Jul-2015 By Shane STARLING

A proprietary prebiotic blend can deliver immune system benefits to the healthy elderly better than placebo, an industry-backed study in the UK has found.

'Limited evidence' for vitamin B12 & neurological function in elderly: Oxford University review

28-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Proof of an association between B12 status and neurological function in older people is limited, a review of 12 studies has concluded.

Memory supplements with data to back claims should be acknowledged, says developer with 8 studies to his credit

27-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Thomas Shea, PhD, the academic driving force behind the development of Perceptiv, a memory support dietary supplement, said he was pained to see memory support products tarred with a broad brush via recent statements made by Sen. Claire McCaskill. While...

‘Little evidence’ of vitamin D helping inflammatory biomarkers in elderly

27-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Researchers have questioned the association between vitamin D and inflammatory biomarkers after a year-long trial revealed no impact on the levels of the immune system’s cytokine or adipokine.

Special Edition: Innovations in Delivery Systems

Fortified gel printed onto ready meals set for rapid global commercialization, says company

24-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

A new generation of restaurant quality ready meals targeting seniors is set for commercial launch this year, with a patented technology allowing fortified gels to be printed onto the food.

UNPA report shows organic and natural products sales surging in Arizona despite state's sizable couch potato segment

23-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Arizona is emerging as a hotbed for sales of organic and natural foods and beverages, dietary supplements and other natural products, according to a new analysis by the United Natural Products Alliance. According to the report, the first of its kind focusing...

science short

Vitamin E significantly improves liver function for fatty liver patients: Meta-analysis

22-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Vitamin E can significantly improve liver function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) including non-alcoholic steatohepatisis (NASH), a meta-analysis of five clinical trials.

NASA food science: Complete nutrition, emerging technologies, and the Mission to Mars

21-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

NASA is exploring all forms of cutting edge technology, from 3D printing to high pressure processing and more to be able to transition its food system from the International Space Station to a Mission to Mars, says Grace Douglas, PhD.

‘Expanding the innovative ingredient options’: Glanbia launches omega-3 powder

16-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Glanbia Nutritionals has launched a new omega-3 powder for inclusion in multi-ingredient applications, including tablet, capsule, melt and powdered beverage applications.

LGG may ‘transiently’ boost anti-inflammatory functions in the gut microbiota: Human data

14-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 may not change the host’s gut microbiota but may stimulate anti-inflammatory activities of microbes already resident, says a new study.

Cardiologists recommend CoQ10, but some aren’t sure why, survey finds

10-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Cardiologists frequently prescribe CoQ10 for their patients, but fewer of them are fully aware of the need for supplementation in connection with statin use, a new survey has found.

McCaskill calls memory claims 'disgusting' in wake of FTC settlement with supplement marketer

10-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

A newly strident critic of the dietary supplement industry, Senator Claire McCaskill, D-MO, levied another attack on the way the business is regulated in the wake of a fine levied by the Federal Trade Commission against the marketers of a memory-support...

Science and market build for Kemin’s spearmint extract for cognitive health

10-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of Kemin’s Neumentix spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) extract may improve the quality and accuracy of working memory in older adults, say data from a gold-standard randomized controlled trial.

Energy drink launches based on branded ingredient message

06-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

A new energy drink product has launched based on the science behind two branded ingredients, Cognizin citicoline from Kyowa Hakko, and PurEnergy, a caffeine/pterostilbine crystalline combination manufactured by ChromaDex.

Supercharged liposomal delivery technology underpins absorption claims for company's liquid multivitamin

06-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

A refinement of liposomal delivery technology forms the basis of the message of Victory Nutrition, a network marketing company based on a liquid multivitamin/phyotonutrient complex branded as Prodovite.

‘An exciting finding’: Are the brain health benefits of B vitamins dependent on omega-3 levels?

06-Jul-2015 By Stephen Daniells

B vitamins may protect against age-related brain wasting, but only in people with high omega-3 levels, says a new study from the University of Oxford that extends our understanding of how nutrients work together.

Probiota Americas

Collaboration among stakeholders needed for probiotics research to move forward, experts say

23-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

The immediate future of the probiotics space is clouded by regulatory uncertainty but is buoyed by new science and technology, speakers at the recent Probiota Americas event said.

One week to go!

Experts to talk science, regs, challenges and opportunities in immune health

22-Jun-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Experts from Abbott Nutrition, the University of Southampton, Vynna LLC, and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP will join NutraIngredients-USA’s Hank Schultz for an hour-long, free to attend discussion of the booming immune health sector. Don’t miss your...

Special edition: Immune support

The key market data and ingredients in the immune health sector

18-Jun-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Immune supplement sales were valued at an impressive $2.3 billion in 2013 (Nutrition Business Journal), and in this gallery we look at the key market trends and ingredients for this growing sector. 

Supplement sales slow, but hope emerges in probiotics, protein, omega-3s and aloe

18-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Market saturation, negative press and increased competition from fortified foods are taking a toll on dietary supplement sales, growth of which is slowing dramatically, according to research from IBISWorld and Euromonitor International. 

New leader Steinford says NAXA will broaden mission from ingredient defense to market expansion

12-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

The Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association (NAXA) is aiming to rekindle its momentum with the naming of a new president.  Longtime industry insider Scott Steinford, who is also president of the recently formed CoQ10 Association, has taken the job, effective...